Summer Organization: Keeping Your Home Clutter-Free During Vacation Season
Summer is Coming
Summer is all about fun, freedom, and… clutter? With vacations, guests, and kids home from school, it’s easy for things to spiral into chaos. But with a few intentional systems, you can enjoy the season and keep your home feeling calm and organized.
Here’s how you can enjoy summer and stay organized:
🧹 1. Pre-Vacation Purge
Before packing your bags, quickly check high-traffic areas like your entryway, kitchen, and living room.
Toss expired snacks, broken toys, and unread mail.
Donate anything you’re not using this season.
A quick refresh now means less mess when you return!
Hooks for better organization.
🎒 2. Create a “Summer Drop Zone”
Choose a spot near your front or back door for summer essentials:
Baskets for sandals, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses
Hooks for bags or beach towels
This keeps clutter contained and makes getting out the door faster.
📋 3. Simplify Packing with Checklists
Prevent last-minute chaos by making packing lists for each family member.
Include clothing, toiletries, chargers, and “don’t forget” items like sunglasses or medicine.
Keep digital versions on your phone or shared drive so you can reuse them all summer long.
🧺 4. Stick to a Laundry Routine
Vacations = laundry piles. Stay ahead by scheduling a weekly laundry reset (like Sunday evenings).
Use mesh bags for swimsuits and delicates.
Encourage family members to sort their own laundry post-trip.
🧼 5. Prep the House Before You Leave
There’s nothing worse than coming home to a messy house. Returning to a tidy home makes the post-vacation transition feel peaceful instead of overwhelming. Consider doing a quick clean-up before you leave:
Run the dishwasher
Empty the trash
Change the sheets
🧊 6. Rotate Seasonal Items
Pack away spring décor and add summer-friendly touches.
Lightweight linens, beachy accents, and fresh scents go a long way.
Use clear storage bins to label and store off-season items for easy access later.
👨👩👧 7. Make It a Family Affair
Summer is a wonderful opportunity to teach kids basic organizing habits.
Assign age-appropriate tasks like putting away shoes or wiping counters.
Try a summer-themed chore chart or reward system to keep it fun.
🔄 8. Weekly “Reset” Time
Schedule 30–60 minutes each week for a home reset. This rhythm keeps things running smoothly during even the busiest summer weeks. Tidy up common areas
Refill supplies (snacks, toiletries, etc.)
Review your calendar and to-dos for the upcoming week
