Summer Organizing

Get Your Home Ready for a Season of Fun and Relaxation

Summer is all about sunshine, relaxation, and spending quality time outdoors. As the temperatures rise, our routines and lifestyles shift, and so should our home organization. Whether you’re gearing up for family vacations, backyard barbecues, or simply a season of laid-back living, a well-organized home can make your summer more enjoyable. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to transition your space into a summer-ready oasis. From decluttering and organizing indoor spaces to prepping your outdoor areas for warm-weather fun, let’s dive into the best tips for summer organizing.

Declutter and Lighten Up Your Space

Summer is the season of light, and your home should reflect that. Declutter your space to create an open, airy environment that invites relaxation:

• Entryway Refresh: The entryway can become a catch-all for coats, boots, and other winter gear. Clear out these items and replace them with summer essentials like hats, sunglasses, and lightweight scarves. Add a decorative basket for flip-flops and sandals, keeping the space tidy and accessible.

• Living Room Reset: Swap out heavy winter throws and dark decor for lighter fabrics and brighter colors. Declutter surfaces like coffee tables and side tables to create an open, inviting space. Store away extra blankets and heavy pillows to make room for a fresh, summer vibe.

• Bathroom Essentials: Declutter your bathroom by storing away heavy lotions, bath salts, and other winter skincare products. Replace them with lightweight moisturizers, sunscreens, and after-sun care products. Use clear containers to keep items organized and within easy reach.

Quick Tips:

• Use wall hooks or a small rack to neatly store summer essentials like beach bags and reusable shopping totes.

• Create a designated basket or bin for summer entertainment essentials like books, magazines, and sunscreen for easy access.

• Keep a small basket stocked with summer essentials like bug spray, aloe vera gel, and travel-sized toiletries for quick grab-and-go use.

Create Outdoor Living Spaces

Summer is the perfect time to extend your living space outdoors. Whether you have a sprawling backyard, a cozy patio, or a small balcony, you can create an outdoor area that suits your lifestyle:

• Patio and Deck Prep: Sweep and clean your patio or deck to remove dirt and debris. Inspect outdoor furniture for any needed repairs, and give them a thorough cleaning. Add outdoor cushions, throw pillows, and a cozy blanket to make the space comfortable and inviting.

• Outdoor Entertaining: If you plan to host barbecues or gatherings, organize your grilling tools, outdoor dining sets, and serving ware. Keep a caddy with essentials like napkins, utensils, and condiments, so everything is ready to go for impromptu gatherings.

• Pool and Beach Gear: For those with a pool or who frequent the beach, keep towels, swimsuits, pool toys, and beach gear organized. Use labeled bins or storage racks near the entryway or in the garage for easy access.

Quick Tips:

• Use waterproof storage bins to keep outdoor cushions and accessories protected from unexpected summer showers.

• Use a rolling cart as a mobile outdoor bar or serving station, making it easy to move from the kitchen to the patio.

• Install hooks or a towel rack outside to hang wet towels and swimsuits, keeping them off the floor and ready for the next swim.

Organize for Summer Activities

Summer often means more activities, from family trips to sports and outdoor adventures. Keep everything organized to ensure a stress-free season:

• Travel and Vacation Prep: If you’re planning a summer vacation, now’s the time to organize your travel essentials. Create a travel station with suitcases, travel-sized toiletries, and packing cubes. Keep passports, tickets, and itineraries in a designated folder for easy access.

• Sports and Outdoor Equipment: From bikes to camping gear, outdoor equipment can take up a lot of space. Store items in the garage or shed, using hooks, shelves, or pegboards to keep everything organized. Group similar items together, so they’re easy to find when needed.

• Gardening and Yard Care: Summer is prime time for gardening and outdoor maintenance. Organize your garden tools, seeds, and watering equipment. Keep them in a designated space, like a garden shed or garage, where they’re easily accessible.

Quick Tips:

• Prepare a “Vacation Checklist” with all essentials to avoid last-minute packing stress.

• Use labeled bins or bags for smaller items like balls, helmets, and picnic supplies to avoid searching through a pile of gear.

• Use a tiered rolling cart to store garden supplies and move it around the yard as you work.

Kitchen and Pantry Refresh

Summer often means lighter meals and more fresh produce. Organize your kitchen and pantry to accommodate the season’s bounty:

• Fridge and Freezer: Clear out old items from the fridge and freezer to make room for fresh fruits, vegetables, and summer treats like ice cream and popsicles. Organize food in clear containers to make it easy to see what you have.

• Pantry Staples: Stock up on summer pantry essentials like pasta, canned beans, and grilling spices. Use airtight containers to keep ingredients fresh and organized. Create a dedicated shelf for picnic and barbecue supplies, like paper plates, napkins, and non-perishable snacks.

• Outdoor Dining: If you enjoy alfresco dining, create a summer dining kit. Include items like reusable plates, cups, and utensils, as well as napkins and outdoor-friendly serving dishes. Store them in a portable caddy for easy access and transport to your outdoor dining area.

Quick Tips:

• Use fridge bins and labels to create zones for snacks, meal prep ingredients, and beverages.

• Use tiered shelves or lazy Susans to maximize pantry space and keep frequently used items within reach.

• Keep a cooler bag in the kitchen for easy grab-and-go picnics or beach trips.

Wardrobe Transition for the Heat

Summer fashion calls for lighter, breathable fabrics and easy-to-wear pieces. Organize your wardrobe to make your summer dressing routine effortless:

• Swap Winter for Summer: Pack away bulky winter clothing and bring forward lighter summer attire. Store winter clothes in vacuum-sealed bags or bins to save space. Hang summer dresses, shorts, and tops for easy access.

• Footwear and Accessories: Store winter boots and shoes, and bring out summer footwear like sandals and sneakers. Organize accessories like hats, sunglasses, and lightweight scarves in designated baskets or drawer organizers.

• Beach and Swim Gear: Keep swimsuits, cover-ups, and beach accessories together in a dedicated drawer or basket. Use zip-lock bags to store small items like sunscreen, hair ties, and waterproof cases to keep them organized and ready for your next beach day.

Quick Tips:

• Use under-bed storage bins for off-season clothes to free up closet space.

• Use a hanging shoe organizer on the back of your closet door to keep summer footwear neat and accessible.

• Prepare a “Beach Bag” that stays packed with essentials, so you’re always ready for a spontaneous day by the water.

Start Your Summer Organizing Journey!

Summer is a time for relaxation, fun, and making memories. By taking the time to organize your home and outdoor spaces, you can create a stress-free environment that allows you to fully embrace the season. From decluttering indoor areas to setting up outdoor living spaces and organizing for summer activities, these tips will help you create a summer-ready home that you’ll love spending time in.