Springing into Outdoor Organization
New Orleans’ beautiful spring weather is such a treasure, but we can’t count on it for long. Beat the heat and jump on any outdoor organization that needs to be tackled before the sweltering summer keeps us planted inside with the AC. With some ideas to spark inspiration, here is Sorted founder Victoria Tran with Malik Mingo on Great Day Louisiana.
Beat the Heat: Now is the ideal time to tackle outdoor spaces before the intense New Orleans summer hits. Organizing now avoids the extremely uncomfortable and potentially hazardous task of organizing in sweltering temperatures. Get it done now, so you can enjoy your organized spaces without the heat-related stress.
Utilize the Vertical Space: Garages and sheds often become catch-all spaces. Maximize the usable space in these areas by getting everything off the floor and utilize the vertical space of your shed and garage. In New Orleans, this is especially important due to potential flooding and moisture. Install shelving units, track systems, and wall-mounted storage. Use the vertical space to your advantage. Hang bikes, tools, and seasonal items on the walls or ceiling. This creates a more spacious and organized environment.
Strategic Zoning and Categorization: To make sense of the chaos and create a system that actually works divide your outdoor spaces into distinct zones for activities – gardening, tools, sports, seasonal storage, etc. Then, group similar items together. Use labeled bins, containers, and designated areas for each category. This makes finding things easy and prevents clutter from accumulating.
Bulky Items: For bulky items like lawnmowers, grills, and outdoor furniture create designated spaces. If possible, park them in a specific area and utilize wall-mounted racks or hooks for items like folding chairs or tables. But more importantly, think about how often you actually use these items. In a place like New Orleans, with limited storage space and intense heat, it's crucial to be realistic. If you only use your grill a few times a year, or if your outdoor furniture is showing significant wear, it might be time to reconsider keeping them. If you can, store them in a way that allows you to easily move them, or even consider a foldable or smaller option. For items you do use frequently, ensure they're easily accessible and protected from the elements.
Ultimately, it's about balancing storage needs with practical use. Don't be afraid to declutter and only keep the items you truly need and use regularly. This will significantly free up space and make your outdoor spaces more functional.
Small Items: Small items like tools, nails, and gardening supplies can be hard to keep track of. Look for plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Consider using a dedicated tool storage area or cart to keep everything in one place. Pegboards are fantastic for organizing tools and hardware, keeping them visible and easily accessible. Magnetic strips can hold metal items.
Label everything clearly! Use a label maker or permanent markers to identify the contents of each container. This will save you time and frustration.
Teamwork: Get the whole family involved by delegating zones and get the project done faster. Then treat the family to a snoball! If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out - just note that we don’t organize outdoor spaces after Memorial Day. Happy organizing!