Summer brings sunshine, playtime and a whole pile of gear that can quickly overwhelm your space. Pool noodles sprawl across the garage, beach toys collect sand everywhere, and sports equipment seems to multiply overnight. The chaos can turn summer fun into frustration.
Getting organized doesn’t require complicated systems or expensive solutions. With a few clever hacks, you can corral the chaos and spend more time enjoying the season instead of hunting for missing flip-flops or sunscreen.
Mesh Hanging Organizers for Beach Toys
Transform your beach toy storage with inexpensive mesh hanging organizers. These breathable bags allow wet sand toys to dry while keeping them contained. Hang them in your garage or mudroom where air can circulate. The mesh material prevents mildew growth that often happens when damp items get trapped in solid containers.
Kids can easily see what’s inside and reach their favorite beach toys themselves. This promotes independence and makes cleanup easier after a day at the shore. Simply rinse sandy toys with a hose before dropping them into the mesh bags and everything dries in place.
Pool Noodle Garage Rack
Create a dedicated pool noodle storage system with PVC pipes mounted horizontally on garage walls. Cut PVC pipe to about 5 feet in length and secure it to wall studs using pipe straps. This creates the perfect tunnel for storing those awkwardly long and floppy noodles that otherwise get trampled.
The beauty of this system is that it gets pool noodles up off the floor and utilizes vertical wall space that typically goes unused. You can add multiple pipes at different heights to accommodate various sizes of pool toys and flotation devices. Each noodle slides easily into its own slot, preventing them from tangling together.
Labeled Sunscreen Station
Establish a dedicated sunscreen station using a plastic caddy with compartments. Designate spots for different SPF levels, face sticks, and after-sun care. Keep it by your door or in a shaded outdoor area for easy access before heading outside.
Adding labels makes it simple for family members to find exactly what they need without digging through a jumble of bottles. This organization prevents the all-too-common problem of discovering expired sunscreen halfway through summer. Check expiration dates when setting up your station and replace products as needed for proper sun protection.
Garden Hose Bicycle Cleaning Zone
Create a designated bike cleaning area near your garden hose connection. Mount an inexpensive bike stand and store cleaning supplies in a weatherproof container nearby. This dedicated zone makes post-ride maintenance quick and easy.
Keeping bikes clean extends their life and prevents grime from being tracked into your home. The consistent location also helps establish a routine for kids to rinse off their bikes after muddy adventures. Include a small brush set and eco-friendly cleaner in your supply container for thorough cleaning sessions.
Clear Shoe Organizers for Pool Supplies
Repurpose clear hanging shoe organizers for pool chemicals and supplies. Each pocket can hold testing strips, small toys, goggles, or sunscreen. The transparent pockets make it easy to see exactly what you have and what needs restocking.
Hang the organizer in your garage or pool shed where it stays dry but remains accessible. This system keeps potentially dangerous pool chemicals up high away from small children while maintaining visual inventory control. The pockets also work perfectly for storing inflator needles, patch kits, and other small items that typically get lost.
Sports Equipment Ball Bungee System
Tame your collection of sports balls with a simple bungee cord system. Secure bungee cords horizontally across a section of garage wall, creating flexible storage that holds balls of various sizes while allowing easy access. The slight tension keeps balls in place without requiring precise organization.
This system adapts throughout the season as your equipment needs change. Basketballs, soccer balls, and volleyballs all fit perfectly between the wall and bungee cords. For smaller balls like tennis balls or baseballs, use a mesh laundry bag hung from a hook nearby.
Pallet Garden Tool Organizer
Transform a wooden pallet into a vertical garden tool organizer by mounting it securely to an outdoor wall. The spaces between slats create perfect slots for rakes, shovels, and other long-handled tools that kids use for sandcastle building or backyard exploration.
Add hooks to the front of the pallet for hanging watering cans, garden gloves, or small hand tools. This accessible storage encourages children to put tools away properly after use. The rustic look of the pallet adds charm to your outdoor space while keeping essential items organized and off the ground.
Tackle Box Art Supply Caddy
Repurpose a fishing tackle box as a portable art supply caddy for outdoor creativity sessions. The multiple compartments perfectly fit crayons, markers, colored pencils, and small craft supplies. The secure latches prevent spills when moving between backyard and house.
