We know with the summer upon us and schools letting out the kids are going to be outside A LOT! How can we keep the backyard organized and clean while still getting use out of it?
If your backyard has things scattered about, then the first thing you need to do is gather everything and put it all in one pile. That way you can sort through it and find a place for it all.
Having some outdoor storage is one of the best things you can do to help keep your backyard organized. If you need a lot of storage consider a shed. If your needs are on a smaller scale, then find an outdoor storage box that will fit everything you need to be tucked away.
A kiddie pool can make a great storage spot for toys when it is not in use. If you have the room, get two! That way one can be ready for swimming and the other pool can sit nearby with all the outdoor toys.
Having dedicated areas of the yard for certain activities will also help with keeping your backyard organized. If you have a garden, give the kids a little plot of their own. That way they have a place to ‘play’ and you can use a pail to hold their own ‘kid size’ tools.
If you have patio furniture for the adults, get a kid’s set as well. Even just a couple of chairs and a little table will give them their own space. Have a little caddy with coloring or art supplies under the table and you can have ‘art time’ every day or week.
Have kids like to play ball or other outdoor sports? A plastic garbage can (old or new) makes a great holding spot for equipment. You want the kids to have fun playing, but if you have a storage place for all their stuff you can teach them to put things back where they belong.
Think about all of the fun activities your children can do in the backyard. Then get all of the toys and equipment together and figure out storage solutions. Maybe a few days a week have organized activities, and then just let them play and explore the rest of the time. Once you have your backyard organized and setup you can just relax and join in the fun.