We’d all love a backyard worthy of featuring in Better Homes & Gardens. But despite our best intentions, it doesn’t always appear this way.
A broken chair can get left near the fence. Garden clippings pile up behind the shed. And suddenly the space feels crowded and messy. That is why it’s good to do a proper backyard cleanout every now and then to reclaim that space and turn it back into a place you actually enjoy spending time in.
Thankfully, this isn’t that hard to do. All you need is a simple plan and to employ a few practical clean-up tips. Here’s how to tackle a backyard cleanout the right way.
Why Are Backyard Cleanouts a Good Idea?
A proper backyard cleanout can make a big difference to how your home feels. One of the main reasons why is that when outdoor spaces are full of unused items, the yard stops being somewhere you actually want to spend time in. Therefore, clearing things out helps restore that space.
If you do this, you will feel more inclined to sit outside. Have a barbecue, or read a book in the fresh air. Decluttering outdoor spaces also makes the yard look more inviting and easier to maintain.
Additionally, there are practical benefits to be had from a good old cleanout. Old piles of junk can attract rats, snakes, or other pests. Cluttered areas can also become safety hazards. Hence, removing any unused items will help to keep the space cleaner and safer.
Many people also clean out their yard when they are preparing their backyard for landscaping. Or getting a property ready to sell. A tidy outdoor area always creates a better first impression, and undoubtedly makes a home seem more liveable.
How To Do a Backyard Cleanout
So, how do you go about conducting a proper backyard cleanout? Here are five steps you should follow.
1. Start With a Backyard Cleanout Plan
Developing a simple yard cleanout checklist can make the whole process feel much more manageable. Therefore, before you start moving things around, take a few minutes to properly plan the job.
A good way to begin is by walking around your yard and noting the areas that need attention. Some parts will only likely need a quick tidy. However, others might need a full clear-out. By breaking the yard into smaller sections, it will help you to view what needs to be done as being less daunting.
Next, gather the tools you might need to make the work much easier. This could include:
- Gloves
- Garden bags
- Pruning shears
- Wheelbarrow
You might also want to think about how you will dispose of larger items or piles of waste. If you expect to have a significant amount of debris, it is a good idea to arrange rubbish removal in Wollongong in advance. This can save you several trips to the tip, which, in turn, will help you to keep the cleanout running smoothly.
2. Sort Everything Into Clear Categories
One of the easiest ways to declutter your backyard is to use a simple sorting system. This should involve placing everything into clear categories, instead of moving items around randomly.
A good method you can employ is to create four piles that you will:
- Keep
- Donate
- Recycle
- Throw away
As you move through the yard, place each item into one of these groups. You may need to be ruthless with your decisions. But it will help to prevent things from ending up back in the same cluttered spots.
Getting rid of outdoor junk can feel surprisingly satisfying. Especially when you remember that every item you remove opens up more space and helps the yard look cleaner. This step alone can completely change how the space feels.
3. Deal With Garden Waste First
Garden waste usually takes up a large portion of backyard clutter. Its the nature of the beast that leaves, branches, grass clippings, and weeds can build up over time. Especially after a few months of active gardening.
By starting with garden waste removal, you’ll see immediate progress. Therefore, take the time to rake up loose leaves. Trim overgrown branches. And clear any piles of organic debris around the yard.
Many councils offer green waste collection services, which can make disposing your yard waste much easier. Garden waste can also be composted if you have a compost bin at home. This turns natural debris into nutrient-rich material for future gardening.
4. Remove Unwanted Furniture and Large Items
Inadvertently, backyards can often become storage areas for items that are no longer needed. This includes everything from old outdoor tables and broken barbecues to unused planters, and damaged garden tools. All of which can slowly gather in corners of the yard.
Removing unwanted furniture and debris can make a big visual difference. That is because bulky items take up space and can make the yard feel cluttered. Even when the rest of the area is tidy.
If some pieces are still usable, consider donating them to Givit. Alternatively, offer them to someone in a local community group.
5. Clean and Refresh the Space
With the clutter gone, the next step is to give the yard a proper refresh. Doing this can help to bring the space back to life.
A good place to start is by sweeping paved areas, patios, and decks. Additionally, doing a quick pressure wash can remove built-up dirt and bring surfaces back to their original appearance. It is also worth trimming hedges, tidying your garden beds, and removing any remaining weeds.
Making these small improvements will help the yard look polished and welcoming. It will also help to make your backyard more functional all year round.
