Have you noticed that a reminder to owners in your Association is needed to tidy up their outdoor spaces? Does your homeowners association have items stored on patios and balconies that really shouldn't be there? Your Association is not alone!

From time to time it’s a good idea for the HOA board to remind owners and residents to clean up unnecessary clutter and maintain the quality environment and appearance of the community. These are some tips for the Board to pass along to the membership that might aid in successful seasonal cleaning.

Create a schedule

Depending on how big storage piles are, you may not be able to accomplish the task in a single weekend. So, try tackling one area at a time. It may seem like a daunting project, but it will be less scary if you break it down into segments.

Practice a one item in, one item out rule

As a rule of thumb regarding clothing – if you buy an item of clothing, for example, then throw out one item of clothing. Not only will it keep down the clutter, but it will also make you rethink whether you really want to buy that new item. The same can be said for patio furniture, outdoor decorations, and storage items.

Create a stress-free environment to better enjoy your outdoor areas

That means no piles of toys and no mounds of garbage. Keep up your curb appeal with general landscape maintenance such as mowed lawns, trimmed bushes, and planted flower beds. It should be a place where you can rest without worry.

Make cleaning up fun for kids by turning it into a game

Kids are often the clutter culprits; involve them in the process to make things neater and more organized.

Know your vision for your outdoor sanctuary

What do you want from your outdoor areas? Is it a place where you work, a space where you unwind, a place to play for the little ones or something else? If you can answer that question, you’ll be able to decide what items stay and what items go.

Try to make de-cluttering a part of your everyday life

If you do it at the same time every day—like before you go to bed—the piles won’t accumulate and you won’t have to set aside a block of time to do a major cleaning.

Taking the time to de-clutter indoor and outdoor spaces around the homeowners association will maintain the beauty and appeal of your home and community.