Porch Pitfalls to Avoid
Your porch is the first thing guests (and neighbors) see, so stop ignoring it for real. A well-decorated porch adds charm, and since every inch of your home counts, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls. Certain items can turn into a cluttered mess or even a safety hazard.
From things that attract pests to items that can ruin curb appeal, we’re breaking down what not to keep outside. Swipe through to see what not to put on your porch in order to make sure your porch is looking its best.
Indoor Furniture
Think that cozy indoor couch would make a great outdoor lounge? Think again. Fabric-covered furniture soaks up moisture, leading to mold, mildew, and a smelly disaster. Plus, critters love nesting in those plush cushions.
And while you think that an extra dining chair might seem like a convenient porch addition, let me tell you indoor furniture isn’t built to withstand outdoor conditions. Over time, it warps, fades, and becomes a breeding ground for mold. If you need extra seating, choose furniture specifically designed for outdoor use.
Cardboard Boxes
Leaving that stack of Amazon boxes on the porch “for later”? Bad idea.
Rain, humidity, and wind will turn them into a soggy mess, while bugs and rodents see them as prime real estate. Instead, break them down and recycle them immediately to keep your porch tidy and pest-free.
Not to mention, cardboard attracts cockroaches and silverfish, which thrive in dark, damp environments.
Exposed Electrical Equipment
Got an extension cord running across your porch? Big mistake. Exposed wires, power strips, or poorly protected outlets are a safety hazard waiting to happen, especially in rainy or humid weather. Water and electricity don’t mix, and one spark could lead to major issues.
Keep all electrical equipment properly covered and rated for outdoor use.
Potted Plants That Attract Pests
Love fresh greenery? Be careful because some plants, like lavender and mint, repel bugs, but others, like sweet-smelling flowers and fruit-bearing plants, attract bees, wasps, and mosquitoes.
Choose plants wisely to keep your porch peaceful instead of a buzzing nightmare. Opt for citronella, marigolds, and rosemary great porch-friendly plants that naturally repel mosquitoes.
Fragile or Valuable Items
Porch weather is unpredictable, one strong gust of wind or sudden rainstorm, and your delicate decor, framed art, or expensive planters could be toast. If something has sentimental or financial value, don’t risk it outside.
Opt for weather-resistant decor or bring valuables indoors when not in use. Additionally, sudden temperature shifts can cause glass and ceramics to crack, even if they’re under a covered porch.
Unsecured Rugs
That decorative rug might seem like the perfect way to cozy up your porch, but if it’s not secured, it becomes a tripping hazard. One strong gust of wind, and it’s halfway down the street.
If you must have one, choose an outdoor rug with a non-slip backing or secure it with rug tape. Moreover, falls caused by unsecured rugs are one of the leading causes of porch-related injuries, especially among children and the elderly.
Ashtrays and Cigarette Butts
First off, smoking isn’t ideal. But if someone does, don’t let them leave an ashtray on your porch. It will create a smelly, stained, and uninviting space. Not to mention, a breeze can blow ashes everywhere.
Sometimes you can’t stop people from smoking, they never listen. So, do your best to avoid any danger or mishap. Also, consider a discreet, covered ashtray that won’t make your porch an eyesore.
Items Prone to Infestation
That old stack of firewood, unsealed birdseed, or even a pile of damp leaves? You’re basically rolling out the welcome mat for termites, ants, and rodents. These items make perfect nesting spots and can lead to an invasion inside your home.
Store firewood at least 20 feet from your house, and keep porch areas clean and debris-free.
Broken or Rusty Decor
That cute metal sign or old wind chime might have once been charming, but if it’s rusted or broken, it’s dragging your curb appeal down. Plus, rust stains can be tough to remove from concrete or wood.
Swap out broken, rusty decor for fresh, weather-friendly pieces to keep your porch looking polished. If you don’t want to throw it out, use vinegar and baking soda to remove rust stains from surfaces.
Trash Bags
Leaving full trash bags on the porch for just a little while is an open invitation for raccoons, stray cats, and bugs. Before you know it, you’ve got a mess on your hands (and possibly some unwelcome guests). Take the extra step to place trash in a sealed bin or take it straight to the curb.
Leaving trash out also makes your home look messy and unkempt, which you definitely don’t want.
Old or Unused Shoes
If your porch has become a shoe graveyard, it’s time for a cleanup. Sun, rain, and dust will turn them into an unsightly, smelly mess, and worst of all, they attract bugs and spiders.
Keep only a few pairs in a covered storage bench or bring them inside. Not to mention, damp shoes left outside can grow mold in as little as 48 hours.
Excessive Clutter
That cute collection of garden gnomes? Not so cute when it turns into a full-blown village. Overloading your porch with decor, toys, or miscellaneous items creates visual chaos.
A few well-placed accents go a long way toward a welcoming, stylish space. A decluttered porch can make your home feel 30% more spacious.
Open Pet Food Bowls
Leaving pet food outside is a guaranteed way to attract ants, raccoons, and even bigger trouble like neighborhood strays. If your furry friend enjoys porch time, bring food and water bowls inside when they’re done to avoid unwanted visitors.
Let’s be honest, pet food on the porch attracts random dogs and cats, but it also makes the porch look messy when your pet eats and leaves leftovers.
Holiday Decor
Is your Christmas decor still hanging on your porch? Leaving seasonal decorations up long past their prime makes your porch look forgotten. Keep the festive spirit alive, just in the right season.
Set a reminder to swap out decor once the holidays are over. A clean and seasonally appropriate porch helps maintain an organized and inviting home exterior.
After-holiday cleaning blues are real. No worries, these tips will show you how to restore your porch after the holidays and give it a fresh new look.
Anything That Blocks the Entryway
Your porch should feel inviting, not like an obstacle course. Piles of shoes, overgrown plants, or bulky furniture can make entry difficult for guests and even emergency responders.
Keep pathways clear to make your home feel open and accessible. A clear entryway ensures first responders can quickly access your home in an emergency.
Since your porch sets the first impression, your entryway should be just as stylish and functional. Want to make it truly stand out? Check out how to make a killer entrance.
Think your porch is guest-ready? You might be making these common mistakes. Let us know in the comments if you’re guilty of any of these.
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