Tidy Up Tuesday

Written By Kacey Barmoy

Organize Your Summer Supplies for a Season of Fun

Summer is here and with it comes sunscreen, beach towels, pool toys, bug spray, and about a dozen pairs of flip-flops. Without a system in place, these items can quickly take over your home, car, and sanity. Whether you’re heading to the beach, planning backyard barbecues, or just trying to keep the kids entertained, organizing your summer supplies can make a world of difference.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to getting summer-ready with smart, simple organizing tips:

1. Create a Summer Station

Designate a space in your home (entryway, garage, mudroom, or closet) to serve as your go-to summer hub.

Stock it with:

  • Sunscreen and bug spray

  • Sunglasses and hats

  • Beach towels

  • Flip-flops or water shoes

  • Reusable water bottles

*Use bins, baskets, or wall hooks to keep everything accessible but tidy. Label containers if you share the space with kids or multiple family members.

2. Prep the Pool & Beach Gear

Pool and beach days are way more relaxing when you’re not digging through a pile of damp towels and tangled goggles.

Pool/Beach tote checklist:

  • Waterproof sunscreen pouch

  • Pre-packed towel and suit for each family member

  • Mesh bag for wet items

  • Toys and floats in a large labeled bin

  • Keep a separate bag just for snacks, wipes, and backup clothes

*Hang pool noodles and life jackets on garage hooks to free up floor space.

3. Organize Outdoor Toys & Games

From sidewalk chalk to soccer balls, outdoor play items deserve their own system.

Outdoor storage ideas:

  • Large plastic bins or deck boxes for balls, bats, and frisbees

  • A hanging shoe organizer for bubbles, chalk, and water guns

  • Label each bin with a category so kids know where to put things back

*Rotate toys every couple of weeks to keep things feeling fresh and exciting.

4. Stock the Car for Spontaneous Fun

Summer is full of spontaneous adventures so make sure your car is ready for them!

Keep in your trunk:

  • A collapsible bin with towels, sunscreen, and hats

  • A small cooler bag for snacks

  • Baby wipes and hand sanitizer

  • Extra flip-flops, a swimsuit, or a change of clothes for each kid

  • A mini first-aid kit and reusable shopping bags

5. Get Grilling-Ready

Make outdoor meals stress-free by organizing your barbecue gear and picnic essentials.

Grill zone checklist:

  • Clean and prep grill tools. Store them in a caddy or hanging organizer.

  • Keep paper plates, napkins, plasticware, and condiments in a lidded bin nearby

  • Refill propane or charcoal ahead of time

6. Set Up a Summer Craft & Activity Bin

On rainy days or when it’s just too hot, a well-stocked indoor activity bin is a lifesaver.

Include:

  • Art supplies (crayons, markers, paper, glue)

  • Puzzle books, stickers, and craft kits

  • Board games or card decks

  • DIY science or sensory kits

*Rotate contents every few weeks to keep boredom at bay.

A little organization now can save you from summer stress later. With your summer supplies sorted and ready to go, you’ll spend less time searching for things and more time soaking up the sun. So grab your bins, label maker, and some iced tea and get your home summer-ready today!

Kacey Barmoy
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