From the Blog

Spring to Summer: How to Transition Seasonal Storage in Your Mudroom and Pantry

As May rolls in and Iowa begins to thaw for good, it’s time to shift your home from winter mode to warm-weather readiness. Two areas that play a big role in this transition are the mudroom and pantry. These spaces often carry the burden of seasonal clutter, and without a good system, the chaos of spring gear and summer supplies can quickly take over.

At Serenity Custom Woodworking, we design custom storage solutions that help you stay organized through every season. Whether you’re switching out boots for flip-flops or making room for lemonade mix and cookout supplies, here are practical ways to transition your mudroom and pantry for a clean, functional summer setup.

Swap Out Cold-Weather Gear in Your Mudroom

During Iowa’s long winters, your mudroom works overtime with coats, snow boots, hats, gloves, and heavy gear. By May, most of that can be packed away to make space for warm-weather items.

Start by clearing each cubby, drawer, and hook. Vacuum out the boot trays and shelves, then wipe down all surfaces with a gentle cleaner. Once everything is clean and empty, shift the focus to summer.

Items to store in easy reach include:

Lightweight jackets or hoodies for cooler nights
Flip-flops, sneakers, and sports shoes
Sunscreen, bug spray, and sunglasses
Hats, swim goggles, and pool bags

Use baskets or bins in closed cabinets for off-season items like snow boots and mittens. Label everything so it’s easy to find again in the fall. The goal is to keep your mudroom functional without extra clutter.

Reorganize Pantry Space for Summer Staples

As your meals move outside and your cooking style changes, your pantry should adjust too. Winter often brings baking supplies, soups, and comfort food ingredients. In summer, you’ll want space for cookout items, grab-and-go snacks, and fresh produce.

Clear the shelves, check expiration dates, and wipe down all surfaces. Then, restock based on your upcoming routines.

Essentials to highlight in your summer pantry:

Chips, crackers, and granola bars for picnics
Drink mixes, lemonade, and bottled water
Condiments and grilling sauces
Paper products like napkins and disposable plates
Large bins for bulk items or family-sized snacks

If your pantry includes drawers, use them for napkins, utensils, and reusable containers. Keep items that tend to melt (like chocolate or soft granola bars) in cooler storage zones, or near the door for easy access when loading up for a cookout.

Add Summer-Specific Storage Features

The seasonal transition is also a great time to evaluate your current storage setup. If your mudroom or pantry is lacking in space, function, or organization, custom cabinetry can help.

Smart additions for the mudroom include:

Pull-out drawers for shoes and sandals
Cubbies with baskets labeled by activity (sports, pool, daily use)
Charging stations for devices like e-bikes or outdoor speakers
Closed cabinetry to keep sunscreen, bug spray, and towels out of sight

In the pantry, consider:

Adjustable shelving to accommodate new sizes and items
Tray dividers for serving platters or picnic baskets
Pull-out shelves for snack bins and larger containers
Built-in racks for paper towels or small appliances you use more in the summer

Custom cabinets help you stay flexible, especially during the months when routines change quickly and you’re juggling school schedules, travel plans, and summer fun.

Keep It Functional All Season Long

Once your spaces are refreshed and reorganized, a little maintenance goes a long way. Plan a quick 10-minute reset each week to toss expired items, sweep up crumbs, and reassign anything that’s been left out of place. Encourage kids and family members to use labeled bins or drawers to help keep things where they belong.

The more intentional your storage, the easier it becomes to enjoy the best parts of summer without the stress of mess.

Make This the Season of Simplicity

Transitioning your home from spring to summer doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With smart storage, thoughtful design, and a custom setup that works for your life, your mudroom and pantry can handle whatever the season brings.

If you’re ready to upgrade your space or finally create that dream mudroom or organized pantry, Serenity Custom Woodworking is here to help. We design and build cabinetry that’s beautiful, durable, and crafted for real-life living in Central Iowa.