My top 5 summer organizing tips
PACK A DAY BAG: You never know when you’ll have friends call at the last minute to join them at the pool, the lake, the park, or a picnic. Have a bag ready to grab on the way out the door. Include summer essentials such as sunscreen, bug spray, Chapstick, a hat, Band-aids, a few snacks, a beach towel, baby wipes, a light layer of clothes, and sunglasses.
SUMMER WARDROBE: Have you ever been running out the door and see your kids wearing a tiny frayed swimsuit, a too-small tank top, or their brother’s giant swim trunks? Take inventory of your kids’ wardrobe (and yours!). Make sure you have shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops, and swimsuits that fit properly for the summer. Storing seasonal clothes in totes elsewhere (think bulky sweaters and Christmas jammies) gives you so much more space in your closets.
POST A SCHEDULE: I know, I know. But guess what? Kids look at their schedules all day long at school (former teacher, here). If something is off, kids want to know why. We’re the same way, aren’t we? We like to know what’s expected. Again, this is a flexible schedule. It can be a “CHORES BEFORE TECH” chart, daily routine task board, or whatever works best for your family. Having your kids read 20 minutes a day, make their beds, and tidy their bedrooms are simply daily responsibilities. Kids should know they need to contribute to the family.
TEACH NEW SKILLS: Summer is a great time to teach kids the proper way to fold towels, run a load of laundry, vacuum, and sweep the floors. It’s a great time to experiment with new recipes as well. Allow your child to cook a meal. If they’re in elementary school or older, have some fun allowing them to choose a recipe. Then they need to make a grocery list, “shop” for ingredients, prepare the meal, and clean up afterward. My toddlers loved making homemade banana bread…what memories can you create in the kitchen?
RELAX: Gentle reminder: Summer is a time to relax, have adventures, and be present with the ones you love. If you feel like skipping chores for a day and go horseback riding at a state park, go for it. If it’s unbearably hot outside and you want to have a Star Wars marathon with homemade popcorn, have at it! If you don’t feel like cooking, find an amazing taco truck and go to an outdoor movie with your family. Organizing is wonderful, but remember that you always need to leave room for spontaneity and refreshment. After all, that’s what summer’s all about, isn’t it?
HERE TO HELP. If this seems overwhelming to you and you don’t know where to start, I’d be happy to help! Whether it’s switching out your kids’ seasonal clothes or making sure your home is summer-ready, I would love to serve you. I can create laminated packing lists, pool toy bins, adventure bags, and have your day bag ready to go. I can even pack a picnic dinner for your family!
