Organizing Your Summer Home
Tips for Simple Systems, Long-Term Benefits, and Creating Lasting Organization
Summer homes are a place for relaxation, family gatherings, and making memories, but without organization, they can quickly turn into chaotic spaces filled with mismatched items, clutter, and disarray. A well-organized summer home allows you to enjoy the time spent there fully—whether it's a cozy cottage by the lake, a beach house, or a cabin in the mountains. The key is to create simple, sustainable systems that make transitioning between your main home and your summer retreat easy and efficient while ensuring everything stays in its place throughout the season.
In this post, we’ll share tips for organizing your summer home. These include the benefits of an organized space, setting up simple systems for transferring items, and how to create long-lasting organization solutions that work year after year.
Benefits of Organizing Your Summer Home
An organized summer home brings a range of benefits that will enhance your experience, both during the move-in process and throughout your time spent there:
Less Stress: Knowing exactly where everything is when you arrive at your summer home reduces the stress of unpacking. When things are stored properly and easily accessible, you can settle in quickly without spending time looking for essentials.
Increased Enjoyment: A clutter-free space means a more relaxed environment. With everything in its place, you won’t waste time searching for lost items or dealing with disorganization. Instead, you can focus on enjoying your time in your summer home—whether relaxing with a good book, hosting a family BBQ, or enjoying the outdoors.
More Efficient Space Utilization: A well-organized summer home uses space more efficiently, allowing you to make the most of every nook and cranny. Thoughtful storage solutions, such as under-bed storage, closet organizers, and vertical shelving, will help you maximize space while keeping things neat.
Easy Maintenance: Keeping your summer home clean and tidy is much easier when everything is organized and labeled. You’ll spend less time picking up clutter and more time enjoying the space.
Simple Systems for Transferring Items to Your Summer Home
One of the challenges of maintaining a summer home is the seasonal transition. Every year, you’ll need to move items back and forth, which can become overwhelming if there’s no system in place. Here are some tips for transferring your essentials without the hassle:
Create a Master Checklist: Create a checklist of everything you'll need for your summer home, from linens and towels to beach toys, kitchen essentials, and outdoor gear. Having a list of all the necessary items will prevent last-minute packing and the dreaded “I forgot something” moment. This will also help streamline the packing process each year.
Designate Containers for Seasonal Items: Use large, clear plastic bins or storage totes to group seasonal items. For example, create a bin specifically for beach gear, one for outdoor furniture cushions, and another for winter clothing or sports equipment. Label each container clearly with what’s inside so everything is easy to find and store.
Pack Items in Stages: Instead of attempting to pack everything in one weekend, break down the packing process into stages. For example, one weekend, focus on gathering all the linens and towels; the next, tackle kitchen essentials, and so on. This spreads out the work and prevents the task from feeling overwhelming.
Use Vacuum-Seal Bags for Clothing: Clothing and extra bedding can take up a lot of space, especially when packing for a whole season. To reduce their volume and make packing easier, use vacuum-seal storage bags. These bags work wonders for seasonal clothing and help you fit more into smaller spaces.
A clear, structured system for transferring items between your main home and summer retreat will save time and reduce stress each year.
Creating Systems That Last Year to Year
The goal of organizing your summer home is to create systems that work now and continue to function smoothly year after year. Here’s how to build systems that stand the test of time:
Invest in Durable Storage Solutions: Quality storage is the backbone of any lasting organizational system. Invest in sturdy storage bins, baskets, and shelving units that can withstand the seasonal wear and tear of being moved back and forth between your main home and your summer house. Opt for clear containers so you can easily see the contents, and make sure labels are waterproof or easily replaceable.
Create a “Landing Zone” for Essentials: Set up a designated space near the entrance of your summer home for items that you use often or need to grab as you go (keys, sunscreen, hats, etc.). A small entryway table or basket can help keep these items organized and easily accessible so that clutter doesn't pile up in other areas of the house.
Establish a Routine for Seasonal Organization: Before you move items into your summer home each year, set aside time to declutter. Go through items left behind from the previous season, check for things that no longer serve a purpose, and either donate, discard, or store away the things you no longer need. This yearly ritual of sorting through your items will help keep things fresh and avoid accumulation over time.
Label Everything: Labeling your storage containers, drawers, and shelves helps ensure everything has a designated spot. Over time, you'll quickly identify where things belong and reduce the chances of misplacing them. If you transfer items year after year, it’s easy to forget what’s in each box, so take a few minutes to label everything for easy retrieval.
Make Use of Vertical Storage: Space can often be limited in a summer home. Maximize vertical space by adding shelves or wall-mounted hooks to store items like bikes, beach towels, or outdoor gear. These systems keep your floors clear and help maintain a tidy space.
Incorporate Multi-Use Furniture: Furniture that doubles as storage can save valuable space. For example, a coffee table with built-in drawers or a bench with storage underneath offers a hidden place for extra blankets, games, or pool towels while serving a functional purpose.
Plan for Regular Clean-Outs: At the end of each season, plan a quick organization session to ensure that things don’t pile up year after year. You’ll want to check if anything is broken, outdated, or no longer needed. This regular clean-out process keeps your systems organized and up-to-date for the next season.
Enjoy a Well-Organized Summer Home All Year Long
By setting up simple systems to transfer items, organizing for efficiency, and creating lasting storage solutions, you can ensure that your summer home remains a relaxing and clutter-free retreat year after year. Whether through thoughtful packing and labeling or investing in durable storage solutions, creating organization systems in your summer home will help you maximize space and enjoy your time there to the fullest.
The key is to keep it simple, create systems that fit your lifestyle, and maintain consistency over time. An organized summer home allows you to spend more time doing what you love—relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the season—while making every trip effortless. Happy organizing!
