Storage space is something that no one ever seems to have enough of. Extra clothing, books, toys, recreational equipment, luggage, holiday decorations, tools and garden equipment some of the things that fill up overwhelm the limited storage space in most homes. Cars wind up being parked in a driveway or at curbside instead of in the garage. Closets often are so cluttered that one has little chance of easily finding what he is looking for. Attics are filled and basements are cramped.

Clutter reduces comfort, increases frustration and can be a tremendous safety hazard. Cramped spaces can cause the area to overheat and result in, among other things, a house fire. An overloaded attic space can come crashing down and worse, blocked doors or paths can prevent easy escape during an emergency.

Before you decide to add on to your home or convert a bedroom into a closet, consider an alternative or two. The first and most important step to solving storage problems is to get rid of items that are no longer being used. If an item has not been used in recent years, it probably never will be. It is taking up valuable space. Consider a garage sale or, better yet, donate the items to a person or family in need.

The next step is managing the storage space that you do have as efficiently as possible. This might require removing existing shelving and installing new storage systems - an assortment of adjustable shelving, wardrobe poles and other storage accessories.

If you have done the above and are still "storage-challenged," additional storage space might be the answer. One alternative is off-site storage. A public storage facility located in your area might be the solution if you have large pieces of furniture or other treasured items that you can't part with. These facilities have freed many a closet, attic or basement and have allowed vehicles to become reacquainted with the garages that were designed to house them.

For some, however, off-site storage is not the answer. It can be remote and inconvenient to gain access to. Security and the weather-resistance of the spaces are other concerns.

Another - often more affordable and convenient - alternative is an on-site outdoor storage facility: A storage shed. This type of structure became popular in the late '60s and has continued to grow in use as a quick and easy solution to many storage problems. For years most of these structures have been made of metal. Unfortunately, the thickness or "gauge" of material used is often so thin that the structure appears flimsy. Additionally, thin panels can be easily dented and over time rust can take over, reducing the shed to rubble.

Just as other construction materials have improved (building materials, siding, roofing, fencing and decking) so, too, have the materials used to build storage sheds. Today's top-of-the-line outdoor storage sheds are made of virtually indestructible and weather-resistant resin. Aside from enhanced lasting quality, these sheds are easy to assemble - the average shed can be put together in about two hours. And you don't need a toolbox filled with tools to do it either. Some models produced by leading manufacturers interlock and require only a rubber mallet and a Phillips screwdriver.

Plastic construction also offers a couple of other benefits - it has greater impact-resistance and won't rust or rot like its metal or wood-fabricated counterparts. Some models come equipped with a floor system that makes the shed completely weather-resistant to provide dry storage.

Because it is typically neither affordable nor practical to construct an outdoor storage shed that matches the exterior of a home, the shed you choose should be camouflaged with plant material - regardless of how attractive one might think it to be.

Besides construction material used and the method of assembly employed, there are a few other important things that should be done to provide the best and longest-lasting installation. First, select a level site with good drainage. This will help keep contents dry by allowing for a better seal at the roof and around doors.

If the shed you purchase does not come equipped with a floor, your best bet is to pour a concrete slab. If concrete is a little too permanent for you, sheet plastic with pea gravel or plywood on pressure-treated sleepers are reasonable alternatives.