A garden storage box is an essential for any outdoor space, keeping clutter-free and tidy. Whether used as an alternative to a shed, or as a handy addition to it, boxes come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit any garden and budget. Stylish and weather-resistant, they can be camouflaged or hidden behind fences and shrubbery, and are often large enough to be used as seating or a table, too.

Those with bigger gardens might require bigger, more heavy-duty storage solutions to hold larger pieces of equipment such as lawn mowers and BBQs or extra furniture such as garden chairs or sun loungers. For these spaces, a garden shed or storage unit might be more appropriate, but smaller gardens can also benefit from specialist solutions like bin stores and bike stores that are designed to be both functional and attractive.

The majority of garden storage boxes are made from durable materials such as wood, eucalyptus or plastic to provide weather-resistant protection for contents. Resin models, for example, look and feel like rugged wood panels, but won’t rot or mildew in damp conditions. They can be painted to match other items in the garden, too.

More traditional options include country-style wooden fruit crates that are great for storing thin garden tools or dog toys, and can be placed under decking or attached to the side of the house. There are also multi-sectioned grids available that can be hung from the wall or side of the shed and used for things such as sundries or firewood.

Metal carries a number of advantages for those wanting an alternative to timber, including the fact that it’s less likely to rust or warp, and can be coated in an anti-corrosive coating to extend its lifespan. Some are made from galvanised steel, for example, which can help to reduce the need for painting or regular maintenance.

For those with a tight budget, the Keter Brightwood Wood-Look garden storage box is a good alternative to natural wood finishes. It’s a stylish, cost-effective option with a large 150-gallon capacity that will easily store cushions and other garden accessories.

The trick to maintaining a clean and attractive garden storage box is to keep on top of it regularly, says Gabrielle Anderson, a buyer at John Lewis. “A simple dusting and spray of the exterior each morning will keep it looking neat and tidy, and will help to protect your items,” she says. It’s also worth organising your storage to ensure everything is easy to find, she adds. Sharper equipment such as lawnmowers and rakes can be stored higher up out of reach, while a set of labelled buckets or reused glass jars will help you to identify and locate smaller items. The key is to make sure your storage is accessible and practical, but also fits in with the rest of the space so it feels part of the design rather than an afterthought. That way, you can enjoy it all year round.