Let's face it - most of us have accumulated entirely too much junk. From the baby clothes we just couldn't part with to the extravagant collection of sports memorabilia, clutter is all around us. Being the irredeemable pack-rat that I am, I have more than my share of hodgepodge. Parting with my things wasn't an option; therefore, I decided to invest in a storage shed.

I had no idea what I was getting myself into! I assumed that buying a shed was a pretty simple thing. Boy, was I wrong! I didn't realize how many different types of sheds are available, how many different sizes there are, or that there were so many choices for a foundation. Obviously, a little research was in order here.

I did my homework on the various materials available. Metal sheds are a very economical choice, as they are generally inexpensive compared to wood and vinyl. Wooden sheds are very popular and offer a traditional look to compliment any setting. Also, sheds constructed of cedar, cypress and redwood are naturally decay-resistant and have excellent insulation qualities. They require some routine maintenance, but their beauty and endurance is worth the upkeep you put into it. With vinyl, primer is applied over galvanized steel, which is then covered with a coating of vinyl. This finish increases resistance to wear and abrasion making the entire structure basically immune to all weather extremes. Vinyl is virtually maintenance-free, but requires pressure washing often, as they are subject to mold and mildew. After shopping around, I decided on a wooden shed. Sure, they need to be maintained a little more than the others, but they are more versatile and will last for many years.

The next thing on the list was preparing a site for my new shed. I found a nice, level spot in the back yard that allowed for convenient access to my house and a water supply. We decided on a concrete slab foundation. It is one of the more expensive ways to prepare your site, but it is the best. A slab will keep the shed level, prevent grass and weeds from growing under and around your shed, and assist in reducing condensation if done correctly.

It took a little over a week to get everything set up because the foundation had to cure for about a week. Once we got my shed up, I was thrilled. I had storage space, a work area, and a tiny house that I could accessorize! I had a loft and shelves installed to increase space and functionality. There are other accessories such as windows and skylights that you can add as well. Those are next on my list. My shed is the greatest purchase I have ever made. Finally, my house is now a home again!