Outdoor Spring Cleaning Checklist: Get Your Yard & Garage Ready

Written By Katie Foley

As winter fades away and the days grow longer, it’s the perfect time to refresh your outdoor spaces. Warmer weather means more time spent outside, and a little prep work now will make your yard, patio, and garage much more functional all season long. Whether you’re dreaming of backyard barbecues or a garage revamp, starting with a solid spring cleaning checklist ensures you’ll be ready for it all.

Your Step-by-Step Outdoor Spring Cleaning Checklist

Step 1: Prep Your Garage & Tools First

One third of Americans don’t park their car in their garage. Another study by the US Department of Energy indicated that 25% of homeowners with two-car garages don’t park any cars inside. Why? Simply because there isn’t enough usable space.

Tackle the chaos and start your spring cleaning by getting your garage back to max functionality. Addressing the garage first gives you a clean “home base” to work from.

Garage Checklist:

  • Declutter old and displaced items. Start at one corner of the garage and work clockwise. You’ll quickly spot what’s broken, what’s worth keeping, and what you forgot you even owned.

  • Sweep out all the debris, dust, and cobwebs. If you have existing shelving, wipe down from the top down.

  • Mount wall storage, overhead storage, or shelving to maximize vertical space. This will be the key to a functional garage that can do it all.

  • Organize tools into categories (lawn care, gardening, and home repairs)

  • Set up a “go zone” for frequently used tools and supplies.

  • Inspect and clean lawn equipment like mowers and trimmers. Check for weed wacker strings, dull blades, and screws that might need tightening from the last warm season. There’s nothing worse than starting a new project, only to realize you need to run to the hardware store to upkeep your tools. 

Step 2: Refresh Your Home’s Exterior

Next, work your way out to your home’s exterior. Winter weather freezes and storms  leave grime, salt, and debris on all your surfaces. A little cleanup will instantly boost curb appeal and prevent long-term damage.

Exterior Checklist:

  • Power wash siding, walkways, and driveway

  • Inspect siding for cracks or damage and make small repairs

  • Clean windows and doors inside and out. 

Step 3: Clean and Set Up Porches & Patios

Your porch and patio are prime spots for relaxing and entertaining in the upcoming warmer weather. And if you’re local to Asheville, you know you’re going to want to spend every moment you can outdoors this season. Give these areas some TLC to create a welcoming outdoor entertaining space for those perfect summer nights.

Porch & Patio Checklist:

  • Sweep and wash outdoor furniture, cushions, and rug

  • Wipe down railings, screens, and light fixtures. (You’ll be surprised how much dirt and debris will be hiding here.)

  • Add fresh decor like potted plants, throw pillows, and string lights

Step 4: Tidy Up the Garden & Landscape

Once your home and patio are set, it’s time to turn your attention to the yard and garden. Taking the time to clean up your landscape now sets the stage for a lush, healthy growing season.

Landscaping Checklist:

  • Clear leaves, branches, and debris from flower beds and lawn

  • Trim back overgrown bushes, trees, and perennials

  • Weed yard and existing beds

  • Refresh mulch in beds and around trees

  • Spot check for areas that need aeration, fertilizer, or topsoil 

Step 5: Address the Extras

Don’t forget about the “extras” that make a big difference. There’s a few often forgotten places that can cost you if they go ignored. This will be a game changer to have done once those big summer storms roll in.

The Big Ticket Extras Checklist:

  • Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage 

  • Test exterior spigots to ensure they are not leaking

  • Place downspout extensions to ensure proper drainage away from your home

  • Inspect and repair fences, gates, and outdoor lighting 

  • Scrub down trash and recycling bins (a splash of vinegar with water or dish soap will do the trick)

Ready for a Smarter Garage Setup?

If your garage still feels chaotic after your first sweep, it might be time to start looking up—literally. Floor-to-ceiling storage solutions can help you reclaim serious space.

Our team proudly serves Asheville and the surrounding areas with custom garage cabinetry designed to help you use every inch of your garage or shed to its full potential.

Quick FAQ: Outdoor Spring Cleaning Essentials

  • Start by tossing anything broken, expired, or no longer useful—old tools, worn-out patio furniture, empty soil bags, and anything you haven’t touched in a year. Clearing this clutter makes it easier to see what space you actually have (and how a smarter storage setup could make it even more functional).

    Pro Tip: A common garage storage pitfall is using cardboard boxes. They absorb moisture and can attract pests, ultimately destroying whatever you’re storing. For proper protection, invest in weather resistant bins and shelving.

  • Ideally, aim to start once the risk of frost has passed—usually between late March and early April in the Asheville area. Prepping early gives you time to spot any bigger issues, like storage gaps, damaged landscaping, or weather-worn exterior features before prime outdoor season.

  • Professional yard cleanup typically ranges between $150 and $400, depending on your yard size and the services needed. (Bigger jobs, like tree trimming or mulching, will cost more.) But remember: the biggest savings come from a well-organized, weather proofed workspace—one where your tools, supplies, and equipment are easy to find and well protected year-round.

Katie Foley