A Midsummer Night’s Organizing
Don’t forget your floppy hat and sunglasses when heading to the beach!
“It’s hot out there!”
“It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.”
“You can fry an egg on the sidewalk.”
Those cliches are cliches for a reason. Not much else to say about the summer heat other than these tried and true.
Think about using these dog days of summer to organize everything you need for a day in the sun.
Going to the beach?
If shore excursions are a regular event in your house, keep a bag packed with the essentials:
Fill a ziploc bag with sunscreen, mosquito repellant, and after-bite solution.
Pack floppy hats for every family member, as well as sunglasses, and water shoes.
If children will be in tow, pack a separate tote with a mesh bottom filled with sand toys, pails, and shovels. Shake it out when play is done to minimize sand in the car.
A picnic basket that has disposable plates, cups, napkins, and utensils makes beach eating easy. Just restock it when you get home and you’ll be ready to go.
Having the family over for a barbecue?
Keep all the grilling tools together. Consider using a bucket or a pail if yours did not come in a box.
Use a wire brush to clean the grill while it is still hot to get rid of burnt-on food.
Consider spraying the backyard for mosquitoes before guests arrive. You can contract with exterminators to keep your yard pest free all summer.
Keep forks, knives, and spoons in a pretty caddy that can sit right on the table.
How does your garden grow?
A lush summer garden filled with fruits and vegetables is a true warm-weather joy and a thing of beauty. It can also be a well-organized haven!
If you have a garden shed, make use of the walls and even the ceiling to hang tools. Hang your shovels and other long-handled tools on a rack. You can buy one at Home Depot or Lowes, or make one easily from an old pallet.
Shelving is your friend! Both free-standing units and those affixed to the walls can make a big difference in how organized everything is. You might even consider repurposing old cabinets from a kitchen remodel to use in your shed.
Use clear bins to organize seeds and smaller items.
Create a tool silhouette. Once you have hung all your tools on a pegboard, trace their outline so you know if an item is missing. When items are put back in their appropriate space, they are easier to find the next time you need them.
Get a reel for your garden hose.
On the road again?
There’s nothing like exploring the country on a summer road trip.
Buy or make an organizer for the back of the seats. The roomy pockets can hold everything from toys, a first-aid kit, snacks, drinks, cards, writing implements, sunscreen, and more.
We know to pack lots of snacks; put them in individual-sized Ziploc bags for easy grabbing.
Pack plastic bags for wet or soiled items.
Amazon sells devices that will allow you to charge multiple devices — phones, iPads, AirPods, etc. — with one car lighter or USB port. This can be a lifesaver!
Whether your time is spent on the road, or at home on a “staycation,” these tips for organizing are sure to take stress out of your summer days. No matter what you do, don’t forget the sunscreen!