Summer Fun, Safely Stored!
By: Pari Pariwala of Sterilite Corporation
Here comes the sun! And with it the promise of beach trips, backyard barbecues, hikes, pool days, and spontaneous summer fun. Alongside all that activity comes the challenge many homeowners know too well: where to put everything. From pool toys and garden gear to extra clothes and blankets, summer gear tends to pile up fast. That’s where smart summer storage solutions become a life- and home-saver.
Durable storage bins like the 12, 18, and 26 gallon sizes from our Latch & Carry line offer simple, flexible ways to keep outdoor items, seasonal clothes, and household gear neatly stored until you need them again.
Why Summer Storage Matters
When the seasons shift, so do our storage needs. Summer brings beach days, pool time, gardening tools, outdoor furniture—and that often means more stuff than your closets, garage, or attic can handle. With a thoughtful storage plan, you can keep your home organized and clutter-free, making your living spaces feel more open and functional.
Smart summer storage isn’t just about hiding items away. It’s about creating a system where everything has a place, stays protected, and can be found again when needed.
Check out Sterilite’s summer home organization tips below to get and keep your storage solutions right:
Choosing the Right Bin Size: Matching Storage to Your Needs
For bulky items: use the 26‑gallon bin
The 26-gallon size is ideal for bulky items that don’t fit elsewhere: think off‑season clothing, extra bedding, or oversized pool floats and garden tools. Its capacity and sturdy construction mean you can store more in a single bin, reducing clutter while keeping items protected from dust and moisture.
Before packing, take the time to fold or roll items like blankets or bulky clothes so they fit more compactly.
For medium-size gear: the 18‑gallon bin
The 18-gallon bin hits a sweet spot. It’s roomy enough for medium-sized gear but still easy to lift and move around. It’s great for items that tend to accumulate in transitional spaces like pool supplies, garden accessories, sports gear, craft supplies, or off‑season decorations. Use it to collect those stray items scattered around study rooms, patios, or attics and reclaim your living space before summer gets hectic.
For smaller items: the 12‑gallon bin does the trick
For smaller items, the 12-gallon bin is a practical choice. It works well for toys, games, pool accessories, sports gear, craft supplies—anything that needs a home but doesn’t take up much space. The clear base makes it easy to identify what’s inside without opening it, and secure latches keep lids tight so contents stay protected.
You can also use the 12-gallon bin as a catch-all seasonally. When sorting through the clutter, fill one bin with items to donate, one with items to store, and one with items to keep out for summer. This strategy helps prevent pileups and makes your home easier to maintain.
Because all three bin sizes share the same lid footprint, they stack securely, allowing you to build a neat, vertical storage system in your garage, closet, or storage room. This stacking ability can dramatically increase usable space and keep your home organized with minimal effort.
A good storage solution isn’t just about putting items away. It’s about creating a system that works for your lifestyle: items go in, stay safe, and are easy to find again—all without cluttering up your living spaces.
Additional Tips for Effective Summer Storage
In addition to choosing the right bin size, several other factors can help your summer storage efforts succeed—whether you’re storing gear for a few weeks or months.
- Clean and dry everything before storing. Moisture or dirt left on clothing, towels, or pool gear can lead to mildew, odors, or even damage.
- Label and categorize your bins, and sort items by type or use. For example, pool gear, gardening tools, seasonal clothes, kids’ toys. This makes retrieval easier and helps prevent duplicate purchases or misplacement.
- Use stackable containers to maximize space. Especially if storage space is limited (garage, attic, or closet), stacking bins vertically keeps the floor clear and makes use of vertical space.
- Store bedding, clothes, or fabric items in cool, dry areas. If possible, avoid storing them in damp attics or overly hot garages. Proper conditions help prevent mildew, fabric damage, and unpleasant odors.
- Rotate seasonal items. Keep this summer’s essentials easily accessible; place off-season items toward the back or on higher shelves. When seasons change, rotate the bins so the items you need now are front and center.
Bringing It All Together
A little planning with the right containers can turn chaos into calm. Whether you’re packing away pool toys, garden tools, extra blankets, or kids’ summer gear, choosing the right bin size and following a simple storage strategy helps your home stay organized—and ready for whatever the season brings.
Smart summer storage doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few reliable bins, a labeling system, and a routine for organizing and rotating goods, you can create a clutter‑free home that’s ready for summer fun—and ready for the next season too.
