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Scottish Sun
26-04-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Your shed might be a playground for rats if you're not storing stuff properly – experts recommend ditching 5 items now
Scroll down to read about the surprising items you should not keep in your shed SPRING CLEAN Your shed might be a playground for rats if you're not storing stuff properly – experts recommend ditching 5 items now Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF you're planning on giving your garden shed a good spring clean, there are five items you can start with. An expert has revealed the stuff that's gathering dust in your shed that you can throw away first, including one that could attract rodents. 3 A storage expert revealed the common mistake that could be attracting rodents to your space (stock image) Credit: Getty With the good weather continuing, most Brits are likely digging through their garden sheds looking for their outdoor dining sets and loungers. If you're sick of climbing over clutter to get to your summer furniture, an expert has revealed the items that are likely beyond salvaging in your garden shed. While sheds are often used as convenient extra storage space, it's easy to overlook the suitability of what is actually keeping in them. It might feel like the perfect spot to offload the clutter but there are a few items that really don't belong in a shed. This is particularly true for sheds that are cold, damp, and dark for most of the year. And while it's tempting to assume that as long as something is under cover, it's safe but this is not always the case. While your shed may offer protection from the wind and rain, it can still be unsuitable for storing some of your household items. Aaron Priestman, owner of Brighton Bike Sheds, revealed the reality behind shed storage. 'Most garden sheds aren't insulated, and when you factor in things like the climate, drastic temperature changes, damp, and even pests, they're just not suitable for storing many of the things people typically keep in them," he said. The first item the expert recommended keeping out of your shed is your indoor electronics. Turning a Garden Shed into a Dream Bedroom Whether it's old speakers, a spare TV, or tools with electrical components, electronics don't belong in a shed, the expert said. Fluctuating temperatures and humidity can cause condensation to build up inside devices. This can potentially damage circuits and cause corrosion over time. Even if your electronics are boxed up, moisture can still get in, and once it does, it's often game over. Similarly, batteries should not be store outdoors, eespecially lithium ones. Garden features that add the most value to a house A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property. carried out a study and consulted 36 estate agents, garden designers and property professionals from across the UK. And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed. Shed - 82% Patio or paving - 76% Secure fencing, walls or gates - 72% Outdoor lighting - 66% Sturdy decking - 62% Water features eg. fountain or pond - 58% Modern garden furniture - 54% Artificial lawn/grass - 40% This is not only bad for the batteries themselves but can also be dangerous. Excessive heat or freezing temperatures can cause them to degrade, leak or, in some cases, become a fire risk. The expert recommended keeping batteries somewhere cool, dry, and temperature-controlled instead. Any homeowner prone to a bit of DIY is likely guilty of storing paint in their garden shed. While it might seem a logical place to keep leftover tins of paint, sheds rarely maintain a stable enough temperature. Extreme cold can cause paint to separate or go lumpy, while heat can dry it out completely. If the tin rusts or isn't sealed properly, the contents will spoil, and be unusable when you need it most. Anything made of fabric, including outdoor cushions and blankets to tents and sleeping bags, can be a magnet for mould, mildew, and pests when stored in a damp environment. 3 The pro advised against storing your bird feed in your garden shed as it can attract pests (stock image) Credit: Getty Even if stored in airtight boxes, fabric items are still at risk of becoming musty or worse, completely ruined. And finally bird seed and pet food can also attract pests to your garden shed. While it might seem practical to store these items in your shed, it's a surefire way to attract rodents and insects. Damp air can also lead to mould, making the food unsafe for animals to consume. Always store food products in sealed containers indoors or in a dry, temperature-stable location. 'A shed should be treated more like an outdoor extension of your storage, not a place to forget about things long-term," the expert said, "If you're going to use it regularly, it's worth investing in proper insulation and ventilation, or at the very least, checking on what's inside from time to time. "Otherwise, you may find that what you've stored is no longer usable when you finally go back to it.'
