As the summer heat takes full effect here in sunny Southern California, our outdoor spaces are once again becoming the hub for entertaining, relaxation, and fun. It’s time to take out the patio furniture and enjoy a breath of fresh air! Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, enjoying a pool day, or tending to your garden, a well-organized space can make all the difference. But it’s not always a breeze to figure out where to begin (trust me, I know from my own experience). Below, I have shared some useful tips to organize outdoor spaces for summer and beyond. They will help you make sure that your home is functional and safe from the inside out!
Patio Furniture & Dining
No matter what your space looks like, furniture is almost always a must for enjoying time outside. However, even in Los Angeles, where winters are as mild as can be, leaving furniture uncovered outside all the time will eventually cause serious damage. Constant exposure to the sun can lead to fading, melting, and rusting. The best case scenario is that it will get very dirty, creating more work for you when you simply want to relax in a clean seat outside.
To extend your furniture’s lifespan, consider storing it in the garage when you’re not using it. Remember to leave some space in the garage for storing throw pillows and smaller items, too.
For items that must stay outside, it’s a good idea to invest in durable weather-resistant covers that can protect them from the elements year-round. These covers from Mr. Cover on Amazon are my go-to choice because they come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. They are perfect for protecting both furniture and barbecues.
Speaking of barbecues, when it comes to outdoor dining, safety should always come first. You never know when loved ones might be running around barefoot in a pool or patio area. I recommend sticking to plastic dinnerware to avoid the risk of broken glass. I know what many of you are probably thinking – disposable plastic is not very pretty, it requires a lot of storage space, and it is a major faux pas with environmental enthusiasts.
What if I told you that using plastic doesn’t mean you have to settle for cheap, disposable utensils and plates? Instead, you can invest in a set of high-quality reusable melamine dinnerware. It usually comes in many prints and patterns, so that you can easily add style to your outdoor gatherings without compromising on safety. Personally, I love the versatile solid collections by West Elm. I always lose track of time browsing through their selection of cool summer colors. Their dinnerware is sure to make fun in the sun even brighter. West Elm provides me with a discounted trade rate, which I also extend to my clients, so contact me to order a set for your table before summer ends!
Image from West Elm
Pool Supplies
If you are lucky enough to have a pool to help you beat the heat, you should also take a look at the items you are storing for pool time. It’s easy to accumulate a lot of supplies, especially if you have children. I happen to know how overwhelming it can be to have a pile of pool toys fall on your head when you’re getting ready to enjoy some relaxation time. This is a sure sign that it’s time to declutter!
You can start by getting rid of anything that you no longer use, like toys that your children have outgrown. Consider donating them to friends or local charities, so that others can enjoy them. You can also repurpose worn pool noodles by using them to cushion hard surfaces and sharp corners in and around your home. Some of my clients like to use them as a lining in the garage, so that they don’t dent their car doors when they get out.
For pool supplies that you want to keep, you can store them in the garage. Deflating floaties and other inflatable toys will help you save space and prevent air leaks. Just make sure everything is completely dry before you put it away. Storing wet items can cause them to mold, mildew, and develop an unpleasant odor. I like to use silica packets in plastic containers to further control moisture. You should also store supplies out of direct sunlight to avoid melting plastic and discoloration.
If your storage spot is a decent walk from the pool, a portable equipment holder is a convenient solution that will prevent you from having to make several trips back and forth with armfuls of supplies. It allows you to quickly carry all of your supplies out to the pool, and it is easy to move back into the garage for protection when not in use. If you prefer to store items outside, a deck bin is a smart choice. I recommend getting one that is waterproof, UV-resistant, and lockable.
Greenery & Gardening Tools
For those of you with a green thumb, plants and gardening tools in your outdoor spaces might also benefit from a deep declutter. Do you save every pot from your plant purchases, in case you might use it later? It might seem like a good idea at the time, but they can stack up quickly. Before you know it, empty pots will be taking over your outdoor space.
Luckily, these pots don’t have to go straight into the landfill either. They are great for repurposing in kids’ crafts! You can use them for summer art projects with your kids or donate them to local schools, libraries, community centers, or after-school programs. Once you’ve decluttered, try to follow this simple rule: if a plant dies, only keep the pot if you plan to replant something else in it soon.
You can also organize your gardening tools by grouping similar items together and labeling them. Hooks are incredibly helpful for getting tools off the floor and making the most of your storage space. By keeping everything in its place, it will be much easier to find what you need and quicker to maintain your backyard, so that you can spend more time enjoying the results of your hard work in the garden.
Even if you aren’t a master gardener, chances are that you probably still have some gardening responsibilities in your outdoor spaces. Fake grass has become a popular choice for many homeowners because it is very low-maintenance. However, it can get quite hot in the summer. To keep it cool for you, your pets, and your guests, be sure to hose it down shortly before entertaining. When you’re finished, you can use a hose holder to neatly coil up the hose and tuck it out of sight. This not only makes your yard look more attractive, but it also prevents guests from tripping over it. There are many different options available, including wall-mounted storage and free-standing decorative steel pots.
Take these tips to heart and enjoy the benefits of a well-organized and beautiful backyard! By focusing on safety, decluttering, and efficient storage, you’ll create a functional and inviting area for entertaining, relaxation, and all of your other favorite outdoor activities. Learning how to organize your outdoor spaces thoughtfully will also help you enjoy the lazy days of summer with minimal stress.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of organizing your outdoor spaces, though, remember that you can always reach out to us for support. My team and I can help you create and execute a plan of action that will meet your specific needs and ensure that your outdoor areas are perfectly prepped for summer and beyond. Contact us today to take the first step toward more organized and enjoyable outdoor living spaces.
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