Summer can’t come fast enough! But with all the extra activities comes the challenge of keeping track of everything you need. The solution? Creating dedicated summer zones throughout your home that make grabbing essentials a breeze. We’ve outlined five zones with simple guides that might just transform your summer.
The Sun + Bug Zone: Your First Line of Defense
Never leave the house unprotected again! With all the essentials stored right where you need them, you’ll always remember the SPF.
- Location: Mudroom or drop-zone cabinet near your most common exit
- Product: Divided Perforated Basket or Acacia Turntable
- Contents:
- Sunscreen for face and body
- Bug spray (family-friendly and heavy-duty versions)
- Aloe vera gel for those inevitable sunburns
- Bug bite relief sticks
- Optional: Bug repellent stickers and bracelets
The Beach + Pool Bag: Grab, Go and Take a Dip
Make it simple to head out the door on hot summer days by filling a bag with everything you need for the beach and pool.
- Location: Coat closet, mudroom or garage shelf
- Product: Oversized bag plus interior pouches as needed or Oxford Bins
- Contents:
- Packable towels
- Sunscreen and chapstick (yes, keep extras here too!)
- Goggles and other water or sand toys
- Hand sanitizer
- Waterproof phone case
- Optional: Travel air pump for floaties, bluetooth speaker
The Car Trunk Zone: Mobile Command Center
Save yourself from forgotten essentials and streamline your on-the-go lifestyle with an organized car trunk that puts everything at your fingertips.
- Location: Rear trunk or cargo area of your vehicle
- Product: Collapsible Organizer with Dividers
- Contents:
- Sunscreen and bug spray (we like to keep them everywhere)
- Reusable shopping bags (folded neatly)
- Picnic blanket
- Sports gear essentials (balls, frisbee, etc.)
- First aid kit
- Small umbrella
- Extra hat and lightweight jacket
The S'mores Kit: Ready for Fireside Magic
This might seem like a luxury zone, but anyone who's had to hunt down s'mores supplies while guests wait around the fire knows it's actually essential!
- Location: Kitchen or pantry cupboard nearest the exit to your fire pit
- Product: Lightweight Grid or Rattan Basket
- Contents:
- Graham crackers (in sealed containers to prevent moisture)
- Chocolate bars
- Marshmallows
- Roasting sticks
- Wet wipes for sticky fingers
- Optional: Creative additions like peanut butter cups or cookies
The Al Fresco Dining Zone: Mealtime Made Simple
The beauty of this zone is that it makes impromptu outdoor meals much more likely when you don't have to gather supplies from all over the kitchen.
- Location: Kitchen or pantry cupboard nearest the exit to your outdoor dining table
- Product: Grid Basket
- Contents:
- Melamine plates and bowls
- Durable glasses and cups
- Flatware caddy
- Cloth napkins in washable fabrics
- Non-perishable condiments
The magic of summer zones is that they reduce decision fatigue and streamline your summer activities. Rather than thinking through what you need every single time you head out the door, you've already done the planning once. So you can spend more time enjoying summer and less time preparing for it.
GET THE LOOK
Rattan Basket
Acacia Turntable
Oxford Bin
Grid Basket
xx,
The NEAT team
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