How to Organize Your Life for a Wild, Wonderful 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 with 15 years of nannying under my belt, I truly get how much busy moms have on their plates! 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…that are right on top of your head).
“A Summer Stroll” -Original Cartoon by Katrine Burkitt :)
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, so they can begin learning the organizational skills dreams are made of.
Here’s your 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 the rest to save digitally.
Toss the 473 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 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 ensure you’re not charged any "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 16,000% 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. It lives near your front door or in your car, ready to grab and go.
What to Pack:
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Towels
Swim suits
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.
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!
Until next time!
Your Favorite Organizer,
Katrine :)
