Summer Decluttering Tips: Clear Your Outdoor Space for Entertaining

Summer outdoor entertaining
May 20, 2026

Summer is upon us, which means here in Illinois, we can finally leave behind the harsh midwestern winter and enjoy outdoor spaces again. This time of year is the peak of outside entertaining, backyard barbeques and al fresco dining. And while the flowers are already blooming, there’s still plenty of time to declutter your space and get ready to entertain family and friends.

At TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK® Crystal Lake, we understand how overwhelming “stuff” can become. Between unfinished projects, outgrown items and the very human tendency to hang onto things “just in case”, it can all feel like too much - and quickly.

To help you get started, we’ve come up with the list below of ten things you can easily declutter before summer guests arrive (you can do it!):

  1. The stack of broken patio chairs in the garage that nobody sat in last summer.
  2. Old grills that “just need one part”.
  3. The tower of empty plastic flowerpots behind the shed.
  4. Faded & waterlogged pool floaties that should’ve already been retired.
  5. That pile of random scrap wood that currently lives beside the garage wall.
  6. Broken fans and portable AC units collecting dust instead of cooling anyone. (Speaking of cooling…)
  7. Toss the cracked cooler that leaks faster than you can refill it.
  8. Kids’ outdoor toys everyone outgrew three summers ago, including the bikes collecting cobwebs in the corner.
  9. The collection of broken patio umbrellas with bent frames and missing fabric.
  10. The mountain of mismatched storage bins with no lids & lids with no bins (evidence you tried to be organized).

It’s a starting point towards reclaiming your space, so you can enjoy it with family and friends. If this list leaves you feeling overwhelmed, try working only 15-30 minutes at a time or checking just one thing off a day. Take breaks, avoid burnout, and most importantly, remember TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK can always come and do all of the junk removal for you (call anytime!).

You’ll be on your way to a clean space, clear mind, and an ice-cold drink in the backyard in no time!