Don't panic. You're not alone. We're here to help.
It's inevitable. Summer is not unlike other seasons. As temperatures change, our activities change and along with that...more stuff! And with more stuff come more organizational issues. What to do with the swim floaties, outdoor cushions, and garden hose? What to do with all those (sigh) toys, toys, toys? Don't sweat it. If you don't have a garage (or do and would actually enjoy parking in it once in a while), we've got ideas to help you keep your cool this summer, especially if you manage to wrangle others into storing everything in its proper place. From crafty to designer chic, you'll love these solutions to the most common summer storage problems.
Shed Up
If you have a garden shed, chances are it's stuffed with all things...well, garden. Space permitting, investing in an additional shed can house your summer stuff, like bicycles, rollerblades, bats and balls. This double-door shed even has built-in shelving!
Deck for Cover
A deck box is a perfect solution in so many spaces. Need a place right in the pool area to stash the floaties, noodles, beach balls, and goggles? This one hides a slew of pool paraphenalia.
How about a dual function spot to store toys and sit and watch your little ones play? This stylish storage bench would look fantastic sitting right on your front lawn. Toys on your front lawn never looked so good.
By Hook or By Crook
Use what you've got. Attach hooks to fences and rig up instant organization. Great for cumbersome pool supplies like a vacuum, hose, and skimmer, these hooks keep your pool area safe. No more tripping!
Cute and creative for toys, use hooks to attach milk crates or other bins to fencing. Customize crates by choosing an individualized color for each child. We can't guarantee they won't argue over the toys, but there'll be no question whose bin is whose!
Entertaining Style
Need a little more space for your outdoor entertaining needs? Think napkins, serving trays, pitchers (yum). Consider a sideboard suitable for the elements.
Photo: Home Portfolio
See? No need to panic. You have options. Got some other creative outdoor organizing ideas you'd like to share? Please post a comment and let us know!
Posts
Great ideas!
ReplyDeleteWe all seem to collect more stuff!! Great storage ideas.
ReplyDeleteI hope you will join my designer Giveaway from Pillow Mint!
Karena
Art by Karena
Seeing the chests on this blog it reminded me of something.
ReplyDeleteAs our children got older and the toys decreased, I took their toy chests and used them on the porch to store charcoal, sporting supplies, etc. It was a great way to get organized, save money, and recycle at the same time.
I'm all for that Karen. I grew up as one of the youngest of many, many siblings so I was raised with the concept of "waste not, want not".
ReplyDeleteWell this is a good topic. I have to get organized big time! However, since we relocated our store, I am feeling real good about it. We had been in our previous location for 16 years and when we moved, I decided to get rid of things that weren't needed and the things we brought, were neatly organized. It helps to have a large storage room and hubby built shelves for pillows, foam, and hardware.
ReplyDeleteOver the years, I've found it is not so much about organizing; it is about controlling the amount of stuff you have.
ReplyDeleteI'm finally at the point where I feel my level of stuff is under control; therefor it is easy to be organized.
There is definitely truth to that Angie. I think many spend the 20's and 40's collecting and 50's and 60's letting go. If we could keep this in mind through all the years, yes, you are right, things would be more manageable.
ReplyDelete