How to Set Yourself Up for an Organized Summer (When the Kids Are Home All Day)
The last day of school feels a little magical. No more packing lunches. No more rushing out the door. No more homework battles.
But a few weeks into summer, many moms find themselves wondering why the house suddenly feels chaotic, cluttered, and impossible to keep up with. It’s the reason summer is our busiest time at The Organized Mommy Co.;)
The truth is that summer isn't just a schedule change—it's a full lifestyle transition. And if you take a little time to prepare your home before summer officially begins, you'll set yourself up for a season that feels much calmer and more enjoyable.
Here are a few simple ways to make the switch from school mode to summer mode.
1. Clear Out the School Clutter
Before summer activities start piling up, take an hour to deal with everything that came home from school.
Sort through:
Artwork and school projects
Papers and worksheets
Old lunch boxes and water bottles
Worn-out school supplies
Backpacks
Save the special keepsakes, recycle what you don't need, and store anything you'll want to reference later. I have a reel about how I organize these items on my Instagram. Starting summer with a clean slate feels so much better than letting school clutter linger until August.
Most importantly - empty the backpacks and lunch bags so you don’t have any moldy surprises in August. If you’re replacing backpacks and lunch boxes, just toss them now.
2. Create a Summer Launch Zone
During the school year, your entryway probably revolves around backpacks and homework. Summer requires a different setup.
Consider creating a dedicated space for:
Sunscreen
Hats
Sunglasses
Water bottles
Towels
Swim gear
Bug spray
Keeping these items together makes spontaneous park trips, pool days, and outdoor adventures much easier.
If your kids go to summer camp everyday, switch your drop zone to the backpack or bag they use each morning.
3. Rotate Kids' Clothing
Kids often grow significantly during the school year. Summer is the perfect time to assess what still fits.
Pull out:
Clothes that no longer fit
Worn-out shoes
Broken accessories
Uniforms if you use them
Then organize summer clothing so kids can easily find what they need. The easier it is for them to get dressed independently, the fewer daily battles you'll have.
4. Set Up Activity Stations
One of the biggest challenges of summer is hearing "I'm bored" 47 times a day.
Try creating simple activity zones:
Craft supplies
Books
Outdoor toys
Building toys
Puzzles and games
When activities have designated homes, kids can access them independently and clean up more easily when they're done.
Make a list together at the beginning of summer of the things they can do and post it where everyone can read it.
5. Simplify the Kitchen
With kids home all day, the kitchen becomes command central.
Create easy-access spaces for:
Healthy snacks
Refillable water bottles
Lunch-making supplies
Popsicles and frozen treats
A dedicated snack zone helps reduce constant interruptions and encourages independence.
6. Make a Home for Summer Gear
Summer comes with a surprising amount of stuff.
Think:
Pool toys
Sports equipment
Beach bags
Camp supplies
Water shoes
Assign a home for each category now rather than letting it migrate throughout the house or garage all summer long.
Bins, baskets, hooks, and labeled shelves can make a huge difference, even if you just put labeled baskets near the door temporarily.
7. Create a Weekly Reset Routine
Summer schedules are often less structured, which means clutter can accumulate quickly.
Choose one day each week for a quick family reset:
Put away stray items
Refill sunscreen stations
Wash towels
Restock snacks
Prepare for upcoming activities
A 20-minute reset can prevent the house from feeling completely out of control by mid-July. Even better - take 5-10 minutes to do this nightly.
8. Lower the Bar for Perfection
This might be the most important tip of all.
Summer is meant for memories, not perfection.
Your house will likely be lived in more. There will be extra shoes by the door, more dishes in the sink, and evidence of fun throughout the house.
Instead of aiming for spotless, focus on systems that make cleanup easier and help your family enjoy the season.
A home that supports summer fun is far more valuable than a perfectly organized house that nobody feels comfortable living in.
The Bottom Line
A little preparation now can make the entire summer run more smoothly. By transitioning your home from school mode to summer mode, you'll spend less time managing clutter and more time enjoying the moments that make summer special.
And that's the whole point.
