Summer Organization 101
If you’ve been around here for any length of time, you know that summer is my absolute favorite season! From the sunshine to the impromptu beach days to gooey s’mores shared around a campfire - what’s not to love?!
Now that school is out and the days are longer, you might find your summer feeling a bit chaotic with routines flying out the window. But it’s actually the perfect time to get all of your summer essentials ready and organized! By doing so, you can enjoy everything this season offers without wasting valuable time and energy.
Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to help you get summer-ready and make the most of these sunny days!
3 Road Trip Essentials
1. Snack Bin
My kids can’t be the only ones who are ‘starving’ the moment they get in the car, right?? After dealing with one too many hangry meltdowns, I’ve officially installed a snack bin in the car! Whether it’s a big road trip adventure or just shuttling to and from summer camp, having a stash of snacks on hand is always a lifesaver! Fill it with water bottles, juice pouches or sports drinks, and your kids’ favorite snacks.
2. Summer Essentials Bag
Summertime is all about those unexpected adventures that make the best memories! From spontaneous beach days to sunny picnics at the park, you never know where the season will take you. Keep a car bag packed with all of your summer essentials, so you’re ready for any adventure that sparks! This bin can include…
Sunscreen & Bug Spray
Snacks & Water Bottles
Towels
Hats
Sunglasses
A First Aid Kit
An Umbrella
A Picnic Blanket
Swimsuits
3. Back of the Seat Organizer
I don't know about you, but arguably, the most important part of a road trip is keeping your kids happy and occupied in the back seat. The good news is this car organizer is going to be your saving grace! It hooks onto the back of your seat to give your kids easy access to whatever they need.
It can hold all the essentials:
• Toys
• Snacks
• Books
• Stickers
• iPad
• ...and MORE!
Easy Access to Your Summer Supplies
S’mores Snackle Box
Are you in charge of s’mores for this years 4th of July campfire? Create a fun S’mores Snackle Box! This not only keeps your marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers contained and organized, but it gives everyone the ability to play around with whatever s’mores fixings they want!
PRO TIP: Try creating a s’more with cookies instead of graham crackers…you can thank me later 😉
Summer Supplies Caddy
Let me introduce you to what might be my favorite summer hack - the caddy. This portable storage organizer is a game-changer! It contains everything you need all in one place, and you can bring it with you wherever you go.
Here are a few of my favorite caddies that I always have on hand during the summertime:
Swim Caddy (sunscreen, goggles, hats, sunglasses)
S’mores Caddy (graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate bars, roasting sticks, napkins)
Camping Caddy (bug spray, sunscreen, lighters, flashlights)
Picnic Caddy (paper plates, disposable utensils, napkins, plastic cups)
Garage Hacks
Deck Box
Is your garage bursting at the seams? A deck box may be just what you need! Not only are outdoor deck boxes and small sheds affordable, but they also free up valuable garage space and keep all your outdoor essentials closer to where they are used! I love to store my most-used outdoor items such as gardening supplies, dog toys, and sprinklers/hoses in my deck box so I have easy access to them whenever I’m outside!
PRO TIP: To avoid digging around for certain items, keep labeled multipurpose bins inside to keep everything organized!
Here’s an Instagram Reel I filmed recently, sharing my deck box setup.
Bike Storage
My favorite way to teach my kids organization skills is making it easy for them to put their toys and gear away. And if your kids are avid bike riders like mine, you’ve probably fallen victim to tripping on one too many bikes thrown on the garage floor!
To simplify their lives (and save my toes!), I added a roll-in storage rack to our garage that allows my kids to easily manage their bikes on their own, and provides them with the proper storage they need for their gloves and helmets. Now, instead of a chaotic jumble of bikes and gear scattered everywhere, we've got an efficient system that not only keeps our garage clear, but teaches the kids organization skills and responsibility!
Organizing Your Summer Accessories
3 Ways to Store Sunglasses
I’ve lost my fair share of sunglasses, and if this is you too, chances are you haven’t found an efficient way to store them!
Here are 3 solutions to help you stay organized and keep track of each pair:
Keep all of your frequently used accessories (sunglasses, hats, wallets, etc.) in one place by storing them together on a rolling cart. This way, everything is easy to grab when you’re heading out the door!
Store your sunglasses in a turntable (organized by color, of course)!
If you're a sunglasses connoisseur, try adding some acrylic organizers to a drawer to keep each pair separated.
Swimsuit Organization
Whether you’re packing your pool bag or your suitcase, don't waste time digging through your swimsuit drawer! We love using these STAK Bins that include removable dividers, keeping matching tops and bottoms together. They fit nicely in most dresser drawers, allowing you to have organized drawers AND easy access to your swimsuits!
Here’s to an organized summer filled with the best memories! What are your favorite summertime hacks that keep you organized and allow you to fully enjoy the season?