A little balcony organization can open up your space and help you take advantage of the seasons without leaving home.

While many renters don’t have access to a sprawling backyard, when the weather gets warmer, there’s nothing better than enjoying some fresh air in your own personal outdoor space.

Read on for our expert tips on balcony organization and storage tips to help you create an outdoor space ideal for relaxing, gardening, entertaining … or doing nothing at all.

Organize Your Balcony

Check first with your building manager or peek at your lease to make sure any balcony organization plans are permitted.

Be aware that some buildings may have rules about storage, materials, grills, or other outdoor details you want to brush up on before you make any changes or purchase anything new.

“You want to decide what you will be doing on your balcony before deciding on decor,” says Linda Chu of Out of Chaos organizing services. “Will you be using it as a small garden retreat or entertaining friends?”

When you know your priorities, you can make the best decisions to take advantage of the square footage you’ve got.

“This is a space that needs to be minimalist,” recommends organizer Gayle Goddard, who runs The Clutter Fairy in Houston, TX. “In general, a few things hung up, a pop of color on a chair in the form of a pillow, a few plants or a few decorative items are enough to make sure your space won’t get overcrowded or give you too much to keep clean outdoors.”

Keep in mind while organizing your balcony that vertical storage isn’t just for the outdoors. Read up on our tips here.

Small Balcony Storage Tips

“Since balconies are typically quite small, it’s important to choose furnishings that can do double-duty, such as seating that is also storage (such as a bench). Some storage stools can be used as side tables when you remove the cushions,” says Chu.

For more ways to make a small space have maximum impact, consider:

• Folding chairs and side tables that can easily stow under a bed in your apartment.
• Shelves that hangs over a railing that can give you an additional surface area for drinks, decor, or plants.
• Wall-mounted shelves to give you space for odds and ends like candles, watering cans, or other accessories.

If you need some shade but lack the room, search for half-sized patio umbrellas. They fit against a wall and take up much less space than full-sized options.

Speaking of shade, we’ve got more tips on ways to stay out of the sun on our blog.

Weatherproof Balcony Space

Since balconies are outdoors and subject to seasonal weather, you’ll want to pay particular attention to furniture durability.

“Regardless of use, choose weatherproof construction materials,” says Chu, who recommends:

• Aluminum
• Teak wood
• Heavy-duty resin
• Durable nonporous foam covered with synthetic fabric, such as acrylic or Olefin, for pillows and other decorative items.

Keep things contained to combat the elements.

Goddard notes that “anything you want to store out there needs to be contained in something with a lid, to reduce dust and dirt accumulating on it, as well as keeping it dry and free of mildew.”

Goddard also says that “depending on your climate, you can choose things that can be easily rinsed off when dusty. Ceramics or plastics can be rinsed off with a hose or in a sink for a quick clean.”

Stability is also important. Anchor items to a wall or railing to protect them from gusts of wind and rain. If you have an umbrella, keep it closed when not in use so it doesn’t fly off.

Balcony Organization for Gardening

For many people, the best part of having outdoor space is the opportunity to work out their green thumb.

“If your balcony is used mostly for gardening, choose a storage unit that opens with doors at the front instead of from the top so that you don’t have to move your plants to access the contents,” says Chu, who adds that “taller cabinets are great for storing brooms and shovels if you live in an area that gets heavy snow.”

She also recommends you:

• Store bags of potting soil in buckets or bins with tight-fitting lids (or reuse 1 gallon ice-cream containers), because buckets stack easier than bags.
• Use a basket or bin to corral gardening tools.
• Find a tray with high sides to transport food and drink between the kitchen and balcony. Using non-breakable dishware is a good idea, too.
• Shop at the end of the season for good deals on outdoor storage and decor items. Shop at the beginning of the season for the best selection.

Be sure to check out our gardening tips for small spaces on our blog.

Whether you’re planning on hosting friends for summer sunsets, or enjoying some solo time working on your perennials, follow the tips above to cultivate your ideal outdoor space for fun all season.