The Irish Sun
26-04-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Your shed might be a playground for rats if you're not storing stuff properly – experts recommend ditching 5 items now
IF you're planning on giving your garden shed a good spring clean, there are five items you can start with. An expert has revealed the stuff that's gathering dust in your shed that you can throw away first, including one that could attract rodents. Advertisement 3 A storage expert revealed the common mistake that could be attracting rodents to your space (stock image) Credit: Getty With the good weather continuing, most Brits are likely digging through their garden sheds looking for their outdoor dining sets and loungers. If you're sick of climbing over clutter to get to your summer furniture, an expert has revealed the items that are likely beyond salvaging in your garden shed. While sheds are often used as convenient extra storage space, it's easy to overlook the suitability of what is actually keeping in them. It might feel like the perfect spot to offload the clutter but there are a few items that really don't belong in a shed. Advertisement Read More On Pest Control This is particularly true for sheds that are cold, damp, and dark for most of the year. And while it's tempting to assume that as long as something is under cover, it's safe but this is not always the case. While your shed may offer protection from the wind and rain, it can still be unsuitable for storing some of your household items. Aaron Priestman, owner of Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive 'Most garden sheds aren't insulated, and when you factor in things like the climate, drastic temperature changes, damp, and even pests, they're just not suitable for storing many of the things people typically keep in them," he said. The first item the expert recommended keeping out of your shed is your indoor electronics. Turning a Garden Shed into a Dream Bedroom Whether it's old speakers, a spare TV, or tools with electrical components, electronics don't belong in a shed, the expert said. Fluctuating temperatures and humidity can cause condensation to build up inside devices. Advertisement This can potentially damage circuits and cause corrosion over time. Even if your electronics are boxed up, moisture can still get in, and once it does, it's often game over. Similarly, batteries should not be store outdoors, eespecially lithium ones. Garden features that add the most value to a house A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property. And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed. Shed - 82% Patio or paving - 76% Secure fencing, walls or gates - 72% Outdoor lighting - 66% Sturdy decking - 62% Water features eg. fountain or pond - 58% Modern garden furniture - 54% Artificial lawn/grass - 40% This is not only bad for the batteries themselves but can also be dangerous. Advertisement Excessive heat or freezing temperatures can cause them to degrade, leak or, in some cases, become a fire risk. The expert recommended keeping batteries somewhere cool, dry, and temperature-controlled instead. Any homeowner prone to a bit of DIY is likely guilty of storing paint in their garden shed. While it might seem a logical place to keep leftover tins of paint, sheds rarely maintain a stable enough temperature. Advertisement Extreme cold can cause paint to separate or go lumpy, while heat can dry it out completely. If the tin rusts or isn't sealed properly, the contents will spoil, and be unusable when you need it most. Anything made of fabric, including outdoor cushions and blankets to tents and sleeping bags, can be a magnet for mould, mildew, and pests when stored in a damp environment. 3 The pro advised against storing your bird feed in your garden shed as it can attract pests (stock image) Credit: Getty Advertisement Even if stored in airtight boxes, fabric items are still at risk of becoming musty or worse, completely ruined. And finally bird seed and pet food can also attract pests to your garden shed. While it might seem practical to store these items in your shed, it's a surefire way to attract rodents and insects. Damp air can also lead to mould, making the food unsafe for animals to consume. Advertisement Always store food products in sealed containers indoors or in a dry, temperature-stable location. 'A shed should be treated more like an outdoor extension of your storage, not a place to forget about things long-term," the expert said, "If you're going to use it regularly, it's worth investing in proper insulation and ventilation, or at the very least, checking on what's inside from time to time. "Otherwise, you may find that what you've stored is no longer usable when you finally go back to it.' Advertisement 3 The storage expert broke down the five items you should avoid keeping in your garden shed (stock image) Credit: Getty
The Sun
26-04-2025
- General
- The Sun
Your shed might be a playground for rats if you're not storing stuff properly – experts recommend ditching 5 items now
IF you're planning on giving your garden shed a good spring clean, there are five items you can start with. An expert has revealed the stuff that's gathering dust in your shed that you can throw away first, including one that could attract rodents. 3 With the good weather continuing, most Brits are likely digging through their garden sheds looking for their outdoor dining sets and loungers. If you're sick of climbing over clutter to get to your summer furniture, an expert has revealed the items that are likely beyond salvaging in your garden shed. While sheds are often used as convenient extra storage space, it's easy to overlook the suitability of what is actually keeping in them. It might feel like the perfect spot to offload the clutter but there are a few items that really don't belong in a shed. This is particularly true for sheds that are cold, damp, and dark for most of the year. And while it's tempting to assume that as long as something is under cover, it's safe but this is not always the case. While your shed may offer protection from the wind and rain, it can still be unsuitable for storing some of your household items. Aaron Priestman, owner of Brighton Bike Sheds, revealed the reality behind shed storage. 