3 Areas to Declutter for Summer Sanity

Summer break is just around the corner, and while the promise of slower mornings and more family time is exciting, it also means your home is about to get a lot busier. Before the chaos sets in, a little strategic decluttering can go a long way in keeping your space (and your mind) more organized.

You don’t need to overhaul your entire house—in fact, just focusing on a few high-traffic areas can make a big difference. Here are three key spaces to tackle before school’s out.

The Pantry

Clear out expired snacks and old school lunch items. Create zones for summer staples like easy breakfast items, sports drinks, and grab-and-go snacks. Organize bins by kid-friendly categories so they can help themselves (and help restock!). Make sure they're low enough for your kids to reach too!

The Entryway or Mudroom

Switch out school backpacks and out of season sports bags for hats, pool bags, and sandals. Create a "summer station" with hooks or bins for towels, sunscreen, and bug spray. Labels make it easy for kids to put things away when they come and go.

Backpacks, Papers & Uniforms

Empty backpacks completely—yes, even the mystery crumbs and forgotten permission slips. Create a system to store or recycle schoolwork and art. We love making file boxes for our clients to store sentimental school assignments. Wash and pack away uniforms or outgrown school clothes to free up closet space.

Taking just a little time to declutter these key areas before summer can make a big difference in how smoothly the season goes. With kids at home, routines shift—and so should your spaces. A bit of thoughtful organizing now can help reduce daily stress, keep your home functioning well, and give everyone more time to enjoy the fun parts of summer.

If the idea of tackling even these few spots feels overwhelming, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to do it alone either. We’ve helped many families create simple, sustainable systems that work for their homes and lifestyles. Whether you need a quick refresh or hands-on help, our organizing services are here to support you. Reach out—we’d love to help you start your summer feeling calm, clear, and in control. Email me at sara@socoorganizers.com or fill out the contact form here to get started.