How to Stick to Your New Year’s Resolution of Keeping Your Yard Clean (Even If You’re Not Going for Neighborhood Yard of the Month)
Without knowing how to maintain a clean yard year-round, you might struggle with issues like tracking dog poop into the house, unpleasant smells, or even harmful bacteria and parasites. Instead, you’ll continue feeling frustrated with the mess, worry about guests seeing it, or even worse—dealing with health risks to your pets and family.
But don’t worry, you’re in the right place! I’ve created this proven 5-step process to help you stick to your New Year’s resolution of keeping your yard clean, based on my 9 years of pet-loving experience.
We’ll cover everything from creating a weekly schedule to getting the right tools and outsourcing the dirty work. By the time you finish Step 5, you’ll feel like a pro and enjoy a clean yard all year long, without breaking your back or wasting hours every weekend.
Ready? Let’s go!
Step #1: Set a Realistic Schedule
- Decide how often you’ll clean up (daily, weekly, etc.).
- Block out time in your calendar so you don’t forget.
- Get everyone in the household involved to make it a team effort.
Step #2: Get the Right Tools for the Job
Next, make sure you have the proper tools to make yard cleanup easier and more efficient. Trust me, a small plastic bag isn’t going to cut it for long-term success!
Here are some essentials:
- A sturdy rake or pooper scooper to handle all types of terrain.
- Large trash bags for bulk removal.
- Gloves or sanitizing wipes to keep your hands clean.
For example, we use Extendable poop scooping rake because it lets us remove waste quickly, even from hard-to-reach spots like under roots or on rocks.
What to look out for:
Using inadequate tools makes the job harder and more unpleasant, which makes it easy to avoid. Invest in the right equipment and your future self will thank you!
Step #3: Create a Clean Yard Routine
- Morning Sweep: Do a quick check in the mornings before heading out for the day.
- Weekend Reset: Set aside 30 minutes on the weekend for a more thorough clean.
- Seasonal Deep Clean: Do a bigger cleanup at the start of each season to prepare your yard for the next few months.
Step #4: Outsource to Save Time and Energy
- Save time for more important things (like spending time with family).
- Ensure the job is done thoroughly by professionals with the right tools.
- Avoid back pain or the dreaded “missed poop” that gets tracked inside.
Step #5: Don’t Aim for Perfection—Just Consistency
Finally, don’t put pressure on yourself to achieve a yard that’s perfect 100% of the time. The key to success is consistency, not perfection!
Here’s how to keep it simple:
- Set realistic goals (maybe clean up twice a week instead of every day).
- Celebrate small wins, like hosting a backyard BBQ without worrying about the mess.
- Remember, it’s better to do something than nothing!
What to look out for:
Aiming for perfection can lead to burnout and frustration. Focus on maintaining a clean yard that works for your family’s lifestyle, not just for appearances.
Congratulations! You just learned how to stick to your New Year’s resolution of keeping your yard clean. By following these steps, you’ll enjoy a tidy, poop-free yard that’s safe for pets and guests alike, without spending hours of your time or breaking your back.
Ensure your yard is clean for all those play sessions!
Request a free quote today to keep your yard tidy no matter how active your pup gets!
