Summer Hacks to Keep Your Home Tidy This Summer (Even with Kids at Home!)

Sunshine, fun—and a whole lot of mess: sounds like summer! When the weather is warm and the kids are home, it can feel like life is one big, sand-tracked, popsicle-dripped, towel-piled mess! 

Enter a few smart strategies to keep your home looking fresh all season long. Here are some of the best summer cleaning and organization hacks—including a couple that feature our Geometry House favorites—to help you keep yourself sane this summer.

Embrace the '&%$# Rule' for Decluttering

Ok, hear us out. This hilariously blunt tip from The Washington Post cuts through sentimentality: when deciding what to keep, ask yourself, “Would I keep this if it were covered in poop?” The answer helps you identify what’s truly worth holding onto and what needs to go. It’s a fast way to break through decision fatigue—perfect when toys, pool gear and school clutter start piling up.

Use a 'Wheel of Chores' to Motivate Kids

Getting kids to help clean? Good luck—especially when the sun is shining and neighbor kids are running through sprinklers. The Spruce recommends creating a digital "Wheel of Chores" to assign daily tasks in a fun, random way. It makes the whole process feel like a game instead of a punishment.

Clear Bins for Easy Summer Grab-and-Go

Northern Virginia Magazine suggests using clear, open-top bins for essentials like sunscreen, swimsuits and flip-flops. When kids can see exactly where things go, they’re more likely to put them away. Use a label maker or write directly on bins to keep it extra tidy.

Institute a 'Shoes-Off' Zone

Sand trail? No thanks. Enforcing a shoes-off policy at the door can dramatically cut down on dirt and grass coming into the house. Set up a drop zone with a sturdy mat and storage bench to contain the mess. Simply September offers a helpful checklist for setting this up.

Mesh Laundry Bags: The $5 Game Changer

For sandy toys, wet gear or backyard balls, The Sun recommends mesh laundry bags. They’re lightweight, washable, and you can hang them right by the back door. Let the gear air out and, most importantly, keep it from cluttering up your kitchen floor.

DIY Foot Rinse Station

Dirty feet? Not around here! Life As Mom suggests setting up a foot rinse station with a hose, bucket or even a water jug and towel right by the door. It’s a lifesaver after beach days or backyard play. Teach kids to rinse before entering and your floors will thank you.

Say Goodbye to Sand with Geometry Beach Towels

Not all beach towels are created equal. Geometry’s sand-repelling Beach Towels shake off easily, keeping sand at the beach—not your car, floors or laundry room. Plus, they’re ultra-lightweight and dry fast, so you’re never lugging around a soggy mess.

Keep a Summer Grab-and-Go Caddy

Be ready in a flash—for anything! A summer caddy packed with bug spray, Band-Aids, sunscreen and wipes saves you time and mess. Because I Said So Baby recommends using a shower caddy or art tote and keeping it near the door so you’re ready to roll in seconds.

Declutter Weekly, Not Seasonally

Rather than waiting for summer to end to purge the buildup, make it a weekly event. Set a 15-minute timer every Sunday and tackle one area—like the entryway, mudroom or toy corner. Involving kids also builds their sense of ownership. Simply Organized Co. says this keeps small messes from becoming overwhelming.

Use a Catch-All Basket in Every Room

It might sound counterintuitive, but a basket designated as the “clutter collector” can actually help keep surfaces clear. At the end of each day, take 5 minutes to redistribute items to their rightful spots. Use attractive woven or canvas baskets that match your décor to avoid visual chaos.

Quick-Dry Towels for Constant Summer Spills

When pools, sprinklers (or even hoses!) are a daily event, quick-dry, ultra-absorbent towels can cut down on laundry and mildew smells. Geometry’s Tea Towels aren’t just for indoors—they work just as well to mop up spills, dry swimsuits or toss in the car for unexpected messes.

A Clean Home Is a Happy Basecamp

Keeping your home tidy during summer doesn’t have to be (yet another) chore. With these creative hacks, you can create a system that works for your family. A little planning goes a long way in making room for the fun, spontaneity and joy that’s synonymous with summer.