:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/never-store-on-porch-GettyImages-2167780405-ee4c55ca7f5240638cbfce7f852a3d9e.jpg?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "8 Things That Are Cluttering Up Your Porch")
Summer is finally here, which means you’ll likely be spending more time outdoors. While that often means fun in the sun, it also means your porch can become a catch-all for odds and ends. But leaving things out isn’t always the smartest move. Even high-quality items can be damaged by the elements, and some things you might not think twice about can attract unwanted critters.
Here, pro organizers share eight things that are cluttering up your front porch, plus better storage alternatives to preserve them and prevent unwanted pests.
Swim Gear
After a long, hot day at the beach or pool, it’s easy to get lazy and leave your gear on the porch, but Leslie Kilgour, professional organizer and founder of Get It Straight, cautions against this.
“Leaving things like swim and pool gear on your porch might feel convenient at the moment, but it usually ends up creating a lot of problems,” she adds. “We need to remember that porches are exposed to everything, so anything you leave out is going to get dirty, damaged, or just plain gross over time.”
So, where should you store these items instead? “Pool towels, extra swim gear, and floats can go in a waterproof deck box or a labeled bin in the garage,” Kilgour recommends.
Outdoor Furniture Cushions
We’ve all been there: It’s about to rain, so we take those giant lounge cushions, and stack them on the porch. But according to Kilgour, it’s probably a better idea to store them in a shed or garage.
“Fabric items like outdoor cushions, towels, or rugs are especially vulnerable,” she explains. “They can get moldy if it’s humid or rainy, and in sunny weather, they fade and break down way faster than you’d think.”
Kilgour advises keeping cushions in a covered bench or bringing them inside when you’re not using them. “The idea is to keep things easy to grab when you need them but protected and out of sight the rest of the time,” she adds.
Shoes
Shoes might seem harmless to leave on the porch, but over time, they can lead to more hassle than they’re worth, explains Shantae Duckworth, professional organizer and founder of Shantaeize Your Space.
“It’s not great to leave shoes outside, because even a little bit of rain or dew can cause them to break down faster, grow mildew, or even attract bugs and critters,” she explains. “Yes, spiders love dark, cozy sneakers!”
Duckworth also notes it just doesn’t look good, either. “A pile of shoes by the door can make your entryway feel cluttered and uninviting,” she notes. “A better solution is to store shoes just inside the door.”
Consider adding a small bench with storage, a cubby shelf, or a simple shoe tray in the entryway or mudroom. “This keeps them protected, easy to find, and helps maintain a calm, organized feel the moment you walk in,” Duckworth adds.
Paint and Chemical Products
It’s hard to figure out the best place to store things like paints and stains, but one place you should definitely eliminate from your list of possibilities is the porch.
“Don’t leave paint, cleaners, or garden chemicals out on the porch,” says Laurie Hise, founder of Passionate Penny Pincher. “They can get ruined or even become dangerous in extreme heat or cold, and leaks are just a pain to clean up.”
She recommends keeping them safe in a garage or shed with good airflow, away from direct sun and dampness.
Firewood
You might think that pile of firewood looks nice on your porch—maybe even charming. But sometimes the aesthetic choice isn’t always the right one, Hise says.
“Storing firewood right by your house is super convenient, but it can also invite unwanted guests like termites, rodents, or snakes,” she explains. “To avoid that, it’s best to keep your firewood covered and away from your walls.”
Bicycles and Outdoor Toys
Keep bikes and toys out of the elements. “Weather ruins them with rust and general wear fast,” explains Hise. “Plus, they become tripping hazards and just look messy.” On top of this, bikes aren’t cheap, so someone might be tempted to swipe yours if it’s left out in the open!
It’s best to stash them in the garage, shed, or wherever there’s covered space to keep them in good shape.
Pet Food Bowls
You might be tempted to leave a bowl of water for your pet or a bowl of food if you’re spending time outside, but bring it back in when you go indoors for the night. “Bugs and other critters can make their way into the food, making it inedible for your pet,” says Jessica Litman of The Organized Mama.
Electronics
“I love listening to music outside, but keeping that Bluetooth speaker out overnight? I’d think again,” says Litman. “Not all electronics can handle the fluctuation of temperature overnight—and what about that morning dew?”
Bring those devices inside at the end of the night and store them near the door, making them easy to grab in the morning.
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