Make a Kondo-Quality Outdoor Space

Take a cue from celebrated declutterer Marie Kondo to bring order to your outdoor space. Set aside time to examine each category of goods populating the patio, yard and shed — tools, furniture, plants, etc. — and ask yourself Kondo’s quintessential question as you encounter each item: “Does this spark joy?” If it doesn’t, get rid of it. In doing so, you’ll free your mind of the need to make everything somehow fit into a perfect scheme. “Let go of the ‘what-ifs’ and ‘somedays,’” says the Houzz blog. “Toss that half-dead plant into the compost bin and tidy up the debris of an unfinished garden project.”

Minimal and Maintenance-Free

You may find that a more minimalist life suits you after you do your spring cleaning and donate your excess stuff to ClothingDonations.org. Extend that simple, uncluttered look to your yard and outdoor spaces, says Pacific Outdoor Living, and you can keep your home spotless — inside and out — with less maintenance. Use hardscape elements such as pavers and pea gravel to frame specific areas for entertaining and planting, and include low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants. With an occasional sweep, your outdoor space will look good all season long.