The Summer Craze: Keeping Your Home Organized When School is Out

Summer is a time for fun, sun, and family activities. However, with the kids out of school, it can also be a time of chaos and clutter. Keeping your home organized during the summer months can seem like a daunting task, but with a few simple strategies and some creative parenting tricks, you can maintain order and even get your kids involved in the process.

Parenting Tricks to Get Kids to Help

One of the best ways to keep your home organized during the summer is to get your kids involved in the process. Here are some effective tricks to encourage their participation:

1. Create a Reward System: Set up a chart with tasks that need to be done and assign points for each completed task. Points can be exchanged for rewards like extra screen time, a special treat, or a fun outing.

2. Make Cleaning Fun: Turn cleaning into a game or competition. See who can pick up the most toys in a certain amount of time or who can organize their room the fastest. Adding a fun element can motivate kids to participate more willingly.

3. Lead by Example: Show your kids that organizing and cleaning can be enjoyable by participating in the tasks with them. Play their favorite music, dance around, and make it a fun family activity.

Tips to Make Life Easier

Implementing practical strategies can make managing summer chaos more manageable. Here are some ideas:

1. Pre-Cut and Packaged Snacks: Keep a selection of pre-cut fruits, vegetables, and other healthy snacks in the fridge. This not only promotes healthy eating but also makes it easy for kids to grab a quick snack without creating a mess.

2. The Ready-to-Go Beach Bag: Have a beach bag packed with essentials like sunscreen, towels, swimsuits, and snacks. Keep it by the door or in the car so you're always ready for a spontaneous beach day.

3. Pool Accessory Organization: Use labeled containers to store pool toys, goggles, and floaties. This makes it easy to find what you need and keeps everything organized and in one place.

4. Daily Routine Chart: Create a daily routine chart that outlines activities, chores, and free time. This helps kids know what to expect each day and can prevent boredom and disorder.

5. Designated Play Areas: Set up specific areas in your home for different activities. Have a reading nook, a craft station, and a play area. This helps contain the mess and makes clean-up easier.

6. Weekly Clean-Up Schedule: Assign different areas of the house to clean each day of the week. This breaks down the cleaning tasks into manageable chunks and ensures that the whole house stays tidy.

By implementing these tips and tricks, you can maintain an organized home even during the bustling summer months. Encouraging your kids to participate in the process not only lightens your load but also teaches them valuable life skills. Enjoy the summer with a clutter-free home and make lasting memories with your family.

With the longer days, summer can be a great time to tackle your own home organization project such as cleaning out the basement or rearranging the garage.  If you have a major organizational project that feels overwhelming, contact us today to book your FREE online consultation to get started!