Summer break is just around the corner! For parents, that means the kids will soon be home from school, filling the house with laughter, energy and, let’s be honest, a fair share of mess. If the thought of toys strewn across the living room, snack crumbs on the counter, and a trail of flip-flops from the door to the backyard makes you cringe, don’t worry. As a professional home organizer with years of experience helping families, I’ve got you covered. Here’s how to keep your house organized this summer, so you can focus on making memories instead of picking up after everyone. Let’s dive into these practical, kid-friendly strategies to keep your home in order while the kids enjoy their break!
Before summer officially kicks off, take a weekend to declutter with your kids. Go through their toys, clothes, and school supplies together. Ask them to pick their top 10 toys they’ll play with over the break. Maybe the water guns for backyard fun or their favorite board games for rainy days. Donate or store the rest; if they don’t miss those extra stuffed animals by August, they’re ready to go. Sort through last year’s school gear too. Toss torn notebooks, broken crayons, and dried-out markers, and keep a labeled bin for reusable items like pencils or scissors. Starting with less stuff means fewer things to scatter around the house, setting you up for a tidier summer.
Kids are more likely to tidy up if the systems are simple and fun. Create designated spots for their summer essentials that even the littlest ones can manage. Place a colorful basket by the front door for sandals and sneakers. Add a picture label for non-readers. In the play area, use clear bins for toys, sorted by type: one for art supplies, another for outdoor toys like frisbees. Turn cleanup into a game: “Can you get all the markers in the bin before I count to 10?” This makes tidying feel like play, not a chore.
For snacks, set up a self-serve station in the kitchen. Use clear containers for pre-portioned treats, think goldfish crackers or apple slices, so kids can grab what they need without leaving a mess. Keep a small trash can nearby for wrappers to avoid finding them stuck to the sofa. These systems empower kids to take responsibility, keeping chaos at bay from the start.
A loose routine can work wonders for keeping your house organized during summer break. You don’t need a strict schedule, just a daily rhythm to prevent messes from piling up. Try this: mornings for indoor activities like crafts, followed by outdoor play, then a quiet hour for reading or screen time. Before each transition, build in a 5-minute tidy-up. For example, “Let’s put the paints away before we head to the sprinkler!” This keeps clutter from snowballing throughout the day.
Post the routine on the fridge with fun stickers or drawings for younger kids. When they know what’s next, they’re less likely to leave a trail of half-finished projects like a puzzle abandoned on the dining table. A predictable flow also gives you pockets of time to handle your own tasks, like folding laundry, without wading through a sea of toys.
With kids home all day, your living spaces are about to become their playground so let’s make them work harder. Choose storage that doubles as decor to keep things tidy without sacrificing style. A storage ottoman in the living room can hold blankets or games while doubling as extra seating for movie nights. A low bookshelf with cubbies lets kids grab toys or books easily, while the top shelves can display your favorite plants or photos, keeping the space feeling adult-friendly.
For outdoor gear, set up a backyard station. A weatherproof bin can hold pool noodles, goggles, and sunscreen, so they’re not dripping through the house after a swim. In the entryway, hang a pegboard painted in a bright summer color for backpacks, hats, and water bottles. These solutions keep clutter contained while adding a cheerful vibe to your home.
Summer’s a great time to teach kids responsibility while keeping the house organized. Assign age-appropriate tasks: a 5-year-old can toss their swimsuit in a laundry basket after pool time, while an 8-year-old can clear the picnic table after lunch. Create a summer chore chart. Each task completed earns a sticker, and a full row means a treat, like a trip to the ice cream shop. This makes helping out feel rewarding, not tedious.
Set a daily “reset” moment, maybe before dinner, where everyone spends 5 minutes putting things back. Bikes go in the garage, toys go in bins, and dishes go in the sink. Play some upbeat music to keep the mood light. When kids pitch in, the house stays manageable, and they build habits that last beyond summer.
With all the summer energy, you’ll need a breather. Create a kid-free zone where you can recharge, maybe a cozy chair in your bedroom or a spot on the patio. Keep it clutter-free with a small basket for your book, sunglasses, and a cold drink. Let the kids know this spot is just for you, so you can take a moment to relax without stepping on a rogue Lego. A little self-care goes a long way in keeping you patient and present for summer fun.
Here’s the truth: some mess is part of a joyful summer, and that’s okay. A blanket fort in the living room or a trail of sand from a beach day means your kids are making memories. Don’t stress about perfection. Focus on systems that keep the chaos manageable, and let the rest go. You’re balancing order with fun, and that’s what summer’s all about.
With these tips, you can keep your house organized while your kids are home for the summer. No stress, just fun! Declutter before the break, set up kid-friendly systems, stick to a flexible routine, and use smart storage to stay ahead of the mess. Get the kids involved, carve out a space for yourself, and don’t sweat the small stuff. Want more tailored advice? I’m here to help. Reach out for a free consultation, and let’s make your summer organized and unforgettable!
At The Organized You, we offer personalized home organization services throughout the Greater Boston Area, including Wellesley, Dover, Needham, Newton, Medfield, Walpole, and beyond. Whether you need help decluttering, optimizing your closets, or creating a functional home office, we’re here to design systems that work for you. Learn more about our services in Wellesley, Dover, Needham, Newton, Medfield, and Walpole, and schedule your free consultation today!