As the space guests see before they’ve even stepped foot inside your home, clean and tidy porches make a great impression. However, from winter boots and bikes to parcels, pet leads and firewood, there’s a lot of stuff to stow in this space and clutter can build up fast without good porch storage ideas.
Often an open space, you’ll need your storage to keep items safe, secure and well-protected from rain and shine. Our home pros share solutions and product recommendations that tick these boxes, as well as simple tips to help keep your porch organized.
Most porches are pretty small, so be selective – there’s a variety of ways you can tailor your storage to suit your needs without overfilling the space, say experts.
The best porch storage ideas
Sorting storage for a porch is best done in tandem with decluttering a backyard. Working out what you do and don’t need will give you a clear idea of what you need to make room for, and what’s best stored where.
1. Invest in dual-function furniture
Using multi-purpose pieces is a game-changer when organizing small spaces. In the interests of reducing clutter, you ideally want one of those purposes to include storage of some kind.
Organizing expert Shannon Krause, co-founder of Tidy Nest says; ‘the Keter Solana Storage Bench Deck Box, available at Amazon, is my go-to for porches; sit on it to remove shoes and coats, then stash them inside along with umbrellas, ice scrapers, shopping bags and other seasonal essentials. Choosing a secure design made from weather-resistant materials ensures long-lasting durability’.
Invest in versatile pieces that suit your needs, such as potting tables, ottoman-style chairs and small garden sheds with a mix of closed and open storage and be prepared to re-organize in line with the seasons to ensure you’re making best use of the space.
2. Use a lockable drop box to keep parcels safe
Prevent ‘porch pirates’ targeting your home by setting up a secure drop zone for deliveries. You can create a hidden drop spot using large planters and decorative furniture, but a lockable drop box is the safer option; mail can be safely delivered but not received without a key.
The VEVOR package delivery box, from Amazon has a sleek, understated design that will complement any front door ideas, but for larger parcels or grocery deliveries, a coded lock box is a better bet – they’re a little pricier, but worth it in the long run.
This sturdy storage box has a built-in smart electronic locking mechanism that automatically locks after packages are dropped off. Measuring 35 x 25 inches, it's big enough to hold parcels and packages, even grocery deliveries, and can be bolted to the floor for enhanced security.
3. Stash storage out of sight
Incorporating hidden storage into your porch makes it less appealing to thieves and usually makes for a slicker, less cluttered visual overall.
‘Mock rocks’ are a popular choice, but for enclosed porches, professional organizer Melanie Summers, founder of I Speak Organized, recommends the Hualayou Hide a Key Outdoor Flower Pot, available at Amazon; ‘Just a pop of greenery at first glance, but there’s a secret compartment inside for stashing spare keys – you’d never guess they were there unless you’d been told’, she says.
4. Don’t discount indoor storage
If you’re struggling to find storage to suit your needs, extend your search to include indoor storage ideas and entryway storage ideas too. There’s no reason some can’t be used outside, as long as you choose a weather-proof material (or varnish it yourself). Opt for a slimline design to maximize vertical space, with a mix of open shelving and (lockable) cabinet space to secure items.
5. Utilize wall space
When organizing an entryway of any kind, keeping floor space clear so everyone can move around freely is essential. It makes cleaning a porch easier, too – as a high-traffic area, it’ll need to be done regularly. The less ‘stuff’ you have to sweep around, the better!
Line the walls with hooks and peg boards – these are useful for hanging coats, shoes, umbrellas, tools and sports equipment. If you have bikes, consider securing specialized racks to the walls; this will keep them safe from damage and prevent any trip hazards’, says pro organizer Michelle Urban, founder of The Organized House.
When storing larger, more expensive items in open outdoor spaces, whether on walls or freestanding, we’d recommend using a Master Lock steel cable with integrated outdoor padlock, available at Amazon, to deter thieves and improve home security.
Mount bikes horizontally onto the wall with this sturdy steel hook, top rated by Amazon. Adjustable arms allow for all shapes and sizes, with an easy push button lock system to hold them in place. The scratch proof coating ensures bikes – and your porch walls – stay in tip top condition.
6. Opt for foldable furniture
A porch is the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by, but petite proportions can make it a challenge to fit in furniture. ‘Foldable tables and chairs are a practical yet stylish solution’, says Shannon.
‘We recommend lightweight bistro versions in vibrant colors, such as the Grand Patio Premium Prame bistro set, available at Amazon. As well as adding a pop of personality to your porch, they’re easy to store; fold flat against the wall or hang them on sturdy hooks when not in use for a practical and stylish wall storage idea.’
7. Choose stylish log storage
Storing firewood in your porch needn’t just be practical; invest in the right log store ideas and it can become a stylish focal point, too. ‘The key is finding a balance between function and aesthetics’, says Michelle.
Keeping logs dry and ready for-use is the priority, so don’t scrimp on quality. ‘A thoughtfully designed rack keeps your logs neatly stacked and off the ground (helping to prevent moisture buildup) while enhancing the overall look and feel of your porch’.
Look for specialized designs with ventilation and a fitted, protective cover. Alternatively, consider a built-in log store to maximize space. This Sand & Stable™ metal log rack, from Wayfair, is the perfect mix of style and practicality.
8. Designate space for shoes
Encourage family and friends to remove their muddy boots before coming into the house by setting up designated shoe storage ideas in your porch.
‘A tiered shoe rack can help keep pairs of shoes neatly organized, while a boot tray catches dirt, mud, and water, keeping the porch clean. Place it near the entrance for a quick and easy way to store footwear without cluttering the space’, says professional home organizer Julie Peake, founder of The Precise Place.
Racks, trays and open baskets are fine in covered porches, but you’ll need to invest in weathertight cabinets if your space is open to the elements. The Lakewood Boot Bench, available at Amazon, doubles up as a handy seat; durable and easy to clean, it’s one to consider when keeping a mudroom tidy, too.
This extra-wide boot cleaner works double-duty, featuring a handy sole scraper to remove clumps of mud and stiff bristles to buff and scrub. No installation required – position next to your front door to keep your porch and entryway spick and span.
A well-organized porch can be a game-changer, and with the right backyard storage ideas in place, you’ll be able to keep it looking neat, tidy and clutter-free.
