Iowa Homeowners: Here's How To Clean And Declutter Your Yard

Spring is coming to Iowa, and with many of us spending time at home, it's a great opportunity to get organized. After you've cleaned the closet and the kitchen, don't forget about the outdoor spaces. You can clear and declutter your yard now to have an outdoor oasis to enjoy all summer long. Here's how.

1. Remove Large, Unused Items

The larger the item, the bigger the eyesore. Take a look at the largest pieces in your backyard. Is your patio set growing rust? Do you even use that run-down storage bin? Figure out what needs to go and what can be brought back to life with a good power washing or DIY paint job.

But before you add a restoration to your list of projects, ask yourself if this item really gets a lot of use anymore. Haul away unwanted items with the help of a junk removal company, or you can call your local Goodwill to see if they will pick up donations.

2. Organize and Purge Smaller Items

After you’ve taken care of the large things, it's time to tackle the small stuff gathering dust in your garden shed. Outside, it’s best to declutter by category: tools, gardening supplies, furniture and cushions, pool supplies, fire pit/fireplace accessories, children’s toys, etc. As you’re organizing, start a pile to keep, one to donate and one to toss. Ask yourself if you’ve used each object in the past year. No? Then move on from it.

3. Design and Organize Your Landscape

Create a layout with all of your newfound space, designating different areas for your deck, storage shed, garden, pool area and fire pit. Keep your yard from becoming cluttered by considering new storage solutions, like a hose hanger or patio furniture with built-in storage for the cushions. Create different vignettes for these designated spaces, like a few potted plants styled around your patio furniture.

Need a professional landscaper? Find one in your area.

4. Plant and Perfect Your Yard

Now that you have some new open spaces to work with, finish your landscape with new plantings. Spruce up your garden by clearing weeds and planting new blooms. Hire a landscaper to fill in any dead patches of grass and edge your lawn. It will look straight out of a magazine in no time.

HomeAdvisor is a Patch promotional partner.