It’s time to soak up some Vitamin D!
At Smartly Organized we tend to focus on organizing and maximizing the inside of your home but getting your outdoor living space organized is just as important and can be enjoyed more with a little TLC.
From small apartment balconies to large yards with patios and pools these spaces require your love and attention to function at their fullest. Keeping these areas tidy, having what you need for relaxing, entertaining, or playing, and being proud of your outdoor space will heighten your enjoyment of the space so that you and your family will use it more often.
So what should you focus on? We like to think in terms of Comfort, Food, and Fun! Read our guide to create your own checklist and be ready by Memorial Day!
✔️Comfort and Ambiance
Let’s review your space. Using what you already have, create zones for dining, lounging, and playing. What would you and your family need to add or subtract to get even more enjoyment out of this space?
Plants and flowers, lighting, fire pit, and music all set the stage for a welcoming space. A few strategically placed planters with colorful flowers will instantly add style to your space. Add string lights, tiki torches, and lanterns or candles to create a glowing conversation area. Music is a must. If you have them, test your built-in or portable outdoor speakers. Bonus points for having a summer playlist ready!
Gardening: If you enjoy gardening consider reviewing your tools and up leveling your storage. We hang on to many things “just in case” and this includes shovels, rakes, planters, and garden gloves. Edit your collection and then consider how best to store them in your space. Need a tote bag for hand tools? Wall rack for larger items? If you are one to mow your own grass consider an electric mower as they are super quiet, powerful without being too big or bulky, and don’t need gasoline. Simply charge the battery and enjoy mowing, for once, as you listen to music or a favorite podcast.
✔️Lounging
A defined area with comfortable seating is a must for reading, catching some rays, or hanging with friends. Is your current space ready and inviting?
Did anything get ruined over the winter? Need to replace those cushions? Before heading to the store or ordering online it’s a good practice to measure your chairs, or better yet, bring an existing cushion with you to compare sizing. I know my dining set needs power washing to remove all the pollen and the cushions need to be wiped down.
✔️ Food and Beverage
Everything in life is better with food and drink. Are you ready?
How’s your grilling station? Does your grill need a good cleaning? If so, tackle it yourself or consider hiring help. Yes, we know cleaning companies that will happily clean your grill just like they’d clean your oven. Reach out to me if you want the information. Or, ask around if you want to get help.
What about your grilling tools? Gather your grilling tools and decide if it’s time to replace them. One good set of grill tools with a super sturdy set of tongs and flipper is all you really need. Consider adding a grilling pan for sautéed veggies. This has been a game-changer in my household.
Beverage station: Have you considered an outdoor bar? A small rolling cart or even a folding table will play the role of an outdoor bar to make it easy for your guests to help themselves. We love this bar cart because of its versatile size (sides can be popped up to make a larger round surface) and the removable serving trays on the second shelf. Stock your station with the basics: plastic glassware, a large ice bucket or yeti cooler, and an erasable marker so your guests can label their drinks.
✔️Fun in the sun! ☀️
Playing: A deck box makes a great home for outdoor toys. We love this one because its resin material holds up well, the hydraulic pistons make it safe for kids, and serves as additional seating.
Pool toys or yard games can be stowed out of sight but ready for action. If you’ve already got a storage box now is the time to empty it and get rid of broken toys or games you or your kids no longer enjoy. By the way, these deck boxes also provide a safe place to stash patio cushions during inclement weather.
This should give you a good head start so go make your list and start getting organized outside…Memorial Day will be here soon.
Here’s hoping the summer of 2021 will be full of gatherings with friends and family. Cheers!