Believe it or not, summer is right around the corner! Now is the perfect time to refresh your home so you can fully enjoy the warmer months ahead. Imagine how good it will feel to have your spaces organized and ready for everything summer brings — from backyard BBQs to lazy afternoons.

Here are a few simple things you can do now to get your home summer-ready:

1. Swap Out Seasonal Items

Start by packing away winter coats, boots, and heavy bedding. Bring out lighter clothing, sandals, and summer essentials like hats and beach towels. This is also the perfect time to donate winter items that you no longer use, as well as to make a list of items that need to be replenished or replaced. Remember, less is almost always more. Buy only what you truly need. 

Pro tips: 

• Wash your items before putting them away for the season.
• Store off-season items neatly in clear, labeled bins until next fall.
• Be sure to add a few moth balls or cedar chips to the storage bins to protect your knits/sweaters.

2. Refresh High-Traffic Areas

Focus on entryways, mudrooms, patios, and outdoor spaces — areas that naturally get busier during summer. Simplify your life by making sure to only keep what you actually need and use. 

Pro tips:

• Clear out all clutter. Be ruthless!
• Add a designated spot for high use items, such as sunscreen, bug spray, sandals, and outdoor toys.
• Set up a simple “drop zone” for keys, sunglasses, and water bottles.
• Take a few minutes to walk through each area with your family to show them where things “live.” Organizational systems are only as strong as our habits. 

3. Simplify Your Kitchen

Summer often means lighter meals, grilling, and more outdoor dining. Keeping meals simple makes summer evenings more relaxing. 

Pro tips:

• Clear expired pantry items and reorganize your shelves.
• Deep clean the refrigerator, get rid of old produce and condiments you don’t use. Be sure to check expiration dates! 
• Create an easy-access snack station for kids (and adults!) in the pantry and the refrigerator. Keep healthy snacks at eye-level and easily accessible to foster healthy habits. 
• Sort through your reusable containers, and make sure everything has a matching lid. If you need to replenish, look for eco-friendly storage containers that work well for picnics and pool days.

4. Create a Summer Calendar

Between vacations, activities, and visitors, summer can fill up fast.
Setting up a simple calendar system helps you stay on top of plans — and keeps your home running smoothly. 

Pro tips:

• Consider adding a family command center with a monthly overview.
• Create a shared family calendar. Designate one color for each person using the calendar. Add reminders/alerts for all important events, including pick ups, drop offs, chores, work, meal times, and date nights. 
• Be sure to block out time to… do nothing! Having a bit of unprogrammed time is good for the soul!

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Need Help Getting It All Done?

Getting organized for summer doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’re here to help you create a calm, clutter-free home you’ll love spending time in, and teach you the skills to maintain it. Schedule your organizing sessions today!

Let’s make this your most relaxed and organized summer yet!