backyard building (Morgan) for a closet

[SW CQB 45]

We have outgrown our closets and instead of moving....considering putting a portable building in our backyard to supplement seasonal clothing or extras that dont fit.

I dont want to buy to small, so considering a 10X14 or 10x16.

since we dont want insects to invade this potential happening....what have yall done to be successful?

my wife does not want to have to protect everything in sealed plastic.

does cedar paneling really work in repelling insects such as roaches, spiders, ants, silverfish, crickets and similiar? (this is what I normally see around here)

I will spray every so often to minimize any potential entry.

planning on sealing with foam and caulk but with a steel backyard building....there are always opeings.

I am planning on using a regular steel door with a door frame that can be sealed.

I live in south Texas so weather temps go from 70s nights to 100s day and humidity is always an issued.

if I have to insulate to control moisture or place a dehumidifier or small ac unit...that is not out of the question.

any advice from those who have been there and done that would be greatly appreciated. I will not build the unit, I will only seal and and whatever else inside.

looking to dive into this project over the thanksgiving holidays.

thanks in advance

[williamlayton]

I have the standard double barn doors.
I built a new wall with a 4 foot door frame inside---3 feet.
I insulated the walls and ceiling--adding some 2x4's in the ceiling area. Then I wrapped the walls and ceiling in 3/4 plywood--construction with sanded one side ply.
Built a window and put in a window unit.
you will need electrictity. I ran--according to codes--wiring in gray pvc from a new breaker to a new sub-breaker box in the shed. From that breaker box I ran sub-runs off 15a breakers.
Works like a charm---I worked like a dog.
That is going to be the only way it will be successful.
Blessings

[wundudnee]

We were outgrowing our storage space in the garage and ended up buying a pre built 10'x20' wooden storage building. I was fortunate to find it at a garage sale where the owners were moving. It was less than a year old. It is called a garden shed with loft. It is all 2'x4' and plywood construction and would be easy to insulate and finish. It does have a plywood floor. I got it for $2,000.00 which is half price. It cost $200.00 to have it moved. We painted it to match the house and are very pleased with it.

The Amish around here build many different styles and sizes of buildings, including small camp cabins.

[BaldEagle1313]

To meet the requirements you have laid out, you need to think of it as a small house, not just a storage shed. With all the things you would do in a living space. It needs electrical power and climate control with proper venting for air circulation. Spray foam insulation, plastic vapor barrier properly taped and sheetrock are extra barriers against infestation. Again, just like a house.

I understand your wife's desire not to be required to seal everything in plastic, but I strongly recommend you use storage bins. Easier to move around, and an extra measure of protection, especially for clothing. If they are not clear then LABEL THEM. You'll save loads of time 6 months down the road when you're looking for something if you don't have to open containers to see what's in them.

Plus, if you do build it like a house, you'll have a place to sleep the next time you overspend on gun stuff...

[semperfi71]

Yes, storage bins are a good idea, and probably old fashioned trunks (footlockers) bought used or new ones bought at places like Target.

I'd put the valuable clothes in plastic anyhow and then into the bins or trunks.

You being in Victoria, Texas I'd bet there's plenty of garage sales, etc. around to find such things cheap.

By the way. On the highway between Victoria and Refugio used to be a store/post office which was also a "town" called Vidauri.

Is it still there? And across the highway, since 1975 should be four micro-wave towers and the equipment building.

[truckemup97]

If you're storing clothing, I would certainly insulate it and install an A/C unit and/or a dehumidifier. We have a closet that rarely gets opened and everything in it has a permanently
musty smell. I put a hygrometer in there for a few hours and the humidity was 60%. Your humidity in Victoria is often considerably higher, so you need to control it if you don't want your clothes smelling funny.

[SW CQB 45]

thanks to all.

if there are other experiences....please post.

[Bullet Bob]

I got rid of a bunch of stuff, got a smaller house. Wouldn't work for everyone, but I'm happy.

[mike from st pete]

That shed is about the size of my house!

[therevjay]

When you said "Morgan" I thought you were restoring a sports car.

[Bob R]

When you said "Morgan" I thought you were restoring a sports car.

I thought he was kicking a horse out of its home to make room for storage.

bob