Kids can easily carry their own supplies to the patio table or park bench for summer art projects. The built-in handle makes transportation simple even for young children. When closed, these boxes stack neatly on a shelf, taking up minimal storage space compared to bulkier art supply containers.
Hanging Wet Swimsuit Station
Create a dedicated spot for wet swimsuits using removable hooks and a plastic tub. Install several hooks on a fence near your pool or on your porch, labeling each with family members’ names. Place the tub underneath to catch drips and prevent puddles on your floor.
This simple system prevents wet suits from being tossed on furniture or floors. It also helps swimwear dry properly between uses, extending its life and preventing that musty smell that develops when suits stay damp too long. The plastic tub catches chlorine water that might otherwise damage your deck or patio.
Rolling Cooler Command Center
Transform an inexpensive rolling cooler into a mobile summer command center. Stock it with sunscreen, bug spray, first aid supplies, water bottles, and snacks. The insulated interior keeps drinks cool while the hard top provides a surface for applying sunscreen or bandaging minor scrapes.
The wheels make it easy to roll from garage to backyard or load into your car for outings. This centralized approach prevents the last-minute scramble to gather essentials before heading outside. Keep a laminated checklist attached to help kids remember what belongs inside when restocking.
Sandal and Flip-Flop Pegboard
Install a section of pegboard near your entryway and add hooks specifically for hanging summer footwear. Each family member can have their own row, eliminating the pile of mixed-up shoes that typically accumulates by the door. The airflow around hanging sandals helps them dry between wearings.
For children’s tiny flip-flops, use clothespins attached to the pegboard. Kids can easily clip their sandals together and hang them up, making this system suitable for even your youngest family members. The visual organization makes getting out the door quicker for pool days or beach trips.
Outdoor Toy Rotation Bins
Implement a toy rotation system using color-coded bins for outdoor toys. Divide summer toys into categories and store them in weather-resistant containers. Keep one bin accessible while storing others out of sight, then rotate weekly to maintain interest without overwhelming your yard.
This system prevents toy fatigue by making old toys seem new again when reintroduced. It also makes cleanup faster since there are fewer items to gather each day. Label bins clearly with pictures for non-readers so everyone can participate in maintaining organization.
PVC Pipe Sprinkler Storage
Build a custom sprinkler and water toy storage solution using large diameter PVC pipes mounted vertically in your garage or shed. Each pipe becomes a perfect holder for sprinklers, slip-and-slides, and other awkwardly shaped water toys that typically get tangled or crushed.
Cap the bottom of each pipe to catch any residual water that drips from toys as they dry. This vertical storage utilizes often-wasted space and keeps these seasonal items accessible but organized. The smooth interior of PVC pipe prevents damage to delicate sprinkler heads and water features.
Camping Gear Hanging System
Install ceiling hooks in your garage or storage area specifically for camping gear. Sleeping bags, tents, and tarps can hang in stuff sacks, freeing up valuable floor and shelf space. This elevation protects gear from moisture and pests while keeping it visible and accessible.
Use a simple numbering system to track what’s in each bag without having to take everything down. Small items like flashlights and utensils store neatly in clear labeled bins underneath. This organized approach makes packing for spontaneous summer camping trips much faster and less stressful.
Inflatable Pool Float Hanger
Create a specialized storage area for pool floats using large S-hooks on sturdy closet rods. Mount the rods securely to wall studs in your garage or pool house. Each float can be hung individually after drying, preventing the flat stacking that often leads to mildew and stuck-together plastic.
This hanging method extends the life of expensive pool floats by allowing air circulation on all sides. It also makes it easy to see your entire collection when choosing what to bring to the pool. For smaller inflatables, use a mesh laundry bag hung from one of the hooks.
Summer Fun Without the Chaos
Implementing even a few of these organizing solutions can dramatically reduce summer clutter and frustration. The best systems are those that family members can easily maintain themselves. When everything has a dedicated place, cleanup becomes part of the routine rather than a dreaded chore.
The real benefit goes beyond tidy spaces. When you’re not constantly hunting for missing goggles or untangling jump ropes, you have more time for actual summer fun. Try starting with just one or two of these hacks that address your biggest pain points. Small organizational changes can make a huge difference in your summer enjoyment.
We sometimes include affiliate links and curated AI content to highlight top design styles.
