Quick Tips to Prep Your Outdoor Space for Summer 

Man cleaning a stone patio with a pressure washer.

Summer is a time for pool parties, barbecues, and spending time with loved ones. Before the activities get underway, however, prepping your outdoor space is a must. You don’t want to entertain friends and family in a space that’s cluttered or dirty.

Whether you have a small patio, a poolside lounge, or a comfy firepit hangout, the following prepping tips can help get your space ready for entertaining! They’re brought to you by NSA Storage, the storage specialists. Start your summer off on a high note with these easy tips.

Why Prep Your Outdoor Space for Summer?

Preparation is the key to success for many tasks, especially prepping your outdoor space for summer fun and good times. Below are a few of the best reasons to prep your yard, pool, patio and any outdoor space you plan to enjoy:

  • A prepared, organized outdoor space will help you and your family stay safe during summer activities, especially if you own a pool
  • Prepping will help you keep pests, especially mosquitoes and flies, under control.
  • Your outdoor furniture and other gear will last longer if you prep them well.
  • A fully prepped outdoor space is more fun and relaxing for you, your family, and your guests.

Which Tools Do You Need to Prep Your Summer Space?

Prepping your summer space means having the right tools and equipment. Some of the most important include:

A heavy duty broom being used to scrub a wood deck with water and soap.
  • An outdoor vacuum or a heavy-duty broom
  • A power washer for hard surfaces
  • A lawn mower and other lawn care tools
  • Outdoor storage bins for storing games, toys, etc.
  • Heavy duty trash or waste bags
  • Help from the family (optional)

Outdoor Space Cleaning Tips

Cleaning and organizing your outdoor spaces is similar to indoors with a few small differences. Here are a few outdoor cleaning tips to get you started:

1. Clean All Hard Surfaces

It’s important to clean all hard surfaces including walkways, pathways, patios, etc. This is especially true around a pool so that there’s no obstructions or slippery areas.

2. Wash All Pieces of Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture can get a bit dirty and grimy while stored for the winter. Wipe down everything including chairs, tables and cushions using mild soap and warm water. Once done, let everything dry completely in the sun. Also, check any furniture for damage or rusty areas that should be fixed or painted.

3. Check Locks and Security Devices around Pools

Check any locks and security devices that keep children away from your pool when adults aren’t around. 

4. Clean the Glass on any Sliding Doors

A beautiful outdoor space can be ruined by a sliding door that’s stained, dirty, or nasty. Cleaning the glass will instantly improve your outdoor area’s overall look and feel.

Summer Essentials to Make Your Outdoor Space Shine

Cleaning is a big part of prepping your outdoor space but not the only part. Once everything is sparkling, it’s time to add, update, or replace any functional items used in your space. That includes:

  • Updating or Replacing the Lights– Whether you have string lights, solar lights, or lanterns, check to make sure they’re all working. Replace any bulbs or other parts that aren’t.
  • Setting Up a Shaded Area– Some folks are more affected by the more intense summer sun than others. For them, a shaded area is a must. Setting one up with an umbrella, a canopy, or a pergola is a great idea and will keep those folks comfortable. Be sure to add some comfy furniture for relaxing.
  • Prepping Your Pool– If you have a pool, be sure to check the filter, test the water, and skim its surface for debris.
  • Setting Up a Fun Zone for the Kids– If you have small kids, sitting up a fun zone is a great idea. Stock it with outdoor toys, water blasters  and comfy kid furniture for naps.
  • Prepping the BBQ Grill– A barbecue grill is essential for summertime fun. To prep yours, check the propane tank to make sure it has enough for the day. Also, be sure to grab your barbecue grilling tools including tongs, meat thermometers, brushes, spatulas, etc.

Outdoor Space Maintenance Tips

Although summer does tend to fly by, it’s important to keep your outdoor space maintained well the entire time. To do that, follow these tips:

Hands holding a pool filter near a pool.
  • Sweep or clean hard surfaces weekly.
  • Store outdoor cushions in a dry place when they’re not being used.
  • Cover your barbecue grill and outdoor furniture with weatherproof covers.
  • Check your pool filter regularly.
  • Water your plants and remove any dead stalks and leaves.
  • Have kids gather their outdoor toys and place them in a storage bin. 

Swapping Winter Stuff for Summer Stuff

If you already rent and use a storage unit, now is the time to swap your winter stuff for your summer stuff. Here are some of the things that you should pull out for the summer season:

  • Your barbecue grill and grilling accessories
  • Toys and pool maintenance supplies
  • Garden tools
  • Outdoor lawn games and toys
  • Folding tables and chairs, including cushions
  • Umbrellas and canopies

While you’re taking out your summer stuff, be sure to swap it for winter items. That includes things like winter sports gear, space heaters, winter clothing, etc.

NSA Storage is Your Storage Solution for Summer

There’s no denying that, for many Americans, summer is the best time to enjoy the great outdoors. By taking time to prepare your outdoor space, you’ll be ready to enjoy the fleeting summer months to the fullest!

At NSA Storage, we help people prep for summer (and winter) every day. Our clean, safe, and secure self storage units can be used to store all your stuff. That includes items for summer, winter and any other time of year! Reserve a storage unit online or visit an NSA Storage facility near you to store your summer or winter items. Until then, have a fantastic summer in your prepped and pristine outdoor space!