Investing in a shed - whether you buy one or build your own - is a smart move. First, there are the immediate benefits of having a shed of your own: your yard or garden will instantly look better-organized and neat. And, you will actually be able to find your tools, kids' tools, supplies, lawn chairs and other items when you need them. In addition, having a good storage shed or garden shed can add significantly to the perceived value of your home by friends, neighbors, and even future buyers.

If you have plans to build a shed, you have obviously already come to the conclusion that building your own is your least expensive option. Also, building your own shed gives you many more choices in terms of designs: there are thousands of plan available today for you to choose from; compare that to maybe 10 or 15 designs you would typically see at a home store.

Here are some tips for how to go about building and organizing your shed:

1. Make sure you are up to the task:

Building your own shed is not rocket science. Still, you should be someone who has solid skills in terms of working with wood, fixing things, etc. For example, if you have ever done any simple carpentry or fix-it work, such as nailing, screwing or gluing wood together, you will be fine in terms of the required skill set for building your own shed.

2. Make sure you have the right tools:

It is likely you already have around your house the tools you will need to build a shed. Of course, tool staples like a hammer, screwdrivers (electric, if possible!), a level and a wood saw are all important to have on hand. Don't have access to these tools? Buy them: you will still be saving hundreds or thousands of dollars as compared to buying a new, ready-made shed.

3. Give yourself a few weekend days to build your shed:

Once you have selected the shed design plans you like best, get out your schedule and set aside at least a few upcoming weekend days that you can devote to your project. Also, if you have any friends who are particularly handy in terms of woodworking or metal-working departments, invite them along for a day or two to lend a hand. Then, purchase your building materials and get to work!

4. Preparing for storage: lay out the tools, supplies and other items you plan to store in your shed:

Once your shed is built, you will want to start collecting and laying out the items around your yard, garage, and house for storage in your new shed. If you love lists, you may want to start by making a list of things to store. Or, if you are like me, just start getting everything out that needs storing and sort it into piles in your yard or garage. When you are done, eyeball everything: if you have too much stuff earmarked for storage, consider giving or throwing some of it away rather than trying to overload your new shed.

5. Arrange everything in the shed while keeping future usage patterns in mind:

As you start loading your shed with items to be stored, start with the larger items, as well as with those that you anticipate using less often. These items should go in the back. Then, as you load additional items into your shed, be mindful of leaving yourself enough room to access everything in your shed once it is fully loaded: be sure to leave pathways and room so that you can get in and out with the stuff you need.

If you have plans to build a shed, take each phase one at a time and put careful thought into it. Good planning now will save you lots of headaches down the road and will allow you to take full advantage of your new shed.