If you dream about spending your summer relaxing and enjoying time with your kids, then now is the time to get organized. Spending some time decluttering and organizing your home will mean less time searching for sandals and sunscreen and more time having fun! Summer is a busy season when kids are home, schedules are crazy, and backyard barbeques are in full swing. Get the most out of summer by organizing your home and here’s how!

Pack Away Winter

Those cold and dreary days are long gone and the sunshine has arrived. There’s no need to keep all of that bulky winter gear in your closets when you won’t be needing it for the next few months. Go through your closets and pack up winter coats, sweaters, hats, gloves, and boots. You will be amazed at how much more room you will have in your closets when you empty out all of the winter gear. Your garage will probably need some decluttering as well. Swap out snow blowers and shovels for lawn mowers and gardening tools. If you don’t have extra room in your garage or storage shed for these extra winter belongings, consider renting a portable storage unit where you neat;y store all of these belongings during the summer months.

Tackle the Pantry and the Fridge

The kids are home for the summer and that means there will be lots of meals and snacks made at home. In addition, you are likely to be hosting more cookouts and backyard barbeques during the summer months. Make meal prep so much easier by organizing your food spaces. Take time to clean out your refrigerator and pantry and throw out any old or expired food. As you put food back in, create a special space for fruits, vegetables, meats, drinks, snacks etc. Use small baskets or plastic bins to organize items in your pantry and label them to ensure everything remains in its place.

Establish a Donation Area

Set aside a special space in your home for items you want to donate. It can be a box, shelf, corner, or small closet. Throughout the summer, encourage each member of your family to place items in the donation areas as they come across them. You will be surprised at how quickly it fills up with old toys, clothing, gadgets, or even tools that no longer get used. Once the donation area is full, make a quick trip to your local Goodwill or donation center.

Create a Command Center

To tackle the clutter of endless to-do lists, grocery lists, recipes, and schedules, create a command center in your home. It could be a work space, office, corner nook, desk in your laundry room, or any other unused space. A simple magnetic board, chalkboard, and desk can turn this into a fully functional space where you can keep camp schedules, grocery lists, and weeknight recipes neat and organized.

Tackle the Toys

Summer is here and that means kids and toys!!! From playroom messes to outdoor activities, one thing is certain: your house can quickly succumb to the toys. The key to keeping all of your kids’ summer toys and equipment organized is ensuring everything has a place. Label plastic bins or boxes in the playroom so your kids can put everything back in its place. Designate a special storage area in the garage or shed for bats, balls, helmets, and other summer gear.