Now that it seems like the nicer weather is here to stay, why not take the time to get your outdoor areas organized? From your backyard to your garage, there is much to get in order so you can enjoy the warmer season ahead!

Garage

The garage can accumulate a lot of clutter. For many, the garage is a major source of storage and can quickly fill up with everything from outdoor gear to holiday decorations and extra household items. Take some time to go through any boxes, cabinets and shelves in your garage to take stock of what you have. Then, determine that items you actually use and need, and what items are old, damaged, or unused. Also consider whether or not some items might be best stored elsewhere in your home or shed where they are more often used.

When putting items back, be sure to group like items together. For example, keep all the sports equipment together and all the hardware tools together. To maximize available space and keep items orderly, use every available space and get creative. Consider using hooks or pegboards to keep tools neat and easy to access. Labelling items in shelves or containers can also make them easier to find and keep track of, especially for smaller items.

Backyard

Whatever size of backyard you have, there are always a lot of “things” that can accumulate around the yard. Even though it’s an outdoor space, think of your backyard as another room in your home – a place with storage and order. 

Having a shed can be a great way to make sure items like toys and maintenance tools are put away.  You can also consider alternative options like bike racks and outdoor toy chests to prevent these items from cluttering the lawn when they’re not in use. Hoses, sprinklers and watering cans can also be safely stored away when you’re done using them by installing larger hooks or storage cabinets outside your shed or home.

Shed

The shed can be a perfect place to keep items commonly used in your backyard. This will save you the trip of going into your garage or into the house and can keep additional clutter from accumulating in these spaces. Items like gardening tools, outdoor toys, and lawn care equipment can easily be stored in a shed so they organized and easy to grab when needed. Install shelving units, hooks, or cupboards to store items if your shed allows. Many out-of-the-box solutions come with the option of adding adjustable shelving so you can make the space work for your needs. You’ll have a much easier time finding your gardening gloves if they’re hanging from a hook instead of rooting around in boxes or on the floor of the shed.

 Remember to put items away in their proper place when you’re done using them. Don’t just put them down wherever or leave them outside. Make putting items away a regular habit for you and any other family members. Not only will this keep the space organized, but it will also make sure items are protected from getting lost or damaged.

Patio

This area of your backyard comes with its own set of clutter like furniture, accessories, barbecue equipment, decorations, and sometimes more toys. However, there are many different ways to incorporate storage solutions that won’t take up too much space or diminish the overall look of the space. Decorative outdoor shelves can be a great way to display plants and also keep them organized in one area. Look for outdoor furniture and ottomans that double as storage chests or drawers to keep cushions, pillows and towels when not in use.

Although it may be tempting to add decorative pieces to your patio, be careful not to crowd it with unnecessary clutter. A few key pieces are a great way to make a space more inviting, but keep in mind that the more you have, the more you have to buy, clean and store. Just like rooms inside your home, having too many items can take up valuable space on your patio and in your wallet. Instead, utilize the natural beauty of the great outdoors to enhance your space!