Sand, Sunscreen & Sanity: How to Set Up a Summer-Ready Entryway
Summer is here—and with it comes the daily shuffle of flip-flops, pool towels, sunscreen bottles, and sand. Whether you’re coming in from the beach, the sprinkler, or your neighborhood park, your entryway can either help you stay sane or drive you crazy.
If you're a busy parent, you already know how quickly this high-traffic zone can turn into a cluttered mess. The good news? With just a few smart systems and a little bit of setup, your entryway can become a functional, summer-ready drop zone that keeps your home calm, clean, and chaos-free.
Why Your Entryway Needs a Summer Reset
During the summer months, your entryway becomes the gateway for all the stuff—wet towels, sandy shoes, dripping swimwear, sports gear, bug spray, sunscreen, and more. If you don’t have a system in place, it will pile up fast.
Creating a summer-ready entryway means designing a space that’s:
Easy to clean
Easy for kids to use
Flexible enough to evolve with your routine
Step 1: Create a Designated Drop Zone
You don’t need a large mudroom to create function. You just need to define a landing space where everything gets dropped (intentionally!).
Essentials:
Wall hooks or over-the-door hooks for towels, bags, hats
Low baskets or bins for flip-flops, sandals, and outdoor shoes
Tray or mat to catch water, dirt, or sand
Small caddy or bin for sunscreen, bug spray, and hand sanitizer
Product Pick:
Waterproof boot trays for sandy or muddy shoes
Step 2: Set Up a “Grab & Go” Station
Make leaving the house faster (and less chaotic) by keeping essentials front and center.
Try a bin or basket labeled “Summer Stuff” near the door for:
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Extra hair ties
Swim goggles
Sunglasses
Portable fans or hats
Tip: Use a clear plastic bin so you can see everything at a glance. For younger kids, add simple picture labels so they can find what they need.
Step 3: Tame the Shoe Situation
Shoes multiply in summer. Between flip-flops, water shoes, sneakers, and cleats, you need a system that’s fast and low-effort.
Options that work:
A low-profile shoe shelf for families with limited space
Storage bench with individually labeled bins (one per kid!)
Encourage a habit of “shoes off, in the bin” the moment everyone walks in.
Step 4: Keep Bags Off the Floor
Instead of letting wet towels or pool bags sit in a heap, make it easy to hang them up right away:
Use command hooks at kid height so they can hang things themselves
Create a “dry zone” near the entry for things that need to air out
Store beach or sports bags pre-packed so you're always ready for the next outing
Small-Space Hacks That Work
Living in a small apartment or city home? No problem. Try these:
Back-of-door organizers with clear pockets for accessories and sunscreen
Slim shoe racks or under-bench bins
A narrow hallway console table with baskets underneath for hidden storage
Your Summer Entryway Checklist
Here’s what to include in your setup:
☐ Hooks for towels, hats, and bags
☐ Shoe tray or bins
☐ “Grab & Go” basket
☐ Caddy for sunscreen/bug spray
☐ Summer bag packed and ready
☐ Kid-friendly systems (low hooks, labeled bins)
Make Summer Feel Easier—Starting at the Door
Your entryway sets the tone for your whole home. With just a few thoughtful touches, you can transform it from a clutter trap into a calm, efficient space that supports your summer rhythm.
Need help designing a small-space-friendly drop zone or reorganizing your summer gear? Let’s talk. I offer personalized entryway makeovers that work with your space and your season of life.
