summer — Tidy Tips from Professional Organizers

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

Calistoga 2-in-1 Car Organizer, Thick Navy Stripe.png

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.

Tidy Nest Featured Press: 7 Things To Declutter Before Summer Starts– For A Stress-Free, Organized Space (Homes & Gardens)

Summer Organizing Tips