How to Organize a Patio

Decide on what you want your patio to be. Would it be a quiet place where you can relax, read and listen to the birds? Or would it be a fun and active place where you play with the kids and barbecue with friends? Maybe you want it to be a showcase of your plants and container gardens. Or all of the above? You can organize with focus when you know what your patio's true purpose or function is. Defining its purpose also helps to keep non-related (potential clutter) items away.

Use appropriate furniture. A patio is only useful if it has the right furniture. If you see yourself sharing meals at the patio, a dining set is suitable. If the patio is mainly for relaxing and winding down, rockers or lounging chairs with side tables are ideal. Whatever furniture you choose, make sure they are weather resistant as well as comfortable. Make the furniture the focal point of the patio around which you can organize the other elements.

Add appropriate accessories, ornaments and décor. Having an organized patio doesn't mean it has to be bare. Place your favorite plants in strategic locations, making sure their light requirements are properly addressed. Install chimes, light fixtures, wall décor or other accessories that will make your patio a place you would want to enjoy spending time in.

Consider storage solutions. The most common patio clutter consists of garden paraphernalia like tools, unused pots, fertilizer containers and half-empty bags of soil. If these items are on your porch (instead of the garage), for your convenience, consider acquiring a storage solution for the patio like trunks or bins, to organize them out of sight. You can use similar hideaway containers for children's toys and recreational equipment that is meant to remain outdoors. The same goes for bags of charcoal and grilling paraphernalia that are often left outside.

Keep it clean. Don't use the patio to stash unwanted items like old newspapers, broken chairs or outdated décor. If something is not fit to remain inside the house, it's not fit to remain in the patio either. Recycle, reuse, discard or donate items that will only clutter your porch. Clean the area regularly, as you would any other room in the house.