It’s Summer (yasssss) and that means lots of outdoor activities. To be properly prepared for each requires just a little bit of planning, and that little bit of planning can make all the difference in creating your picture perfect summer. We’re sharing some of our favorite Summer Organizing Tips to get you ready for the grill, the beach, road trips and picnics. Enjoy!
BBQ/Picnic Supplies
Create a caddy for BBQ supplies so you’re not rummaging through your kitchen cabinets everytime you want to eat outside. Pick a caddy that holds silverware, napkins, plates, condiments, etc.
•Target: Thirstystone Galvanized Steel Silverware Caddy
•Williams Sonoma: White Hapao Flatware Caddy
Grilling Tools
Grilling tools are cumbersome and shouldn’t take up prime real estate in the kitchen. Try storing them in a long lidded container, hang them on the grill using a rack or if you have room, get a weatherproof prep cart to store all BBQ supplies.
If you travel to BBQ… Camping Tool Organizer
If you have a grill… Grillinator BBQ Tool Rack
If you have the space…. Keter Unity Indoor Outdoor BBQ Entertainment Storage Table/Prep Station
Charcoal Storage
Keep charcoal in a galvanized trash can to ensure it stays dry. Side Note: We use this for Bird Seed too (not the same can…)
Amazon: Galvanized Steel Trash Can
Car Organization
You’re most likely living out of your car during the summer months - traveling to parks, hiking, picnics, impromptu pool parties, etc. Keep a bag of essentials in your car to avoid packing each time you leave the house. We like bags with structure so they stand up - Scout Bags are super durable, multifunctional and come in fun prints. For specific trunk organizers try a solution with straps to keep secure.
Amazon: SCOUT BAG, Large Utility Tote Bag with 4 Exterior Pockets and Max-Capacity Zipper
Amazon: Drive Auto Products Car Trunk Organizer Storage with Straps
Picnic Supplies
Having a picnic in the park or tailgating at a concert can be a lot of work gathering all the supplies. Pack a picnic supply kit in the beginning of the season and keep it on hand so all you need to do is pack food! We use Scout bags because we love our multifunctional they are (see link above). Mark & Graham has a smart design - three sections, collapsible and has a removable cooler.
Mark & Graham: Calistoga 2-in-1 Car Organizer, Thick Navy Stripe
Don’t forget to pack:
Picnic blanket
Frisbee / Lawn games
Playing cards
Bug spray and SPF
Reusable bottles, cutlery, napkins, plates, etc.
Bottle opener
First-aid kit
Baby wipes/ wet naps / antibacterial spray
Beach Towels
Bathing Suits
Sweatshirt
The Refrigerator
This one may not be as obvious, but with kids in and out of the refrigerator, more entertaining and (hopefully) a plentiful bounty from the backyard garden, the refrigerator can get a little chaotic.
While rainbow sorted refrigerators are gorgeous, they don’t work for many households. A quick fix - keep everything in glass containers and jars so everything is visible. Kids snacks should be contained in a drawer or area of the refrigerator so the don’t have to spend time rummaging around. We like to keep items corralled in bins and drawers lined for easy clean-up.
The Container Store: InterDesign Linus fridge bins (in various sizes).
If you’re avoiding plastic of any kind (good for you), try using baskets instead.