Summer has a rhythm all its own—longer days, lighter schedules, spontaneous outings, and plenty of gear to keep it all going. Whether you’re spending time poolside, heading to the beach, or playing catch in the yard, having your seasonal items easy to find (and return) sets the tempo for an easy, breezy summer. To help you get ready for the fun ahead, we’ve curated our best strategies for organizing your summer gear.
Let’s go!
1. Create a “Grab & Go” Zone
Designate a space near your most-used exit—whether it’s the garage, mudroom, or entryway—as a command center for summer essentials.
This area becomes your go-to launch pad, keeping frequently used items ready at hand. Use open shelving, wall hooks, or labeled baskets to give everything a designated home.
2. Use Open Bins
Open bins make it easy for everyone in the family to see what they need and put things back without fuss. Pair them with open shelves to keep things neat, visible, and in tune with your daily flow.
Try organizing by category:
- Beach & Pool – Towels, sunscreen, goggles, beach chairs
- Sporting Gear – Balls, helmets, cleats
- Golf Equipment – Clubs, visors, gloves
- Bike Gear – Helmets, locks, pumps, and water bottles
Use clear bins for small items and deeper baskets for bulky gear. Label everything—clarity is key to maintaining order all season long.
3. Corral the Sandy Stuff
Sand has a way of sneaking into every corner. Set aside a specific bin just for sandy gear—like beach toys, chairs, and boogie boards. Keep a hand broom or brush nearby to sweep off shoes and gear before they head inside. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference.
4. Rack ‘Em Up
If bikes or surfboards are part of your family’s summer fun, store them where they’re easy to grab—but not in the way.
- Use wall-mounted racks or floor stands to keep bikes and boards upright and accessible.
- Hang helmets, wetsuits and accessories nearby on hooks or a slatwall.
- Keep bike pumps, water bottles and towels within reach so everything flows smoothly when it’s time to roll.
5. Think Vertical
When floor space is limited, look up. Wall hooks, pegboards, and vertical racks are great tools for organizing. Slatwalls are another smart solution—especially in garages or utility zones.
Daniel Castro, a lead organizer at Cary Prince Organizing, shares:
“When organizing a client’s garage, I love installing slatwalls. They can hold literally anything and free up so much floor space. Clients love them.” –Daniel Castro
Using vertical space not only keeps your gear in place—it also creates more breathing room for everyday movement.
6. Form Meets Function
We love organizing solutions that are both practical and beautiful. Some of our favorite stylish-yet-functional storage pieces include:
(clockwise from top left)
- The Rope & Co. Basket – Perfect for wet things — it’s mold and mildew resistant
- Williams Sonoma Teak Trunk – Add a cushion and it doubles as a bench
- Loll Slider Cabinet – Outdoor storage that looks great? Yes, please!
- Mustard Made Locker & Bins – Bring a pop of color to your drop zone
- Pottery Barn Malibu Outdoor Storage Trunk – Tucks away floaties, pillows and toys in style
- Target Wave Wire Basket – We love the wavy detail on this practical catchall
These pieces do more than store—they elevate your space and bring visual harmony to high-traffic zones.
Get Ready for a Season That Flows
With systems that make sense and items stored in tune with your routines, your summer can unfold with more freedom and more fun. When everything is in its place—and that place feels good to come back to—summer just flows.
We hope these tips bring a little more lightness, order, and joy to your days ahead. And if you’d like a partner in creating a space that works beautifully for your lifestyle, we’re always here to help.
Please note: Some of the products featured by Cary Prince Organizing include affiliate links that earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only feature products we genuinely love, use, and want to share. All opinions expressed are our own.
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