Summer Lovin': Declutter Your Outdoors in Time for Party Season
It's time to prepare your backyard and garden for a great summer of parties, relaxing and family fun
Amy Revell
1 December 2017
Houzz Australia Contributor. Declutter Coach and Founder at The Art of Decluttering. I'm based in the leafy suburbs of Melbourne, Australia and work with women to help them create the beautiful homes they've always dreamed of. As an author, speaker and podcaster, I love all things decluttering and embrace the freedom that minimalism brings.
Houzz Australia Contributor. Declutter Coach and Founder at The Art of Decluttering.... More
When was the last time you wandered around your backyard and looked at it as a whole, with fresh eyes? Now is the time to freshen up your outdoor areas so that you can enjoy a summer outside with friends and family, without worrying about mess or clutter.
Walk around
Before you begin your backyard declutter, spend 10 minutes going for a walk through every outdoor space on your property, and see it with fresh eyes.
Before you begin your backyard declutter, spend 10 minutes going for a walk through every outdoor space on your property, and see it with fresh eyes.
Take notice of what the spaces look like, and if there is anything out of place or if you have garden areas that need some attention. You don’t necessarily need to do anything at this stage; just be in the moment and fully aware of your surroundings.
Browse more brilliant backyards
Browse more brilliant backyards
Once you can see the natural state of your backyard and garden spaces, you can then begin your decluttering.
Remove rubbish
Begin by grabbing a bin or garbage bag, then walk around throwing any rubbish in the bin. This may be broken toys, empty pots, garden packaging or bits and pieces that have ended up around the yard.
Begin by grabbing a bin or garbage bag, then walk around throwing any rubbish in the bin. This may be broken toys, empty pots, garden packaging or bits and pieces that have ended up around the yard.
Have a look under any decks, if you have access, and in garden beds in case rubbish has blown in there over time.
Assess ornaments
Once the rubbish is removed, have a fresh look at any ornaments or decorations around the garden to see if you still like them. Sometimes we become blind to the gnomes, solar lights and painted pots in our yards. If it helps, bring all your ornaments and decorations into one place and see which ones you love enough to return to your garden space.
Once the rubbish is removed, have a fresh look at any ornaments or decorations around the garden to see if you still like them. Sometimes we become blind to the gnomes, solar lights and painted pots in our yards. If it helps, bring all your ornaments and decorations into one place and see which ones you love enough to return to your garden space.
This is also a good time to make sure that any garden lights you have are working. You can also now give them a quick clean, and replace any bulbs that need it.
Gather together the toys
If you have children, gather their toys together in one place rather than having them spread all over the backyard. Take this time to assess whether you need them all still, or if the kids may have outgrown some of them. Do you have a cubbyhouse long ago neglected?
Toy Storage Ideas as Beautiful as They Are Brilliant
If you have children, gather their toys together in one place rather than having them spread all over the backyard. Take this time to assess whether you need them all still, or if the kids may have outgrown some of them. Do you have a cubbyhouse long ago neglected?
Toy Storage Ideas as Beautiful as They Are Brilliant
Are there scooters and bikes that have been outgrown? Clear the yard by donating or throwing out any items that your kids no longer use.
This is also a great time to create a storage option for toys so they have a home rather than being strewn around everywhere, waiting to be stepped on. Baskets, tubs or storage crates are excellent for containing toys, and make packing up after playing easy.
Fire preparedness
Heading into summer is a great time to clean your gutters and clear the area around your home, as advised by fire authorities.
Heading into summer is a great time to clean your gutters and clear the area around your home, as advised by fire authorities.
If you have a fire pit in the backyard, it’s also a good time to make sure the area surrounding the pit is clear of flammable garden materials.
If you have a deck or pool area, leading into summer is a good time to care for these spaces and get them ready for socialising and enjoying the outdoors.
How Do I… Revive My Timber Deck?
How Do I… Revive My Timber Deck?
It’s also time to plant your summer veggies (and don’t forget to water them in the cool of the morning or late evening).
Summer yard
Whether you’re a green thumb or not (and I’m not), giving your garden a bit of love before the crippling heat of summer hits is a good idea.
Whether you’re a green thumb or not (and I’m not), giving your garden a bit of love before the crippling heat of summer hits is a good idea.
Once your backyard is looking beautiful, it’s time to enjoy relaxing, entertaining friends and family, and lingering in your inviting space.
Tell us
Have you any other recommendations for decluttering a backyard? Tell us in the Comments. And if you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it and save the photos.
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Tell us
Have you any other recommendations for decluttering a backyard? Tell us in the Comments. And if you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it and save the photos.
More
Find landscapers and deck builders on Houzz
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I'm looking for an article from you on styling a balcony space. With ideas for making it private and an intimate space. Ideally with products that are movable if I have to leave. And, the obvious not too expensive a fit out.
Have a look on Pinterest there are dozens of inspirational pics to help you.