You’ll never see celebrities store their trash bins here — and neither should you

You can tell a lot about how well a home is designed by where the trash bins are. It’s one of those small details that make a big difference — and it’s something luxury designers and celebrity homeowners pay close attention to.

You’ll never see a million-dollar property with bins parked in plain sight next to the garage or sitting in front of the house. Why? Because those spots instantly drag down the look of even the nicest home.

Curb appeal starts before anyone gets to your front door

Your driveway and entry are the first things people notice. Even if your lawn is perfect and your paint is fresh, a row of garbage bins by the front steps ruins the impression. Celebrities and designers treat curb appeal as an all-the-time priority, not something reserved for open houses. Trash cans belong out of view — behind fencing, inside enclosures, or tucked along the side of the house where they can’t be seen from the street. It’s a small change that makes your whole property look more cared for.

The smell and mess aren’t worth the convenience

Leaving bins close to your front entry or garage door might seem convenient, but you’ll quickly regret it when warm weather hits. The smells linger, especially if your cans sit in direct sun, and flies or raccoons will find their way there fast. Even sealed bins can leave behind drips and residue that stain concrete and attract pests. The ultra-rich avoid that altogether by keeping bins on concrete pads away from main traffic areas or storing them in small outdoor closets made for that purpose.

Side yards are ideal — if they’re done right

If your home has a side yard, that’s where your bins should go. But don’t just shove them behind a bush. The trick is making the spot intentional. A short privacy fence, lattice screen, or even a set of planters can disguise the area without blocking access. You’ll want to make sure the ground is level and solid — gravel or pavers work well to keep bins upright and easy to roll out on trash day. That’s the difference between a makeshift setup and one that looks designed.

Hidden storage feels high-end

The best way to make a home feel expensive is to eliminate visual clutter. That’s exactly why celebrities and luxury builders hide their trash bins. Built-in storage sheds or garage alcoves keep everything accessible but invisible. Even affordable homes can pull off the same look with prefab bin enclosures or small lean-to sheds that match the house’s exterior. When the bins are hidden, the rest of your property automatically looks cleaner and more organized.

Keep function in mind when choosing the spot

Out of sight shouldn’t mean out of reach. You don’t want to drag bins across your entire yard or through gravel every week. The key is to balance appearance with function. Pick a location near your driveway or a side gate — close enough to be practical, far enough not to dominate your view. If you can wheel them straight to the street without weaving through landscaping, you’ve found the right place.

A clean bin area makes maintenance easier

Even hidden areas need upkeep. Hosing down the pad or enclosure every few weeks keeps smells down and bugs away. Some homeowners even line the bottom of their bins with baking soda or cat litter to absorb odor. The ultra-rich take it a step further with custom drainage pads or built-in bin washing stations, but even a regular rinse and wipe-down goes a long way. A clean trash zone makes the rest of your home feel better cared for too.

Trash bins aren’t glamorous, but where you store them says a lot about your attention to detail. The most beautiful homes — celebrity or not — keep the messy stuff out of sight, organized, and intentional. It’s one of those finishing touches that quietly makes everything look more polished and put together.