Calling all parents! Are you ready to take on the challenge of organizing your home for the summer? As a former teacher, I know that the transition to summer break can be a bit daunting, but fear not! With a little planning and teamwork, you can turn your home into an organized oasis for the whole family.
First things first, let's talk decluttering. Summer is the perfect time to tackle those cluttered spaces, especially when the kids start complaining about being bored. Want the entire family invloved? Set up a reward for when the chores are done. Whether it's a trip to the movies or an ice cream outing, let the kids choose the reward to keep them motivated. Here are some key areas to focus on:
Outdoor Spaces
Prepare your outdoor areas for summer activities by decluttering patios, garages, and storage spaces. Declutter and organize your garage or storage shed to make room for summer sports equipment, gardening tools, and outdoor toys. Install shelving, hooks, or wall-mounted racks to maximize vertical storage space. Clean outdoor furniture and create designated zones for entertaining, grilling, and relaxation.
Pantry
Start by taking everything out of your pantry and sorting through items. Toss expired or stale foods, donate unopened non-perishable items you won't use, and consolidate duplicates. Designate a low shelf or drawer for kid-friendly snacks and drinks. Use bins or baskets to corral individual snack packs, juice boxes, and fruit cups, making it easy for kids to grab a snack without making a mess.
Living/Family Room
Organize your family room by tidying up cables, decluttering media collections, and creating storage solutions for gaming consoles, DVDs, and board games. Set up a cozy space for family movie nights or gaming sessions. Have toys taken over your living room? Set expectations for toy storage and clean-up routines by designating a specific spot for toys to be put away and make cleaning up a part of your nightly routine to keep the space tidy.
Kid's Rooms and Playrooms
Declutter and organize the kid's spaces in your home to ensure smooth mornings and independent play. Involve your child in deciding which clothes and shoes to keep or donate and set up a system for dirty clothes to keep the room tidy. Encourage your kids to donate toys they no longer play with and create a system for organizing and rotating toys. Clearly label toy bins or boxes with pictures and words for easy clean-up. Create a nightly clean up routine and use timers to make tidying up more fun and efficient.
Entryway and Mudroom
Streamline your entryway or mudroom to accommodate summer essentials such as hats, sunscreen, beach towels, and outdoor footwear. Install hooks, baskets, or shelves for storing items like hats, sunglasses, and reusable water bottles. Set up a family calendar to keep track of summer activities, appointments, and events. Use a bulletin board, chalkboard, or whiteboard to post schedules, meal plans, and important reminders
And remember, parents, lead by example! Set expectations for keeping your own spaces tidy and treat yourselves once the job is done. Taking the time to organize these key areas of your home before the summer will help you and your family make the most of your time together and enjoy a more relaxed and stress-free season. And if you need a little extra help, don't hesitate to reach out for assistance by emailing me sara@socorganizers.com or filling out the "Contact Us" form.