Obstacles Piling on Your Front Porch: An Overview of Eight Items Causing Congestion
Bringing Order to Your Porch: 8 Common Clutter Offenders and Smarter Storage Alternatives
The sunny season is upon us, so it's time to spend more time outside. But that doesn't mean we should ignore our porches and let them become a dumping ground for random items. Here, organizational experts share eight common items that are hogging space on your front porch, plus better storage solutions to protect them and prevent unwanted guests.
- Shantae Duckworth – Professional organizer and founder of Shantaeize Your Space
- Laurie Hise – Creator of Passionate Penny Pincher
- Leslie Kilgour – Professional organizer and founder of Get It Straight
- Jessica Litman – Creator of The Organized Mama
Swim Gear
Post-beach or pool fun, it's easy to toss your gear on the porch and forget about it. But Leslie Kilgour, founder of Get It Straight, stresses the importance of thinking twice before doing this.
"Leaving things like swim and pool gear on your porch might seem convenient at the moment, but it usually leads to unwanted headaches," she notes. "Remember, porches are exposed to everything, so anything you leave out is bound to get dirty, damaged, or just plain gross over time."
So, instead, pack them away in a waterproof deck box or a labeled bin in the garage.
Outdoor Furniture Cushions
If rain is imminent, it's tempting to stack those large lounge cushions on the porch. However, according to Kilgour, it's better to store them elsewhere.
"Fabric items like outdoor cushions, towels, or rugs are especially susceptible to mold growth when it's humid or rainy," she explains. "They also break down faster in the sun, so it's smarter to keep them in a covered bench or bring them inside when not in use."
Her advice: Keep them easy to grab when you need them but protected and out of sight the rest of the time.
Shoes
Shoes might seem harmless, but over time they can create more trouble than they're worth, warns Shantae Duckworth, founder of Shantaeize Your Space.
"It's not great to leave shoes outside, as even a little bit of rain or dew can cause them to break down faster, grow mildew, or even attract critters like spiders!" she explains. "Yes, you read that correctly: spiders love dark, cozy sneakers!"
Rather than a heap by the door, Duckworth suggests storing shoes in a small bench, cubby shelf, or simple shoe tray near the entryway or mudroom. This keeps them protected, easy to find, and keeps your entranceway looking tidy.
Paint and Chemical Products
It's tricky to figure out the best place to store things like paints and stains, but one place you should avoid is the porch.
"Don't leave paint, cleaners, or garden chemicals on the porch," says Laurie Hise, founder of Passionate Penny Pincher. "They can be ruined or even become dangerous in extreme temperatures, and accidental leaks are a pain to clean up."
Instead, keep them safe in a garage or shed with good airflow, away from direct sun and dampness.
Firewood
Though it may look cozy, a pile of firewood on your porch could invite unwelcome guests like termites, rodents, and snakes. Hise advises storing it covered and away from your walls to keep things pest-free.
Bicycles and Outdoor Toys
Keeping bikes and toys outside can lead to rust and general wear. Plus, someone might try to steal your bike if it's not hidden, warns Hise. It's best to store them in a garage, shed, or any covered space to keep them in good condition.
Pet Food Bowls
Tempting as it may be to leave water and food out for your pet when you're spending time outside, it's better to bring the bowl inside at night. "Bugs and other critters can get into the food, making it inedible for your pet," says Jessica Litman of The Organized Mama.
Electronics
Listening to music outdoors is great, but it's not a good idea to leave electronics like speakers outside overnight. "Not all electronics can handle the fluctuations in temperature, and morning dew isn't your friend, either," says Litman.
Keep electronics safe by bringing them inside at the end of the night and storing them near the door for easy access in the morning.
- Shantae Duckworth suggests storing shoes in a small bench, cubby shelf, or simple shoe tray near the entryway or mudroom to protect them and keep your entranceway looking tidy.
- Fabric items like outdoor cushions, towels, or rugs are susceptible to mold growth when it's humid or rainy, according to Leslie Kilgour. It's smarter to keep them in a covered bench or bring them inside when not in use.
- Laurie Hise advises against leaving paint, cleaners, or garden chemicals on the porch, as they can be ruined or even become dangerous in extreme temperatures, and accidental leaks are a pain to clean up. Instead, keep them safe in a garage or shed with good airflow, away from direct sun and dampness.
