Summer….oh how I love you! I really do. I love the relaxed nature, the sleeping in, the ability to wear flip-flops 24/7, the late nights, and really just the chance to take a break! And even more so, I cherish these long days with my precious kids, who are just growing up way too fast. #slowdownclock
While I’m determined to make the most of our warm days together, I’m also determined to keep the chaos to a dull roar around our home. In order to attempt to control the chaos, I have five key organizational tips that are my “go-tos” when it comes to staying on top of our daily schedule. So if you want to not only survive this summer, but thrive, follow these five simple tips and you’ll be well on your way!
#1 – Menu Plan
I know you know it. When you plan your menu for your weekly meals, you save yourself time and money. Not to mention you usually eat better too! So let’s make a pact to stay on track this summer. Sit down once a week and knock out the plan and grocery list(s).
Plan ahead for all of the meals! Don’t forget lunches, snacks, parties, picnics, etc. Also consider simple dinners you can throw in a cooler and take to the park or pool. Need some easy ideas? Try some of my Quick & Healthy Dinners – HERE and HERE.
#2 – Get Ready
One of the best things you can do for yourself on a daily basis is to take some time every day to get yourself ready! Ready means that you have taken some time to care for yourself. This can be getting your shower in and putting on your make up, or this might mean getting a workout squeezed in first thing in the morning. (OR, maybe it’s both!)
Be realistic, but plan the time into your day, preferably earlier in the day. A time that is just for you to get yourself geared up for the day. By taking good care of yourself, rather exercising, getting dressed, or that much-needed quiet time, you will feel more put together and have a better threshold for the day ahead of you.
#3 – Daily Five
My morning (organizing/cleaning) routine consists (generally) of the following: unloading the dishwasher (we run it every night), cleaning up the kitchen after breakfast (entirely), prepping dinner (defrosting meat etc.), a light tidy through our main rooms, and throwing in a load of wash if it’s laundry day.
My tip to you is to also have a quick list of five things that you will do the first thing in the morning. Five things that will impact the rest of your day in a positive way. These five things shouldn’t take you more than around an hour in total. In addition, have five daily things for your kids to do too. Be sure to have everyone do their daily five first thing (if possible) so they’ll be done for the rest of the day!
#4 – 15 Minute Organizing
Summer can often help us to push the pause button on projects. Which is why it is a great season to simply focus on what I like to call “15 minute fixes”. While you’re putting on your make up, do a quick sweep of your make up. What needs to be discarded? What needs to be replaced? Clean the trays real quick too! Or when you are cooking dinner, do a quick overhaul of your spices, what are you out of? What needs to be tossed?
Organizing doesn’t have to be a full day project. Do one room or one drawer at a time. Setting a timer is a great way to keep you focused on getting things done efficiently. (This is my philopsophy behind my seasonal organizing challenges.) Or, next time you need to make that phone call, get some of your organizing out in front of you and tackle it while you chat away.
#5 – Stay Home
I’m not suggesting by any means that you should only stay home this summer. Instead I’m suggesting that you protect your calendar. Avoid committing to things that don’t bring value to you and your family. Pick the best “fits” for your family and be IN 100%. There is no reason to say yes to everything that comes your way. (And there are plenty of good things!)
Sometimes the best part of summer is just being. Being at home.
I hope that you are looking forward to some down time this summer season. Rather that be a few weekends away or even a staycation. Wishing you a relaxing (and organized) summer, filled with many memories and blessings.
Tell Me – Do you have your own summer survival organizing tip? Share with me!
