Every inch of space counts when you have a small garden, especially when warmer, sunnier days are on the horizon. Because of this, you need to be incredibly mindful of what you’re putting in that small space - and what shouldn't be there at all.
Of course, it’s almost impossible to have a perfect, pristine garden. But if you want to be a bit more like the people with consistently tidy gardens, the key is to be intentional and keep your priorities in check. Do you want your garden to be a plant paradise? Do you want it to be the ultimate kids’ playground? Or do you want to find a middle ground that works for everyone?
Whatever the case, getting rid of items that don’t serve your outside space is a great starting point. That’s why I asked professional organisers what small gardens really don’t need, and what you should be decluttering for a more enjoyable space - whether you want to relax, host, grow, or make the most of family time.
1. Too many ornaments and planters
Small gardens deserve pretty lights, decorations, and plants as much as bigger gardens do. But when space is limited, you do need to be mindful that too many things can clutter up a space and make it look much smaller than it is. So, editing can go a long way.
This is echoed by Kate Dufton, Professional Organiser and Declutterer at Ace Your Space. She explains, ‘Too many decorative ornaments can overwhelm a small garden, creating visual clutter. Start by gathering all the planters and ornaments together and discarding anything that’s rusty, missing pieces or broken.’
You can then work on recycling any plastic pots, and selling or donating anything that will no longer serve you. When that’s done, you can choose your favourite items and place them in a way that creates interest - not clutter - in your garden. Anything seasonal (such as cushions or outdoor Christmas decorations) can then be stored in this Keter Eden Storage Bench (£125 at Argos).
If you love potted plants but have a small garden, collecting them all together on one stand is a great way to maximise space.
I have fence lights like this in my small garden, and they're ideal for adding light and character without taking up valuable floor space.
Whether you want to store cushions or garden decorations you only use every so often, this luxury storage box is perfect for more compact gardens.
2. Leftover garden waste
According to Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co, ‘If you have waste waiting to be taken to the recycling centre, now is a great opportunity to clear it.’ After all, leftover garden waste is one of the biggest sources of clutter in small gardens, and something Kate regularly sees with her clients.
She says, ‘I often find clients have old windows, doors, pallets and even bathroom fixtures cluttering up their side alley after a renovation or upgrade. Remove any garden debris, whether that’s piles of bricks, wood or old plastic plant pots, using rubble sacks for easy disposal.’
The same goes for any grass clippings or chopped trees that are cluttering up your small space, so it’s well worth booking a slot at your local recycling centre as many garden items can no longer be recycled kerbside. Alternatively, consider at-home composting so you can then feed your garden for free.
These reusable heavy duty bags are great for holding and moving garden waste, and come in a variety of sizes to suit your needs.
To prevent future garden waste from cluttering up your small garden, composting at home can work wonders. And this compost bin is incredibly affordable.
These pop-up bags suit small gardens perfectly, as they can be used to declutter garden waste when needed - but will pop down when not in use.
3. Bulky garden furniture
If your intention is to make your small garden look bigger - and keep it as tidy and clutter-free as possible - you may also need to rethink your garden furniture choices. That’s because bulky garden furniture can instantly make an outdoor space feel tiny and chaotic, and you may even have broken or unused furniture taking up valuable space.
Thankfully, the best garden furniture comes in so many shapes and forms, and Kate says, ‘Consider compact, foldable furniture for the off-season that can easily fit in a small shed or storage box. Bench seating is also a clever solution, as it takes up less space than individual chairs and can be tucked under the table when not in use.’
Choosing to sell items after a declutter can help here, as you can sell your old and unwanted furniture on resale sites like Facebook Marketplace and use that money to buy newer, more streamlined options that suit your smaller garden - like this Habitat 2 Seater Folding Wooden Garden Bistro Set (£80 at Habitat).
If you only occasionally use a table in your small garden, opting for a folding table can help you stow it away when it's not in use.
This space-saving patio set comes with two 2-seater sofas and two benches. The best bit? They all tuck under the table when it's not in use.
This bench comes with a built-in table, which is perfect for smaller gardens where patio space is limited.
4. Old or broken kids’ toys
If you have children or use your garden to store bikes, you’ll know just how much toys and recreational items can clutter up a small space. And while these things absolutely do have their place in a small garden, it’s still important to regularly declutter to weed out old or broken items.
Decluttering toys can be incredibly therapeutic and clear up a huge amount of space, especially if they’re no longer needed. And Shannon advises, ‘If children have outgrown ride-on toys, sports equipment or garden games, consider donating them to another family, school or community group where they can continue to be enjoyed.’
To keep things tidy and organised in the long run, Kate suggests reducing some of the outdoor toys to reclaim usable, adult space - while storing and rotating the remaining ones so they’re easy to get to without getting in the way.
While they are not specifically outdoor storage boxes, these boxes can help you keep toys safe and tidy while in the garden. When it's time to go inside, the boxes can come with you.
This hanging bike organiser can be installed in a garden shed, garage or even on the side of your house to keep them from cluttering your outdoor space.
This heavy duty box is more than equipped to hold any toys or outdoor games you might want to keep tidy. It also has wheels, you can easily wheel it into the shed or house.
5. Duplicate garden tools
The key to a happy and thriving garden is maintenance, and garden tools are required to get those jobs done - whether that be the best secateurs or a robot lawn mower. But it’s easy to get spend-happy when tending to a garden, and many people buy unnecessary and duplicate garden tools.
These items can clutter an outdoor space and lead to an overflowing shed, which is why it’s important to take the time to go through them and declutter anything you know you no longer need. Then, you can focus on organising the remaining items so they don’t encroach on valuable usable space.
Shannon suggests, ‘Ask yourself: Have I used this in the last couple of years? Is it broken or beyond repair? Do I have multiples of the same item? This process often highlights tools, pots and garden accessories that have been kept 'just in case' but no longer serve a purpose.’
When you've decluttered your garden tools, using a hanging organiser like this can keep things neat and tidy - and off the floor.
For smaller sheds and gardens, a corner unit like this offers handy garden tool storage without the large footprint.
You can free up space in a small garden simply by organising your shed or garage. Racks like this can help you do that on a budget.
If you declutter these things from your small garden, it'll make a HUGE difference.
If you enjoyed reading this, sign up for the Ideal Home newsletter for all the latest home decor trends and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox
