Tips for an Organized & (Stress Free) Summer!

With summer upon us, the question becomes how to stay organized with all the changes in schedules and events. Here are ten tips that will help you get through your summer months more efficiently.

1. Move Out Winter, Hello Summer

This may seem obvious, but it is incredibly motivating to get all the winter gear packed away. Perhaps more importantly, packing away winter items ensures that you have a place for all the summer items to live and stay organized.

2. Get What You Need Now

As you unpack for summer, take inventory of items you need to replenish or replace. It’s easier to keep track of what you need and where it should go when you have it all in front of you. Some common items to take note of are sunscreens, coolers, bug spray, beach towels, sunglasses, sunhats, and sandals. Of course, there could be a whole lot more in that list, so make sure you're planning properly for your family’s adventures.

3. Create Summer Routines

It’s easy to let your to-do lists and agendas slip away with summer - for many the routine of getting the family ready is no longer and our schedules feel a thing of the past. Now is a good time to work with your family to plan routines that can help encourage their involvement and keep your home organized. Plan small tasks that can easily be done in just a few minutes and split the tasks up throughout the day - morning, afternoon, and evening.

4. Organize for the Kids Being Home

Establishing spaces for kids to spend time can be a huge help in keeping organized this summer. Creating reading corners can help keep library books together and, likewise, activity corners can help keep the explosions of crafting supplies from spreading to the rest of the house. Keeping kids activities and accessories easily accessible will also be a win to encourage a little bit of autonomy and parental peace.

5. Prep for Quick Getaways

Some days we just feel like packing up and heading out for a quick day trip. Whether it’s planned or not, having some getaway bags at the ready can be a huge stress reliever. Think through some of the common getaways your family might take and prep a couple of tote bags so you can get out the door without much stress. Keep some clean snack containers in a bag so you won’t have to worry about finding or cleaning any; keep extra sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, towels, and light clothing in another tote bag. Knowing that you have a couple bags at the ready means you and the family can quickly (and easily!) head to the beach, lake, pool, or even the art museum with little planning or fuss.

The summer can be a great time to relax and recharge, but it's also important to stay productive. These tips will help you organize your time and enjoy the summer without feeling overwhelmed. Follow these tips and you'll be able to have a stress-free summer!