3 Steps to a Busy, Beautiful, and Organized Summer

You made it. The end of the school year is here! (Or it’s very nearly here, and you can practically smell the summer sunshine.)

If you're feeling a mix of relief, panic, and "what day is it again?"—you're in good company.

As a professional organizer and a fellow human who has completely forgotten to attend the "Friends of [insert one of my daughters' two schools]" meeting twice this spring, let’s walk through how to close out the school year, prep for the unpredictable summer months ahead, and stay ready for anything—without losing your mind (or your sunglasses…which, yes, are right on top of your head).

Step 1: Closing Out the School Year

The final weeks of the school year can feel like absolute chaos, so having a checklist is a must!Get your kiddo involved with the following steps so they can start learning the organizational skills dreams are made of.

Quick Close-Out the School Year Checklist:

• Go Through Backpacks

  • Decide what should be kept.

  • Toss garbage. (Kids leave gross surprises, like that smooshed sandwich under their notebook. Ewww.)

• Sort and Save Schoolwork

  • Keep a few special projects.

  • Snap photos of any you want to retain a digital memory of.

  • Toss the 372 math worksheets. Permission granted.

• Check the Lost & Found

  • They might be wearing someone else’s hoodie right now.

• Inventory School Supplies

  • Toss anything that’s broken.

  • Save what’s still good for next year. (Store in a container and place it in a closet or cupboard so it’s out of your way.)

  • Donate duplicates or use them at home.

    
    

• Return School Property

  • Library books (check records to avoid "missing book" fees—don’t just trust your kid to know. Again, speaking from experience).

  • Devices like iPads, Chromebooks.

  • Instruments.

• Thank the Teachers

  • A note, a gift card, or even just heartfelt words. They deserve all the love (and probably a nap).

Step 2: Get Ready for the Varying Summer Schedule

(Spoiler: No two days will look the same)

Summer is magical... and chaotic.Some days it’s camp. Some days it’s travel. Some days it's "eat popsicles and fight with your siblings."

The trick? A flexible framework.

Here’s how to set yourself (and your sanity) up for success:

1. Create a Big-Picture Calendar

   • Even if you’re not a "calendar person," summer demands one.

   • List camps, trips, childcare, grandparents’ visits—anything that affects the day’s plan.

   • Pro Tip: Hang it somewhere visible for everyone. (Kids ask “what are we doing today?” about 17,000% less when they can see it.)

2. Build a "Daily Rhythm" — Not a Rigid Schedule

   • Summer is a beast you cannot fully tame, but you can guide it gently.

   • Set up simple, predictable rhythms. Here’s an example:

     • Morning: Breakfast, chores, camp drop-off/travel outings.

     • Afternoon: Rest time (yes, even older kids need a screen break).

     • Evening: Dinner, outside time, slower wind-down.

   • Leave space for spontaneity—and meltdown recovery. (Meltdowns happen in all shapes, sizes, and ages.)

3. Prep for Camps & Trips Ahead of Time

   • Create mini "grab-and-go" bags for:

     • Day camp: Labeled backpack, water bottle, sunscreen, lunchbox.

     • Swim lessons: Towel, goggles, swimsuit, change of clothes.

     • Road trips: Snacks, travel games, emergency wipes.

   • Pro Tip: Keep a checklist taped inside each bag. You’ll thank yourself when running late.

Step 3: Assemble Your Summer On-the-Go Kit

Even with the best plans and checklists, summer is FULL of surprises.The "On-the-Go Kit" is your built-in plan B (and C and D). Always ready. Always nearby. Always saving the day.

Think of it as your personal “fun emergency” bag. Whether you’re headed to the park, beach, pool, or just running errands when someone suddenly finds a sprinkler—this kit has your back.

What to Pack:

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray

• Towels

• Swimsuits

• Change of clothes

• Hats and sunglasses

• Reusable water bottles

• Snacks (non-melty ones)

• First aid kit (because—life)

• Wipes and hand sanitizer

• Plastic bags for wet stuff

Toddlers? Add:

• Swim diapers

• Bubbles (in a Ziploc, trust me)

• Plastic shovel or two

Big kids? Throw in:

• A paperback book or magazine

• Headphones

• Extra charging cable

You? Treat yourself to:

• Lip balm with SPF

• A magazine you might get to read

• A "mom treat" (hidden away for emergencies)

Where to Store It?

• In the trunk of your car.

• By the back door.

• At the bottom of your stroller or travel bag.

Grab a canvas bag, bin, or basket, fill it up, and get ready for whatever adventures come your way. Because with a little prep (and a lot of snacks), you can totally handle it.

Final Thoughts

Summer isn’t about perfect schedules or perfectly packed bags.

It’s about creating a little more breathing room, a little more laughter, and a lot more memories (even messy ones).

By doing a little prep work now—closing out the school year, setting a flexible rhythm, and building your on-the-go kit—you’ll actually have more time for the good stuff later.

You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to be ready enough.

You’ve got this. And if not, at least you’ll have snacks.

Here’s to a summer of spontaneity, sanity, and sunscreen!