Staying (Mostly) Organized in the Summer

Summer break is a magical time filled with sunshine, popsicles, and... chaos. Let’s be real—when the kids are home 24/7, your house can go from "Pinterest-worthy" to "did a tornado hit this playroom?" in about 20 minutes. But don’t worry, you don’t need to transform into a strict drill sergeant or live in a sea of clutter. There is a happy middle ground.
Here are some real-life, zero-judgment tips to help you keep your home (and sanity) somewhat organized while the kids take over this summer:

1. Set Up Summer “Zones” in Your Home
​Kids need space to play, but that doesn’t mean every space has to become a toy explosion site. Create dedicated zones:

• Craft Zone: Stock a basket with markers, glue, and paper, and keep it all in one area.
• Snack Zone: Set up a drawer or shelf in the pantry and fridge with pre-approved snacks they can grab without asking.
• Outdoor Zone: Put summer essentials (sunscreen, sidewalk chalk, bubbles) in a caddy by the door.

When everything has a home, cleanup is faster and less overwhelming—for both you and the kids.

2. Do a Morning Reset (Together!)
​Before the day gets away from you, take 10–15 minutes with the kids to reset the house. Make the beds, put dishes away, and tidy the main living area. Bonus: Kids are more likely to help when it’s part of the routine—not a punishment for having fun.

3. Rotate Toys Instead of Having Everything Out
​Too many toys = more mess and less appreciation. Try rotating a few bins every week. The novelty keeps them interested and helps reduce the mountain of things they drag out daily. Sarah's daughter rotates her Barbies with her American Girl Dolls and it's worked great because she's enjoyed playing with both for years and hasn't gotten tired of them. 

4. Create a “Drop Zone” for Summer Gear
​Wet swimsuits, flip-flops, pool bags—they all need a place to land. Set up a spot by the door with hooks, baskets, or even a washable mat. This one small system can seriously reduce the amount of chaos and soggy towels on your floors.

5. Keep a Summer Schedule (Loose is Fine!)
​A general rhythm—like play, snack, quiet time, outside—can help anchor your day and cut down on the “what are we doing now?” whiplash. Write it on a chalkboard or use pictures for little ones. Predictability makes life feel more manageable (for everyone). Examples are: 

6. Involve Your Kids in the Clean-Up
​This isn’t just about giving you a break (though yes, please). Teaching kids to help around the house builds independence and pride. Give age-appropriate tasks and keep it lighthearted—play music, race the clock, or offer a small reward if needed. 

7. Declutter Early in the Summer
​Before summer hits full speed, take one day to declutter the obvious stuff—broken toys, outgrown clothes, expired sunscreen. Less stuff means less to manage when your energy is low and the popsicle sticks are multiplying.

8. Let Go of “Perfect” Finally—and maybe most importantly—give yourself grace. The house won’t always be photo-ready, and that’s okay. Organized doesn’t mean spotless; it means functional and peaceful for you. Focus on systems that work for your family, not what Instagram says is “right.”

Summer’s meant to be fun, not stressful. A few thoughtful systems (and a whole lot of flexibility) can make your home feel like a safe, happy place—even with the joyful chaos of summer break.
You’ve got this. And if you don’t? That’s okay too. We're just one call away if you need backup.