'Most garden sheds aren't insulated, and when you factor in things like the climate, drastic temperature changes, damp, and even pests, they're just not suitable for storing many of the things people typically keep in them," he said. The first item the expert recommended keeping out of your shed is your indoor electronics. Turning a Garden Shed into a Dream Bedroom Whether it's old speakers, a spare TV, or tools with electrical components, electronics don't belong in a shed, the expert said. Fluctuating temperatures and humidity can cause condensation to build up inside devices. This can potentially damage circuits and cause corrosion over time. Even if your electronics are boxed up, moisture can still get in, and once it does, it's often game over. Similarly, batteries should not be store outdoors, eespecially lithium ones. Garden features that add the most value to a house A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property. carried out a study and consulted 36 estate agents, garden designers and property professionals from across the UK. And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed. Shed - 82% Patio or paving - 76% Secure fencing, walls or gates - 72% Outdoor lighting - 66% Sturdy decking - 62% Water features eg. fountain or pond - 58% Modern garden furniture - 54% Artificial lawn/grass - 40% This is not only bad for the batteries themselves but can also be dangerous. Excessive heat or freezing temperatures can cause them to degrade, leak or, in some cases, become a fire risk. The expert recommended keeping batteries somewhere cool, dry, and temperature-controlled instead. Any homeowner prone to a bit of DIY is likely guilty of storing paint in their garden shed. While it might seem a logical place to keep leftover tins of paint, sheds rarely maintain a stable enough temperature. Extreme cold can cause paint to separate or go lumpy, while heat can dry it out completely. If the tin rusts or isn't sealed properly, the contents will spoil, and be unusable when you need it most. Anything made of fabric, including outdoor cushions and blankets to tents and sleeping bags, can be a magnet for mould, mildew, and pests when stored in a damp environment. 3 Even if stored in airtight boxes, fabric items are still at risk of becoming musty or worse, completely ruined. And finally bird seed and pet food can also attract pests to your garden shed. While it might seem practical to store these items in your shed, it's a surefire way to attract rodents and insects. Damp air can also lead to mould, making the food unsafe for animals to consume. Always store food products in sealed containers indoors or in a dry, temperature-stable location. 'A shed should be treated more like an outdoor extension of your storage, not a place to forget about things long-term," the expert said, "If you're going to use it regularly, it's worth investing in proper insulation and ventilation, or at the very least, checking on what's inside from time to time. "Otherwise, you may find that what you've stored is no longer usable when you finally go back to it.'
Daily Record
22-04-2025
- General
- Daily Record
People can be fined £20k for building shed in their garden this spring
As the weather warms up, many homeowners are turning their attention to their gardens - but before you start building that dream summer house or home office, there's something you need to know UK homeowners are increasingly focusing on garden projects, with many looking to revamp their existing sheds or dreaming up entirely new additions. Whether it's a chic summer house, a practical bike store, or the home office you've been planning since winter, garden buildings are topping the DIY to-do list this season. However, before you start building, there's something crucial you need to know - not all garden structures are as simple as they appear. Stray even slightly beyond the legal limits, and you could risk violating planning regulations, leading to hefty fines of up to £20,000 in some instances. While most sheds, workshops, and outdoor rooms fall under permitted development rights, they're still subject to strict rules, particularly around size, height, placement, and usage. And with more homeowners now converting these buildings into studios, gyms, and even occasional guest rooms, understanding those limits has never been more critical. Aaron Priestman, garden building expert and founder of Brighton Bike Sheds, warned: "It's really common for people to assume that because it's 'just a shed,' they can build it anywhere and however they like, but that's not always the case. One of the biggest mistakes we see is homeowners exceeding the height limit. If your building is over 2.5 metres tall and it's within two metres of your boundary, you could be in breach of planning rules. "If you're looking to add a garden building this spring, make sure you plan carefully and check your local guidance before starting. Even small details, like adding a green roof, fitting insulation, or placing a window facing a neighbour, can cause issues with the council. The goal is always to create a space that works beautifully for you, without drawing the wrong kind of attention," reports Leicestershire Live. Aaron noted that the intended use of your garden building could affect its classification and regulations, stating: "As more people use garden rooms as offices, studios, or occasional guest accommodations, the lines can get blurry. If you're running a business, staying overnight, or installing electrics and plumbing, you may need planning permission or even Building Regulations approval. It's always better to check before you commit to a design." How to stay on the right side of the rules: Mind the height and boundaries: If your building is within 2 metres of a boundary, it must be no taller than 2.5 metres to remain under permitted development Stay within 50% of your garden space: Outbuildings should not cover more than half of the land surrounding your original house Don't build forward of your home: Any structure built closer to the road than your main house will require full planning permission Check for special property designations: If your property is listed or located in a conservation area, you may face stricter controls Consider the need for electrics or plumbing. If you're planning on having power, lighting, or a water supply in your garden building, be aware that these features might require additional approval If unsure, seek advice. Your local council's planning department or a garden building specialist can provide clear guidance before you invest time and money into a project.
