How to Prepare Your Backyard for Summer Use

Before you can enjoy your backyard, you have to clear the debris that may have accumulated in the winter months. Decluttering sets the stage for everything else — from cleaning to styling to hosting — and helps your space feel instantly larger and more inviting. The key is to be both thoughtful and thorough, taking the time to clear out what you don’t need while making room for what you will use this summer.

Start With a Walk-Through

Grab a trash bag and a donation bin, then do a full sweep of your yard:

• Toss broken pots, worn-out cushions, cracked lighting fixtures and any leftover holiday decor.
• Check corners, behind sheds and under decks — these are common hiding spots for forgotten clutter.
• Remove any expired yard or garden supplies, like hardened fertilizer or leaky seed bags.

Edit Down Your Gear

Take stock of what you’ve accumulated over the years and be honest about what you actually use. Ask yourself: Do I really need three hoses or four mismatched side tables? Are there extra planters, kids’ toys or tools I haven’t touched since last spring?

If it’s functional but not needed for everyday use, consider moving it to a storage unit to clear space without losing access.

Store Off-Season and Occasional-Use Items

Some things just don’t need to be underfoot all season. A self-storage unit is perfect for keeping your yard lean and usable without parting with essentials. Think about storing items like bulky winter tools (think snow shovels or salt spreaders); off-season lawn equipment, and patio chairs, tables or event gear you’ll only use for large gatherings. If you already have a storage unit, now’s the time to bring out the patio furniture, outdoor games, pool accessories and decorative touches (and replace them with winter items you won’t need until the colder months).

Once the clutter is out of the way, you can see what you’re actually working with. Chances are that everything could use a good scrub. After a long winter, grime builds up fast on outdoor surfaces, even if your yard doesn’t look “dirty” at a glance.

Start by hosing off patios, decks and walkways. If you have access to a pressure washer, now’s the time to use it — it’s the fastest way to lift layers of dirt, algae and leaf stains. But even a sturdy broom, outdoor cleaning solution and a hose can make a big impact. Pay close attention to corners and crevices where dirt settles.

Outdoor furniture is next. Wipe down tables, chairs, and loungers thoroughly with warm water and mild dish soap. Be thorough here: Lift cushions, clean underneath, and scrub any metal legs or wooden frames that might have picked up rust or mildew. If your cushions have removable covers, unzip them and wash them according to the label. If not, a soft scrub brush and a little elbow grease can go a long way.

Don’t forget the “invisible” areas. Wipe down the insides of storage benches, rinse off planters you’re reusing and empty out anything that’s been collecting standing water (it’s a breeding ground for mosquitoes). Outdoor rugs often get overlooked, but they trap a surprising amount of dust and debris — hang them over a railing and beat them out or hose them down if the material allows.

Finally, check your lighting fixtures, string lights and solar stakes. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth can make them shine again and help you spot any that need replacing before your first summer get-together.

Once everything is clean, you’ll be in the perfect position to set up smart, sustainable organization systems that will make your backyard easier to use and maintain all summer long.

Sort by Use

The easiest way to stay organized is to keep similar items grouped by how and when you use them. Lawn care tools should live together in one area, while grilling gear, garden tools and pool supplies should each have their own home. This cuts down on time spent searching and keeps your storage from becoming a dumping ground.

Upgrade Your Storage Setup

If your tools are currently scattered across the yard or buried in a crowded shed, invest in proper storage. Wall-mounted racks, pegboards, pallet containers and deck boxes can hold more than you think and keep essentials off the ground. Use clear bins or labeled totes for smaller items like plant food, gloves, nozzles and citronella candles.

Make Room for Everyday Access

Think ahead to what you’ll be reaching for weekly: your hose, pruning shears, bug spray, maybe a hammock or fold-out chair. These shouldn’t be hidden in the back of a shed. Store them near the entrance or in a smaller bin near your back door so you’re not constantly digging around.

Offload What You Don’t Use Often

Bulky or occasional-use items — like specialty tools, seasonal lawn decor and backup seating for big gatherings — can be moved into a self-storage unit to free up valuable space in your yard or shed. It’s a smart way to keep things streamlined while still holding onto the gear you’ll want for summer hosting.

A good layout makes your yard look and flow better. The goal here is to create an environment that feels open, inviting and ready for everything from quiet mornings to full-blown summer celebrations.

• Define your zones. Think about how you’ll use your yard (lounging, dining, gardening, entertaining) and assign each activity its own area. Even a small space can support multiple zones with a little creativity.
• Create flow. Avoid cluttered pathways and tight corners by spacing furniture with movement in mind. If it feels cramped, pare things down or relocate larger items to storage to open things up.
• Reposition what you already own. A few small shifts — like turning a seating area toward the sun or moving a fire pit to a more central location — can make a big difference in how your yard feels and functions.
• Use vertical space. Add visual interest without crowding the ground. Trellises, wall planters and mounted shelves are great for both greenery and decor.
• Add shade and privacy. Use umbrellas, shade sails or even tall potted plants to make spaces more comfortable and inviting — especially important if you’ll be entertaining during the hottest part of the day.
• Choose flexible furniture. Stackable chairs, foldable tables and storage benches make it easier to adapt your setup for guests, meals or relaxing solo.

With your layout in place, now’s the time to bring in the details that turn a backyard into a destination. These finishing touches don’t have to be expensive or elaborate; they just need to support how you want to feel in your space.

For example, think about your backyard lighting. String lights, lanterns and solar path lights add ambiance and allow you to continue hosting into the evening hours. For a quick, high-impact update, you can drape string lights over a fence or around a pergola to define the area and create a soft glow.

Next, layer in comfort. Add outdoor cushions or swap out last year’s faded pillows for something fresh and colorful. Roll out an outdoor rug to anchor your seating area and soften hard surfaces. If your budget allows, consider a small fire pit or tabletop heater to stretch your season into early fall.

A few well-placed planters filled with herbs or flowers can add life and color to your backyard. Fresh mulch around garden beds or potted plants can also instantly tidy up your yard and make your greenery pop.

Last but not least, think about how you’ll use the space day-to-day. Keep sunscreen, citronella candles and outdoor games in a dedicated bin or basket so you’re always ready to relax or entertain.

Once your backyard is in great shape, the key is keeping it that way without feeling like you’re constantly tidying or starting over. 

• Set a simple weekly routine to keep the space fresh. Sweep or hose off patios and walkways, wipe down furniture surfaces and check for fallen leaves or debris in corners and under planters. Give high-traffic areas a once-over every few days if you’re hosting often.
• Stay ahead of clutter by doing regular mini check-ins. If something’s sitting out but not being used, it probably needs a better home. Rotate in-season decor and put away anything that’s become unnecessary as the summer progresses.
• Protect your setup between uses. Use covers for grills and furniture when you know storms are coming, and bring in cushions when possible to extend their lifespan. Store smaller accessories like citronella candles, outdoor games or throw blankets in a waterproof bin so they’re protected but easy to access.
• Finally, keep your storage habits working for you. If you find yourself tripping over event gear or out-of-season tools, consider rotating those back into your self-storage unit to keep your space light and functional. 

Ready to find a storage unit? Use our Storage Locator to find a facility near you. For more tips on organizing and utilizing your backyard, head to the SmartStop blog.