Outdoor Organization | Here are 6 Smart Organization Strategies To Transform Your Outdoor Space for Spring
With spring’s welcome arrival, you may be itching to get outside again. However — after a long, cold winter — the backyard could probably use some sprucing up. Organizing and maximizing its function and appeal will create a more enjoyable area for everyone during the warmer months.
Outdoor organization is just as important as an organized home, especially once spring hits. In this blog, I'm sharing solid outdoor organization tips and tricks you can and should implement for a tidy beautiful outdoors space.
Prepping and Cleaning Your Outdoor Space for Spring
In 2024 — according to an American Cleaning Institute survey — 80% of Americans planned to participate in spring cleaning. For many, this yearly tradition symbolizes renewal and delivers a sense of accomplishment.
Although some tasks are more mundane than others — like changing the air filters every one to three months or emptying the dryer vent — cleaning and organizing your outside area can be exciting. Outdoor organization is like give your outdoor space a facelift!
Before you can set up patio furniture and light the grill, there are a few things you must do first to prepare the backyard, such as the following:
- 1. Rake up leaves, sticks and other debris.
- 2. Clear the flower beds and prep the soil for planting.
- 3. Mow the lawn.
- 4. Sweep and wash away dirt and mildew from the patio, deck and outdoor furniture.
- 5. Replace damaged furniture and outdoor cushions.
- 6. Re-stain wooden decks as long as rain isn’t in the forecast.
- 7. Declutter the shed and garage, getting rid of unnecessary items.
Once you’ve done the preliminary work, you can better gauge what storage solutions you need in each area to keep your space pristine.
6 Organizational Strategies for Outdoor Spaces
Are you ready to focus on outdoor organization to create serene outdoor spaces where you can enjoy your morning coffee, listen to birdsongs and breathe the fresh spring air? These six organization tips will help you create an stress-free environment all season long.
1. Use Multifunctional Outdoor Furniture
Multifunctional outdoor furniture adapts to your varying needs. For example, a bench may provide hidden storage. You could also invest in a sofa set that does the same thing. Some ottomans come with storage inside and deliver extra seating for company.
If your patio or deck is small or oddly shaped, consider modular furniture. You can rearrange the pieces to fit different areas and maximize the space.
2. Efficiently Organize Tools
The garage and shed may be some of your least favorite spaces to declutter and clean. However, adding a functional tool organization system lets you see what you have and creates better access to items when you need them.
A pegboard is useful for holding small yard tools and is easy to find at hardware stores. Hang one in your outdoor shed or above your garage workspace to store hammers, screwdrivers and paintbrushes. Adding rolling tool carts is another practical approach since they can be easily moved.
Adopting the three-season rule — in which you reflect on whether you’ve used something in the last three springs and summers — will help you declutter and reduce the number of items you need to organize.
3. Maximize Vertical Storage Solutions
Wall-mounted shelving in garages and sheds increases floor space and improves safety. You can even install hanging organizers over doors for supplies.
Incorporating greenery into your patio or deck design creates a welcoming and serene atmosphere, but what if space is limited? Consider wall planters for visual interest. Other vertical planting structures like trellises can prevent unruly climbing plants from spreading.
4. Create Designated Areas
Designated zones for specific activities keep your outdoor area organized and the design more cohesive. A dining table and chairs should be right off the sofa or fire pit area, overlooking your beautiful garden. Your kids’ play area could be in a separate part of the yard but close enough for you to watch them.
Grilling is another activity you’re probably looking forward to this spring. When deciding on the best zone for the barbecue, experts recommend an all-around six-foot clearance, meaning you should avoid backing it against the house or a railing. Ensure there aren’t any trees above for fire safety.
5. Consider Weatherproof Storage Containers
Purchasing weatherproof containers can protect outdoor cushions, supplies and toys from rain. They also provide safe storage for items during the cold months at the end of summer and fall. Remember to label the boxes so you know what each one holds.
Some containers are large enough to offer additional seating on a patio, deck or balcony. Simply buy comfortable cushions to lay on top and situate the container against your home’s siding but close to the seating area.
6. Try Raised Garden Beds
Keep your flowers, produce and herbs contained in raised garden beds. You can line the raised beds in rows if you have limited space or use a more square, compact layout. Some people even prefer lining their driveway.
For organization within the beds, plant taller plants near the back and smaller ones in the front. Provide enough room between each plant for them to grow.
