Sizzlin’ Summer Organization
The longest day of the year has come and gone, but there’s a lot of summer left. As the temperatures rise, summer brings a unique set of challenges and opportunities for staying organized. Whether you’re hosting a backyard pool party, heading to the lake, or simply trying to keep your home tidy amidst the hustle and bustle of summer activities, these five organizing tips will help you maintain order and enjoy the season to the fullest.
1. Use Hooks
Summer often means frequent trips to the pool, lake, or sprinkler, resulting in wet swimsuits and towels that need a place to dry. Instead of draping them over furniture or leaving them in a heap, install hooks in strategic locations. Use outdoor hooks by the pool or on the back of bathroom doors to hang swimsuits and towels. This not only keeps them dry and ready for the next use but also prevents them from creating a soggy mess on your floors or furniture. Suction cup hooks in the bathtub keep drips of your floor, too. Hooks are great for so many things, and I’ll suggest them every season of the year, but the season with the most soggy textiles definitely calls for more hooks! An outdoor clothesline works great, too.
2. Corral Like Items Together
Summer activities can lead to an explosion of items around your home. Keeping similar items together in baskets, bins, or even on plates helps maintain order. For example, designate a basket for sunscreen and bug spray by the door. Keep sunglasses and hats in a basket for easy access. Use a bin for outdoor toys like frisbees and water balloons, ensuring they’re always within reach but not scattered across the yard.
3. Create a Dedicated Outdoor Station
Set up a dedicated outdoor station for all your summer fun essentials. A small shelving unit or a storage bench near your patio or backyard can hold everything from gardening tools to picnic blankets. This keeps your outdoor space organized and ensures that everything you need is easily accessible. Add labeled bins or baskets to further organize smaller items and prevent clutter from accumulating. Plastic tubs with a well-sealing top can withstand weather and keep everything dry but handy.
4. Catch the Shoes
With more outdoor activities, there’s a higher chance of bringing dirt and sand into your home. Create a shoe-collecting zone at your entrance by placing a shoe rack or tray where family members and guests can leave their footwear. The boot tray you use for snowy winter boots can serve double duty here! This simple step can significantly reduce the amount of dirt tracked inside, keeping your floors cleaner and reducing the need for constant sweeping or vacuuming. Bonus tip: keep a pair of all weather yard shoes right outside the back door for those quick trips to the garden or garbage can so you can always have a pair handy and not track that mud inside.
5. Rotate Seasonal Items
Summer is the perfect time to rotate seasonal items and make space for the things you’ll be using most. Store away heavy winter clothing, boots, and blankets, and bring out your summer wardrobe, beach gear, and lighter linens. The things that live in or near your entryway should serve you for the current season. Use vacuum-sealed bags or labeled bins to store off-season items in an attic, basement, or closet. This not only frees up space but also makes it easier to find what you need when you need it.
Be the Boss of Your Summer
Staying organized during the busy summer months doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By implementing these simple tips—using hooks for swimsuits and towels, corralling like items, creating a dedicated outdoor station, maintaining a shoe-free zone, and rotating seasonal items—you can keep your home tidy and enjoy all the fun and relaxation that summer has to offer. Happy organizing!
Oh hey there!
I’m Ashley, and I love my job as a professional home organizer in Jamestown, ND. I help people clear clutter and get their homes organized. Judgement is not included in my services! No matter your starting point, we can declutter, organize and set you up in a space that works for you. We’ll work together and when I leave, you’ll have the systems to keep it up.
Click HERE to schedule a complimentary consultation to chat about how I can help you be the boss of your stuff.
