Declutter Deck {15 Minute Mission}

Today's mission is to declutter your deck. Just like some of the other recent missions, depending on the size of your deck, and how much you've got on it, this may be more than a 15 minute mission.


But it still doesn't have to be overwhelming because you can break it down into 15 minute sessions, and you'll get it done!

This mission is designed to be done while working on the Organize Yard & Garden Storage Areas Challenge here on the site, which is part of the 52 Week Organized Home Challenge.

I've found that I can list this mission about decluttering your deck, along with the one about a patio, and/or porch, for example, and people typically have, at most, one of two of these areas, but usually not all of them. That means that on the days that don't apply to you, you can be working on any extra 15 minute sessions for the area you do have for your home, when working through the entire Declutter 365 calendar.

How To Declutter Your Deck

So here's how to tackle this mission for everyone that does have a deck.

First, decide what purposes you want to use your deck for. There is no right or wrong answer to this, but it does make a difference in what type of items should stay on your deck once you make that decision.

People use their decks for all kinds of activities, from relaxation, entertaining friends, eating outside on nice days, for kids to play, growing some flowers or potted plants, or perhaps something else entirely.

Once you consider how you and your family want to use this space it will give you clarity on what types of items should stay, versus go.

So second, actually begin the decluttering process, removing items that do not belong in the space, and removing anything that does not serve the purpose for your deck.

In addition, get rid of anything that is broken, rusted, or too dirty to be cleaned, as well as dead plants, weeds, and debris, such as leaves that have blown onto the deck.

Third, don't forget underneath your deck when doing this mission! Perhaps you don't have anything under there, and if so, score! This portion of the mission was easy!

But some people use underneath their deck for additional storage. That's not necessarily a negative, but you do need to periodically assess what you've got under there and confirm it isn't just clutter to be donated, sold or tossed. It is very easy to forget about stuff under your deck and honestly if you haven't thought about or used these items in a year or so, it may be time to just get rid of them.

If You've Got Extra Time Clean Your Deck

Once you've removed the clutter if you've still got some time and energy I encourage you to give your deck some tender loving cleaning care.

Since your deck is outside it tends to get dirty and weathered, as well as not being the focus of your cleaning efforts regularly. So at a minimum sweep off the leaves and dirt, but if you have time you may want to clean any furniture you've got placed on it, as well as the deck itself. Adding a few pretty plants can also brighten up the space.

It's amazing how much better your deck will look with both clutter removed and just a bit of sprucing up! Then it can be a great place to spend time with family and friends, just like it is meant to be.


Photo courtesy of Andrew Watson

Before & After Photos From Reader Who Has Done This Mission

Many readers have already done this mission, and gotten great results.

Here's a set of before and after photos, from a reader, Kimberly. The difference is amazing, isn't it? Great job Kimberly!

Remove The Clutter & Enjoy Your Deck!

I hope this has gotten you inspired to get your deck cleared off.

Once you've done this mission I'd love to see your results. You can submit your photos here, and the best ones will be featured here on the site!

Want To Do More Decluttering Missions? Get Started With Declutter 365 Today!

Once you declutter one type of item in your home I bet you'll want to declutter some more. After all, decluttering gives you a great reward for even a small investment of time and energy.

The Declutter 365 system is designed to help you declutter, over the course of a year, your entire house, with just 15 minutes of decluttering each day!

Hundreds of thousands of people use this proven system to get rid of their clutter, and bring peace and calm back to their homes.

Declutter 365 works to guide you to clear the clutter without overwhelm, focusing on just one small area at a time, and without making a huge mess in the process, so you see consistent forward progress without all that "messy middle" that makes it even harder to function in your home than before you started.

In addition to building a daily decluttering habit, the Declutter 365 program, along with the accompanying 52 Week Organized Home Challenge, teaches you the skills, habits, routines, and mindsets necessary to maintain the clutter free and organized state of your home from now on, so it'll never be as messy and cluttered as it is right now, ever again.

If you haven't already, make sure to get your copy of this year's Declutter 365 annual calendar here (it's FREE!), find today's date, and do 15 minutes of decluttering on the day's mission. Then, repeat again tomorrow, and again and again. Over the course of the next year, if you do this 15 minutes per day, you'll declutter your whole house!

Photo courtesy of Miki James

Related Pages You May Enjoy

Getting Clutter Free 15 Minutes At A Time Hall Of Fame

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