Ugh — how did this happen already? Who said stores could shove aside happy-go-lucky swimsuits for ponderous fall jackets ... before Labor Day? Don't they realize this makes us feel obligated to — double ugh — store away our summer duds?

Well, at least this year, we can surround ourselves in a bit of aromatherapy as we toil, thanks to Rubbermaid's new Cedar Storage line — a Roughneck resin bin with embedded cedar wood.

Not only does it smell fresh and outdoorsy, but the Rubbermaid folks also say its cedary scent will not transfer to clothes or papers stored inside. Plus, it repels moths and silverfish!

You don't have to worry about splinters, either — the cedar-colored bins are still mostly plastic, with cedar added in the molding process.

The line includes several sizes and features, including 18- to 31-gallon totes, latching totes, a wheeled under-bed box and totes with a clear top, each priced at under $30.

They're available at select Target stores and will be coming later this year to stores including Ace, The Home Depot and Wal-Mart.

For more information, visit www.rubbermaid.com.

Sandy Dunham, Seattle Times desk editor