Summer brings sun, sand, swimsuits—and often a whole lot of chaos at the door. Whether you’re dealing with dripping pool towels, muddy flip-flops, or a steady stream of kids going in and out, your mudroom or entryway can quickly turn into a cluttered mess. But with a little planning and the right organization strategies, you can create a summer-ready space that keeps everything tidy, functional, and stress-free. Here’s how to organize a mudroom or entryway that works with your summer lifestyle instead of against it.
If you are new to the blog, welcome! I blog about cleaning, decluttering, and organizing. You can find my free printables to help you get organized in the drop down menu under the Printables category. Check out this post on Pre-Vacation Decluttering: What to Toss Before You Travel.
Also, check out this post on Decluttering the Car for Road Trips. You can get my Printable Trip Planner Page here.
Also, you can get the complete digital printable copy of the Year Long Thorough Declutter Series Calendar and Checklists here. The printable digital download is delivered to your email. It includes 25 pages of printable calendar pages and declutter checklists like the one linked above to help you declutter every room in your home.
10 Helpful Ideas for Organizing a Functional Summer Mudroom or Entryway
1. Declutter First
Before setting up a summer system, start by decluttering the space. Remove winter gear, unused shoes, and anything that doesn’t serve a purpose during the warmer months. Store those cold-weather items elsewhere until fall rolls around. Try my Declutter Challenge: 30 Items in 30 Days – Summer Edition.
Toss or relocate:
- Heavy coats and boots
- Scarves, gloves, and hats
- School backpacks (if not needed for summer programs)
- Outgrown shoes or random items that don’t belong
2. Create Designated Drop Zones
Summer often means more frequent outings—trips to the beach, park, pool, or backyard. Set up dedicated zones for common summer gear:
- Beach and pool tote – Pre-packed with towels, sunscreen, goggles, and flip-flops
- Park/playground bin – Stocked with bubbles, balls, picnic blanket, and bug spray
- Outdoor shoes area – Easy-to-clean mat or bin for sandals, water shoes, and flip-flops
Having these zones reduces last-minute scrambling and helps everyone know where to put things back.
3. Incorporate Easy-to-Clean Storage Solutions
Summer fun can be messy. Opt for bins and baskets that are easy to wipe down and rinse out. Plastic totes or mesh baskets are perfect for wet items like towels and swimsuits. Consider:
- Wire baskets for airflow (great for drying wet items)
- Labeled bins for different family members
- Open shelving for easy access to grab-and-go items
4. Keep Towels and Swimwear Handy
Designate a space just for pool towels and swimsuits so they’re always ready for the next adventure.
- Use hooks for hanging damp towels
- Keep a laundry basket nearby for tossing used ones
- Store rolled-up towels in a large basket for quick grabs
Bonus: Choose bright, summer-themed colors to add a pop of seasonal cheer.
5. Simplify the Shoe Situation
During summer, people tend to wear the same few pairs of shoes repeatedly—flip-flops, slides, sneakers. Keep it simple:
- Use a shoe bench or rack for the most-used shoes
- Store rarely used ones out of sight (closet, under a bench, etc.)
- Lay down a rug or tray to catch dirt, sand, or grass
Encourage a habit of removing shoes at the door to keep indoor floors cleaner.
6. Create a “Go Bag” Station
With spontaneous summer outings more common, keep “go bags” ready for different activities. Hang them on labeled hooks or stash them in baskets.
Examples include:
- Swim bag – with swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, goggles
- Park bag – with water bottles, bug spray, snacks, first aid
- Sports bag – with cleats, balls, uniforms, or gear
Rotate and restock them weekly to keep things fresh and functional.
7. Use Vertical Space
Maximize your space by thinking vertically. Wall-mounted hooks, hanging baskets, and vertical cubbies help keep floors clear and items easy to reach.
Ideas:
- Lower hooks for kids to hang their own items
- Upper shelves for adult-only items like sunglasses or keys
- Clipboards or a corkboard for camp schedules or reminders
8. Set Up a Summer Command Center
Summer brings schedule changes, playdates, camps, and vacation planning. A small wall space near the mudroom can double as a mini command center.
Include:
- Dry erase calendar or chalkboard for tracking activities
- Clipboard or mail organizer for important forms and invites
- Key hooks and charging station for grab-and-go convenience
9. Design for Durability and Style
Functionality is key, but your mudroom or entryway can still look great! Choose summer-friendly materials and decor:
- Outdoor rugs that are durable and easy to clean
- Wicker baskets or bright totes for a coastal vibe
- Seasonal prints or signage to bring a fun, summery feel
Keep it cheerful and practical, especially if the space is visible from other rooms.
10. Make It Kid-Friendly
If you have children, make the space accessible for them. Lower hooks, labeled bins, and a small stool can help kids stay organized and independent.
Teach them to:
- Hang up their towel
- Put away shoes
- Drop swimwear in the laundry basket
You’ll thank yourself later when routines run smoother.
A well-organized summer mudroom or entryway doesn’t have to be fancy—it just needs to function for the season’s unique rhythm. By decluttering, using strategic storage, and creating zones for summer essentials, you’ll turn your entry into a hub of order instead of chaos.
Bonus Tip: Do a weekly “reset” to put everything back in its place and clean out any sand, dirt, or forgotten items. It’ll only take 10 minutes and will keep things running smoothly all summer long.
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