Summer is the perfect season to invite the neighbors over for a backyard barbeque extravaganza, volunteer to host your family reunion, or bring your friends together for an epic sunset cocktail dinner. 

If you’re ready to become the hostess with the mostest, step one in your summer party prep is to get your house in order. That’s right, it’s time to declutter like you’ve never decluttered before. Fortunately, we’ve got all the clever summer storage tips you need to turn your house into the perfect party destination. 

Why Decluttering Is the First Step to a Sensational Summer Party

Your brain may already be swimming with thoughts for the perfect signature sangria or dazzling crudité platter. But before you start planning your party menu, give some thought to your house.

Your home is your party destination and will impact the entire feel of your soiree. Nothing kills the easy-breezy party vibes for guests like a crowded, cluttered house.

Set your summer party up for success by decluttering your home as your first step in party preparation. In a nutshell, your house should have:

• Lots of clean, open space in each main room for guests to gather and connect
• Clear pathways through the house, especially to the yard and main bathroom(s)
• Plenty of seating in all guest areas
• Enough tabletop and counter space for guests to put down drinks and snack plates 
• A dedicated, out-of-the-way space for purses and bags
• Counter and/or table space for appetizers, snacks, dinner, drinks, and all your other delicious offerings
• A clear, clean, walkable yard if you’re hosting an outdoor get-together (or indoor/outdoor party)

How to Prepare for Summer Guests: A Pre-Party Decluttering Plan

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a slog, especially if you break it up into steps. Consider this a win-win. Not only are you getting your house into great party shape, but a thorough decluttering can make your living space more enjoyable long after your guests have left. 

Steps for a thorough house decluttering:

• Work through one room at a time
• Start by picking up anything off the floor and putting away anything that doesn’t belong
• Take a hard look at every item in the room and determine if it still serves you. 
  • Do your kids still do those puzzles or play those board games?
  • Are those wall decorations a little out of date?
  • When’s the last time you actually used that bowling ball?
• Establish four categories and assign every item in the room to one of the categories:
  • Keep
  • Sell/Give Away
  • Trash
  • Store
• Look for anything that may be taking up extra space that you don’t need on a regular basis. These items are ideal for your “Store” category
• Use our Declutter Checklist for extra guidance

Room by room, you’ll become a lean-mean decluttering machine. 

Quick Tip: If you don’t have time before your summer party to declutter your entire home, just focus on the main guest areas, which might include your deck or patio, yard, living room, kitchen, and bathroom. You can save the bedrooms for later.

Maximize Your Space: Smart Summer Storage Solutions 

One sneaky good summer party idea is to use self storage to clear out all those extra items that won’t fit in your closets, garage, or under the beds. While self storage probably isn’t necessary for smaller summer parties, it can be an excellent option for larger parties where you need to clear out a lot of space. 

Here are some things you can put in summer storage to help you get your house ready for your unforgettable party:

• Large pieces of furniture, like your grandmother’s China cabinet, to make more room for guest seating or open up your party space
• Valuable and/or delicate items that you want to protect
• Seasonal items you don’t currently need, like your space heater, ski equipment, and holiday decorations
• Lawn ornaments, large toys, or big hobby materials that are taking up too much floor or yard space
• Office furniture, if you need to clear out your guest bedroom for overnight guests

Choosing the Right Storage Unit for Your Summer Needs

During your decluttering effort, make a list of everything you put into your “Store” category. This list will help you choose the right size storage unit for your needs. Most storage facilities offer a variety of small, medium, and large units for rent. You can also check out our Price Self Storage size guide to get a better idea of what fits in our most popular unit sizes.

Next, you choose your unit location. Elevator access units are usually the most cost-effective, but they can be a hassle if you need to move large items or plan to visit your storage unit a lot. Drive-up access and first-floor units may be a little pricer, but they give you a lot of extra convenience in return. 

If you only plan to store your items for a short amount of time, make sure you choose a self-storage location that offers month-to-month leases. You don’t want to be stuck in a long-term lease when you only need to store for the summer party season.

Beyond the Party: Other Ways Summer Storage Helps You Live Uncluttered

Renting self storage doesn’t just have to be a great summer party idea. If you find that you enjoy your newly spacious home after your party is over, you might want to consider seasonal storage for the long term.

Summer storage is a great way to keep your fall and winter seasonal items secure while also enjoying a more organized space at home. Why not clear out your garage while you’re at it, so you don’t have to keep parking your car in the driveway? Maybe it’s time to organize the attic or make better use of that extra room that you’ve turned into an oversized closet. 

When summer comes to a close, rotate your storage unit, storing your summer lawn furniture and warm-weather clothes while bringing your holiday decorations and cold-weather sports equipment out of storage. Let your storage unit be an extension of your home, so you can live a more uncluttered life.

The Benefits of Using Price Self StorageⓇ for Your Summer Decluttering

Looking for reliable and convenient seasonal storage so you can host the party of the season? Rely on Price Self Storage. Our facilities are located throughout California and offer storage units in a wide range of sizes. Store a few valuables in a locker unit or clear out your guest bedroom with a medium or large unit. We also provide month-to-month leases, with no down payments required. Store for as little or as long as you’d like.

Finally, we offer great online rates on many units. Find your nearest Price Self Storage today.

Summer Storage FAQs

What size storage unit do I need for summer decluttering before a party?

The right-sized storage unit will depend on what you need to store before your summer party. If you need to stash a few valuables and one or two small furniture items, a small 5×5 storage unit should do the trick. Want to clear out your office so it can be used for a guest bedroom? A medium 10×10 unit is a good pick. A medium unit can also store lots of garage items, lawn decorations, and an extra appliance or two that you need to get out of the way. 

Can I access my items easily if I need something back from my summer storage unit?

It’s always a good idea to organize your storage unit in a way that allows you easy access to all of your possessions. You never know when you might need that box you tucked all the way in the back. Consider adding stand-alone shelving to your unit for better organization and keeping one or two aisles open. Clear, easy-to-read labels on every box will also help you find exactly what you need in your unit.

How does seasonal storage help if I’m planning multiple summer parties or have guests visiting throughout the season?

Self storage is an excellent option if you need to keep items stored throughout a season or longer. First, a storage unit allows you to switch items in and out, so you can bring your most cherished items back home between events and then store them again during your party. By choosing the right-sized storage unit, you can also turn your office or living room into a guest bedroom for any family members or out-of-town friends who want to visit. Just make sure you choose a self-storage facility with month-to-month leasing so you only pay for the summer storage you need.