Calm the Chaos: How to Prep Your Entryway for a Beautiful Summer

Ah, summer. Is there anything better? The long, sunny days, the happy exhaustion after an afternoon at the pool, the sound of kids laughing in the backyard. It’s truly the best.

But if you’re anything like me, you know that summer also brings its own special kind of chaos. Suddenly, the spot where winter boots used to live is now a mountain of sandy flip-flops, half-empty water bottles, and discarded sun hats. Your once-organized entryway has become a dumping ground for pool noodles and damp towels.

Getting that beautiful, functional entryway back doesn’t require a major overhaul. It just requires a little reset. Before the summer fun really kicks into high gear, let’s spend a little time getting this hardworking space ready. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

Here are a few simple tips to make your mudroom work for you all summer long.

1. The Great Winter Migration

First things first. It’s time to say “see you later” to all that winter gear. I know, it’s one more thing on the to-do list, but let’s just get it done. Gather up all the heavy coats, snow pants, woolly hats, and mismatched gloves. Find them a new home for the season, whether it’s a bin on a high shelf in the garage or the back of a coat closet. Clearing out that space is the single best thing you can do to instantly make your mudroom feel lighter, bigger, and ready for the new season.

2. Give Everything a Summer Home

Have you ever found yourself yelling, “Does anyone know where the sunscreen is?” ten minutes before you need to leave for the pool? (Asking for a friend, of course.) The secret to avoiding that last-minute scramble is to give everything a designated spot.

Think about what works for your family. For some of my clients, a “grab-and-go” bag for each family member on a dedicated hook is a game-changer. Pack it with their towel, bathing suit, and water shoes, so they can just grab it and head out the door. For others, categorized bins work better: one for all the sunscreens and bug sprays, one for goggles, one for sand toys, etc. There’s no wrong answer—it’s about finding a system that makes your life easier.

3. Baskets Are Your Best Friend

Baskets are a designer’s secret weapon, and for good reason! They are the easiest way to hide visual clutter while keeping things organized. And you don’t have to sacrifice style for function. Look for beautiful, durable options like woven seagrass or sturdy canvas bins. They can corral all those small, awkward items—goggles, small pool toys, chalk—and instantly make a shelf look chic and intentional.

4. The Magic of a Good Hook

Getting things off the floor is a constant battle in a family home. That’s why hooks are non-negotiable in a hardworking mudroom. Use them for everything: wet towels, beach bags, sun hats, tote bags for the farmer’s market. It’s amazing how much calmer a space feels when the floor is clear. If you’re short on wall space, don’t forget about an over-the-door organizer! It’s a brilliant, out-of-the-way spot for stashing sunglasses, flip-flops, and all those little odds and ends.

5. Find a Mat That Does the Work

Finally, let’s talk about the first line of defense against summer grime: the doormat. Sand has a way of getting everywhere. A great mat is a must-have for catching that dirt, sand, and grass before it gets tracked through your beautiful home. Look for something durable and easy to clean, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring! There are so many stylish and hard-working options out there that can add a little touch of personality to your entryway.

And that’s it! It’s not about achieving perfection. It’s about creating a little more ease in your day so you can spend less time searching for lost goggles and more time making those precious summer memories.

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What’s your go-to trick for keeping your mudroom organized in the summer? I’d love to hear it in the comments below!

For more mudroom tips, click here.