Get Ready for Summer: Declutter, Organise & Make Space for Joy
As the days get longer and the sunshine sticks around a little more, summer brings a sense of renewal, freedom, and fun. But before you dive headfirst into beach days, picnics, and quality time with the family, a little preparation can make all the difference. Taking the time now to declutter, organise and plan ahead means you’ll spend more time enjoying the season—and less time stressing over mess, meals, or missed plans.
Here’s your ultimate guide to getting ready for summer, inside and out:
1. Declutter Your Home, Work, and Life
Before the summer rush hits, start by clearing out the clutter. A tidy space brings peace of mind and creates room for all the fun to come.
Home: Go room by room and let go of anything that no longer serves a purpose—winter gear, broken toys, old paperwork. Donate what you can and recycle the rest.
Work: Clear your inbox, streamline your tasks, and tie up loose ends. If you’re a working parent, aim to build flexibility into your schedule so you can be more present during the holidays.
Life: Reassess your commitments. Are there routines, habits, or responsibilities you can pause or simplify for summer?
2. Make Space for What You Love
Now that you’ve cleared the clutter, what do you want to fill your space and time with?
Create a list of your summer goals or must-dos—from relaxing beach days to finally reading that novel.
Consider what brings you joy and energy. Make space for those things intentionally, whether it’s hosting a garden BBQ, trying a new hobby, or just slowing down.
3. Get Organised for the School Summer Holidays
The school holidays can feel overwhelming without a plan. A little preparation now will help you create a summer that’s more fun and less frazzled.
Set a flexible routine that includes downtime, activities, and some structure to keep things running smoothly.
Involve the kids in creating a “summer bucket list” of things they want to do—it helps them feel included and excited.
4. Create a Calm Home You Don’t Need to Tidy
Imagine spending summer days focused on your family—not frantically tidying before guests arrive.
Introduce easy systems: labelled baskets for toys, a simple laundry routine, and a daily 15-minute tidy-up.
Clear surfaces and create a calm atmosphere—your future self will thank you when you’re not always chasing mess.
5. Plan Indoor and Outdoor Activities
Rain or shine, be prepared with a mix of activity ideas so you’re never caught off guard.
Outdoor fun: local parks, scavenger hunts, splash pads, nature trails, or DIY garden games.
Indoor ideas: crafts, movie marathons, baking days, home treasure hunts, or library trips.
6. Organise Weekly Food Shops & Meal Plans
Avoid the constant “What’s for dinner?” stress by planning meals ahead of time.
Create a weekly meal plan with simple, family-friendly recipes.
Shop once a week with a list, and include some picnic-ready items for spontaneous outings.
Don’t forget snacks—summer activities build big appetites!
7. Set a Summer Budget That Works for You
Summer can get expensive quickly if we’re not careful. Plan ahead so you can enjoy without the guilt.
Decide how much you want to spend on day trips, activities, meals out, and holidays.
Look for free or low-cost options: local events, community centres, or nature walks.
Set aside a small “fun fund” for spontaneous treats or rainy day surprises.
8. Get Holiday-Ready: Packing Tips & Travel Prep
Whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains, or just a friend’s house for a staycation, be ready in advance.
Create a master packing list—one for the family, one for kids, and one for you.
Pack light but smart: versatile outfits, sun protection, travel games, snacks, chargers, and a small first-aid kit.
If you’re flying or road-tripping, prep snack packs, travel activities, and playlists ahead of time to keep everyone happy.
Final Thoughts
Getting ready for summer isn’t about having a perfect plan—it’s about creating space to enjoy the moments that matter most. With a little organisation now, you’ll gift yourself more time, energy, and headspace to make unforgettable summer memories.
So grab a notepad, start small, and begin your summer reset today. Your calm, joy-filled summer awaits.