Although for some of us it might not feel like it just yet, as of Sunday, spring will be officially here. As the sun manages to warm away the chill of winter, thoughts turn to spending more time outside. Whether you have to deal with the aftereffects of snow or not, your backyard is going to need a little spring cleaning. But it doesn’t matter if you live in an apartment or a condominium – your balcony will need a little TLC as well. Here are some great ways to get ready to start living outdoors; they will transform your patio, balcony or backyard into an esthetic space for entertaining family and friends.

Rake the backyard. There will always be a few missed leaves from the fall. Aside from being good for the grass, it will “instantly” make the area look tidier. For those of you with balconies or patios, get out your broom and mop.

Reseed any of the bare or brown patches of your lawn. When heading into the warmer days of spring and the beginning of summer, you’ll be glad you did. Especially after you invite a few friends over to fire up the grill for the first time this season, you’ll want the lawn to look good.

Plant flowers. Don’t let being an apartment dweller stop you. Buy planters or window boxes for your balcony or patio.

Add an arbor or a trellis. It will give your garden the ideal focal point. For a balcony or patio, select a decorative accent like a small outdoor fountain.

De-cluttering applies to the outside of your home as well as the inside. If you haven’t used it for at least a year, perhaps it’s time to get rid of it. A garden shed or utility shed would be a great way to organize your backyard.

Bring out the patio furniture and give it a little spring cleaning. Perhaps your patio furniture is getting a bit too shabby chic? New outdoor furniture, like a wicker glass topped table with matching chairs, will make your backyard or balcony an inviting place to sit.

When the heat of summer finally does arrive, will the round patio table be sitting directly in the sun? Invest in patio umbrella. Would you like to be able to sit in the shade next to your favorite flower bed or by the pool? Buy a garden umbrella with an ornamental base.

Prep the barbecue grill. Before putting even a small grill on your balcony, check zoning by-laws.

Plan for cooler nights. Buy a patio heater or add a fire pit; it will let you enjoy your outdoor area well into autumn.