Every parent knows that kids are prone to making messes, especially when playing in the yard. It can seem overwhelming to keep the space clean when you constantly have kids running around with toys, engaging in roughhousing, and tracking dirt everywhere. A clean and organized backyard space is within your reach, believe it or not. There are a few simple steps and strategies you can take to prevent clutter and dirt from building up in and around your home.
Zone Out the Yard
Using the entire yard for every purpose can make it easy for junk or equipment to build up everywhere. Selecting different zones for every part of your yard can help you keep supplies, equipment, and clutter contained. Keeping kitchen items in an outdoor kitchen space can help you reduce clutter in other parts of the yard. Encouraging your kids to keep their toys in their designated play area can help prevent toys from being scattered throughout the house. Map out your outdoor space accordingly, and you can keep your equipment organized in its designated areas. Having a space for everything can help keep the space spotless.
Include Plenty of Storage
When it comes to keeping a yard clean, especially with kids, you’ll want plenty of storage options. Even a toy storage bin can help keep your lawn healthy and patio decluttered. You can purchase or build storage sheds that blend in seamlessly with your property. While prefabricated options with big box retailers are an option, you can choose custom storage options to fit a wide variety of styles and needs. You can even include sheds with windows or triple the storage space for larger yards. Amish-built options are extremely popular in many homes across the country, particularly in the Midwest and eastern states, such as Pennsylvania. Amish built sheds in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, are extremely popular due to their climate-hardiness and durability. The key to a less cluttered yard is having sufficient space to store all your belongings.
Set Up a Cleanup Area
The backyard is often a place where dirt and roughhousing lead to many messes and stains, especially when kids come back inside the house. You can keep them from tracking dirt inside by creating a cleanup area near the entryway door to the backyard. Dirty shoes can be placed in a designated bin or mat to prevent messes. If wet or muddy clothes are an issue, a basket for their disposal can help keep laundry day less hectic. Hanging hooks for towels or other dirty clothes can help keep stained laundry from piling up with nowhere to go. Make sure to include a mat by the door that can trap as much dirt from outside as possible before the kids head indoors. A toy rinsing station can help keep their favorite belongings clean, without worrying about outside messes. A utility sink can serve this purpose well.
Incorporate a Clean-Up Routine (And Make It Fun)
It can be challenging to get kids to clean up after themselves, but when you turn it into a fun outdoor game, you may be surprised at how much they participate in keeping their yard clean. Set a timer and see how much they can clean up before time runs out—the winner can get a prize or a tasty snack. Including cleanup activities in the playtime routine itself is another way to motivate kids; if they can’t play without cleanup time, then they’re more likely to be responsible.
Choose Washable and Durable Materials
It’s better to work with kids’ messes than against them. When choosing your patio furniture upholstery, rugs, or throw pillows, ensure you opt for washable materials that are durable against rough use. Look for washable and durable outdoor fabrics. Not only can you use bleach on these materials to prevent stains, but they’re also resistant to fading or wearing down outside.
Make Time for Maintenance
Incorporating yard maintenance into your routine can prevent major clutter buildup in the yard. You won’t have to walk outside and wonder how the space got so messy. You can dedicate a routine “declutter purge” every once in a while to make sure the space gets a fresh clean. Involving your kids can help make the event run smoothly and quickly. Routine yard maintenance is important for maintaining the health of your lawn and greenery as well. Clutter buildup in green spaces can harm plant health.
Conclusion
Keeping outdoor spaces clean and decluttered when you have kids can be tricky. You can set them (and you) up for success by making cleanup a routine part of playtime, especially when you make cleanup fun. Creating a designated cleanup zone by the door can help reduce muddy shoes or wet clothes from sullying the house. Ensuring your patio furniture and other textiles are made of washable and durable materials can help keep them pristine, even with playful kids. Life as a parent can often be dirty and hectic, but taking preventative measures can help contain your family’s messes.
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