Anything Broken

If it needs to go in the trash, it needs to get off your porch, says Shantae Duckworth, founder of Shantaeize Your Space and professional organizer. “Check for broken chairs, worn-out cushions, damaged fire pits, or rusted furniture that can’t be repaired,” she advises. “If it’s no longer safe or comfortable, it’s time to replace it.”

So, take advantage of the time before the weather gets too nice and plan your redecorating project so everything is ready by the time you can enjoy it.

Dead Plants and Gardening Tools

Even the best plant parents have one or two plants that don’t survive the winter. If there is no way to revive your plants, it’s best to say goodbye and treat yourself to some new seeds. “This is also a great opportunity to swap out any plants or flower beds that didn’t survive the winter, giving your space a fresh new feel,” Duckworth says.

And if those garden tools are looking a little rusty because you left them out, it’s also time for them to go. Rose Pulver, professional organizer and co-founder of The Thoughtful Home, says anything that’s still in good shape should be stored elsewhere. “Pots and gardening tools can be placed on a shelf or cabinet in the garage, under a deck, or in a shed,” she suggests.

Holiday Decorations

You probably should have gotten rid of your holiday lights and decor a few months ago (don’t worry, we’re not judging). So now is a better time than ever to take care of this project. “Old holiday trappings like flimsy-looking holiday lights or worn festive accessories need to be replaced or stored until reused,” says Maria Anderson, cleaning and organizing expert at Henfield Storage.

Excess Decor

Even if you didn’t decorate your patio or porch for the holidays, there’s still probably a few things outside that have probably seen better days, explains Nicole Gabai, CVOP, author of the bestseller The Art of Organizing: An Artful Guide to an Organized Life.

“Get rid of faded or ripped outdoor rugs or cushions. Worn-out fabric makes your patio look run-down,” she says. “When you replace it or clean it, you get an instant update and feel refreshed.”

She also recommends tossing excess or unused decor. “It can make a space feel chaotic and unrelaxing,” she adds. “Only keep what enhances the ambiance and makes the porch more enjoyable.”

Candles

Angela O’Brien, founder of Your Space Reclaimed, says that as much as she loves having candles lit to cozy up her back porch, they should not have a permanent spot outdoors. “In the winter, they get covered in dust and dirt, which is not good when they are burning. In the summer, they melt away and leave quite the mess that is hard to clean,” she explains.

Fortunately, she’s found an easy solution to this. “I store a couple of candles inside a cabinet by the back door that I will bring out if we have company, but otherwise, candles should stay inside.”

Sports Equipment

Our porches and patios often become dumping grounds for things that are better stored in the garage, such as sports equipment. While this isn’t just unsightly, it can also be dangerous, explains Anderson.

“To prevent trip hazards and visual clutter, sporting and recreational equipment such as sports balls, skateboards, and bicycles must be relocated to a storage area, such as a garage or a suitable outdoor storage container,” she suggests.

Children’s Outdoor Toys

Another type of item that ends up living on our patios and porches is ride-on toys, bikes, balls, and other children’s outdoor toys. Pulver recommends storing these items elsewhere. “Children’s outdoor toys can be stored in a large waterproof bin, while bikes and scooters can be hung on a garage wall to keep them up off the ground, minimizing clutter.”