Every inch of space counts when you have a small garden, especially when warm, sunny days are on the horizon. Because of this, you need to be incredibly careful about what you’re putting in that small space—and what shouldn’t be there.
Of course, having a perfect, pristine garden is nearly impossible. But if you want to be a little more like People with consistently tidy gardensThe key is to be deliberate and keep your priorities in check. Do you want your garden to be a plant paradise? Do you want it to be the ultimate children’s playground? Or do you want to find a middle ground that works for everyone?
In any case, getting rid of things that no longer serve your outdoor space is a great starting point. That’s why I asked professional planners what small gardens really don’t need, and what decluttering you should do for a more enjoyable space—whether you want to relax, host, grow, or maximize family time.
1. Lots of ornaments and planters
(Image credit: Future plc/Chris Snook)
Small gardens deserve beautiful lights, decorations and plants just as much as large gardens do. But when space is limited, you need to be aware that too many items can clutter the space and make it look much smaller than it is. Therefore, editing can go a long way.
This is echoed by Kate Dufton, professional organizer and declutterer Ace your space. ‘Too many decorative ornaments can overwhelm a small garden, making the scene look cluttered,’ she explains. Start by gathering all the planters and ornaments together and discarding anything that is rusty, missing pieces, or broken.’
Then you can work Recycling of any plastic potsand selling or donating anything that no longer serves you. When that’s done, you can choose your favorite items and place them in a way that creates interest—not clutter—in your garden. Anything seasonal (like cushions or outdoor Christmas decorations) can then be stored in this Cater Eden Storage Bench (£125 at Argos).
Mutool 3 Tier Metal Plant Stand
If you love potted plants but have a small garden, gathering them all together in one stand is a great way to maximize space.
Solpax Solar Fence Lights, 12 Pack
I have fence lights like these in my small garden, and they are ideal for adding light and character without taking up valuable floor space.
Cater Garden Luxe Storage Box
Whether you want to store cushions or garden decorations you only use frequently, this luxury storage box is perfect for more compact gardens.
2. Leftover garden waste
(Image credit: Future plc)
According to Shannon Murphy, a professional organizer and founder of Simple Living Co‘If you have rubbish waiting to be taken to a recycling centre, now is a great opportunity to clean it up.’ After all, leftover garden waste is one of the biggest sources of clutter in small gardens, and Kate sees it regularly with her clients.
‘I often find clients have old windows, doors, pallets and even bathroom fixtures cluttering up their side streets after renovations or upgrades,’ she says. Remove any garden debris, whether it’s piles of bricks, wood or old plastic plant pots, using rubbish bags for easy disposal.’
The same goes for any grass clippings or felled trees cluttering up your small space, so it’s worth booking a slot at your local recycling centre. Many garden items can no longer be recycled. Alternatively, consider composting at home so you can feed your garden for free.
2 X Singwow Garden Waste Bags
These reusable heavy duty bags are great for holding and moving garden waste and come in a variety of sizes to suit your needs.
SAKUSEI 300 Liter Outdoor Garden Compost Waste Bin
Composting at home can do wonders to prevent future garden waste from littering your small garden. And this compost bin is incredibly cheap.
ADEPTNA Strong Pop Up Garden Waste Bag (2 Pack)
This pop-up bag is perfectly suited to small gardens, as it can be used to remove garden waste when needed – but will pop down when not in use.
3. Large garden furniture
(Image credit: Future plc/Lizzy Orme)
If your intention is to make your small garden bigger – and to keep it as tidy and uncluttered as possible – you need to Garden furniture The choices are because of the large garden Furniture An outdoor space can instantly feel small and cluttered, and your broken or unused furniture also takes up valuable space.
Fortunately, the The best garden furniture Come in many shapes and forms, and Kate says, ‘For the off-season consider compact, foldable furniture that can easily fit into a small shed or storage box. Bench seating is also a clever solution, as it takes up less space than individual chairs and can be tucked under the table when not in use.’
Choosing for Sell items after decluttering Here’s where help can come in, as you can sell your old and unwanted furniture on resale sites like Facebook Marketplace and use that money to buy newer, more streamlined options that suit your small garden – like Habitat 2 Seater Folding Wooden Garden Bistro Set (£80 at Habitat).
PHI VILLA Folding Side Table
If you only use the table occasionally in your small garden, choosing a folding table can help you put it away when not in use.
Argos Home Column 8 Seater Space Saving Metal Patio Set
This space-saving patio set comes with two 2-seater sofas and two benches. The best bit? They all stay under the table when not in use.
Richmond acacia wood bench with pop up table
This bench comes with a built-in table, perfect for small gardens where patio space is limited.
4. Old or broken children’s toys
(Image credit: Future plc)
If you have children or use your garden to store bikes, you’ll know how many toys and entertainment items can clutter up a small space. And when these things completely to do While they have their place in a small garden, it’s still important to declutter regularly to weed out old or broken items.
Decluttering toys Can be incredibly therapeutic and free up huge amounts of space, especially if they are no longer needed. And Shannon advises, ‘If children have ride-on toys, play equipment or garden toys, consider donating them to another family, school or community group where they can continue to enjoy them.’
To keep things tidy and organized in the long run, Kate suggests downsizing some outdoor toys to gain usable, grown-up space—while storing and rotating the rest of the toys so they’re easily accessible without getting in the way.
Storage Boxes with Lids (Pack of 4)
While it’s not exactly an outdoor storage box, these boxes can help keep toys safe and organized while you’re out in the garden. When it’s time to move in, the box can come with you.
StoreYourBoard 5 Bike Storage Rack
This hanging bike organizer can be installed in a garden shed, garage or even on the side of your house so they don’t clutter up your outdoor space.
Strata 110L Heavy Duty Wheeled Plastic Storage Trunk
This heavy duty box is more than equipped to hold any toys or outdoor games you want to keep organized. It also has wheels, you can easily wheel it to the shed or house.
5. Duplicate garden tools
(Image credit: Future plc/Colin Poole)
The key to a happy and thriving garden is maintenance, and garden tools are essential to accomplish those tasks—whether Best Secured or a Robot lawn mower. But it’s easy to get cost-conscious when tending to a garden, and many people buy unnecessary and duplicate garden tools.
These items can clutter an outdoor space and lead to an overflowing shed, which is why it’s important to take the time to go through them and declutter anything you know you no longer need. Then, you can concentrate Organizing the remaining items So that they do not encroach on valuable usable space.
Shannon suggests, ‘Ask yourself: Have I used this in the last few years? Is it broken or beyond repair? Do I have multiples of the same thing? This process often highlights tools, pots and garden accessories that have been kept ‘just in case’ but no longer serve a purpose.’
zacurter garden tool rack
When you declutter your garden tools, using a hanging organizer like this one can keep things neat and organized — and off the floor.
Cater Corner Tool Storage Rack
For smaller sheds and gardens, a corner unit like this offers handy garden tool storage without a large footprint.
SONGMICS 5-Tier Heavy-Duty Shelving Units (Set of 2)
You can free up space in a small garden by organizing your shed or garage. Racks like these can help you do that on a budget.
If you remove these things from your small garden, it will make a huge difference.
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