Summer Simplified: Here’s How to Slide Into Summer Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Sunglasses)

Mama, you made it. (Or you’re real close to making it.) The end of the school year is here, and if you're feeling a weird mix of relief, exhaustion, and "wait, what day is it again?"—you’re definitely not alone.

As a professional home organizer—and a fellow mom who’s ready to break up with themed dress-up days—I’ve got you. Let’s walk through how to wrap up the school year without totally spiraling, get ahead of the summer madness, and feel semi-ready for whatever comes your way. (Spoiler alert: snacks are a big part of this plan.)

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Step 1: Shut Down the School Year (Without Losing It)

The last few weeks of school are bananas, so let’s keep this simple. Here's a quick checklist you can actually use. Bonus: get the kids involved! They made the mess—might as well help clean it up.

✔️ Raid the Backpacks You know there’s something weird in there. Pull everything out, toss the trash, and rescue your Tupperware. Keep what matters. Pitch the mystery crumbs.

✔️ Sort the Schoolwork Pick a few special things to save. Take pics of cute art or projects you kinda want to remember. Toss the mountain of worksheets. Guilt-free. Seriously.

✔️ Check the Lost & Found Because you might just find your favorite tumbler you had no idea was even missing. In our house, the lost hoodie count for this school year is 5. There is a high probability that you may find a few.

✔️ Take Inventory of Supplies Trash the broken crayons and dried-up markers. Keep what still works (stash it in your school supply bin for next year.) Donate extras—or use them at home.

✔️ Return All the School Stuff Library books, Chromebooks, iPads, musical instruments... Double-check accounts—don't rely on your 8-year-old to know what's missing.

✔️ Thank the Teachers Doesn’t have to be fancy. A heartfelt note, a coffee gift card, or just a big ol' “thank you” goes a long way. They’ve earned it and their upcoming two months of rest.

Before the bus even gets out of your neighborhood, clean out backpacks and lunch boxes. Proceed with caution!

Step 2: Prep for the Wild Ride That Is Summer

Summer is magical and totally unpredictable. One day it’s camp and popsicles, the next it’s “I’m bored” on repeat while they chase each other with pool noodles. Here’s how to stay one step ahead (ish).

📅 Make a Big Summer Calendar Even if you’re not a calendar person—this helps. Jot down camps, trips, playdates, Grandma visits—anything that affects the flow. Hang it somewhere the kids can see it. Trust me, the “what are we doing today?” questions will drop dramatically.

🔁 Build a Loose Daily Rhythm Don’t stress about a tight schedule. Just give your days a gentle rhythm:

• Mornings: Breakfast, light chores, camp drop-off or outings

• Afternoons: Chill time (yes, even big kids need breaks)

• Evenings: Dinner, outdoor play, relaxed wind-down

Leave room for last-minute plans and meltdowns (because you know they’re coming).

🎒 Create Mini Grab-and-Go Bags Prep now = fewer forgotten water bottles later. Label each one and keep checklists inside. Ideas:

• Day camp bag: Water bottle, sunscreen, lunch

• Swim bag: Towel, suit, goggles, change of clothes

• Travel bag: Snacks, books, wipes, chargers

Have a "Go Bag" ready at all times for the last minute summer plans with friends and family.

Step 3: Pack Your Summer “Go Bag” Like a Boss

Even with all the planning in the world, summer loves a surprise. That’s where the On-the-Go Kit comes in. It’s your summer secret weapon. Keep it by the door or in your car and you’ll always be ready for last-minute splash pad runs or impromptu park playdates.

Pack This in Your Go Bag:

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray

• Towels

• Swimsuits

• Change of clothes

• Hats & sunglasses

• Reusable water bottles

• Snacks (non-melty ones are key)

• Wipes & sanitizer

• First aid kit

• Plastic bags for wet stuff

• 
  

Extras by age:

• Toddlers: Swim diapers, bubbles, small toys

• Big kids: Books, headphones, backup chargers

• You (yes, you!): Lip balm, a good magazine, and a “mom treat” stashed where no one else will find it

  
  

Store it in your car trunk, by the door, or at the bottom of your stroller. Just make sure it’s easy to grab when you’re flying out the door.

Get organized as the summer approaches to allow time in the coming months to make lasting family memories.

Final Pep Talk: You Don’t Have to Be Perfect—Just Ready Enough

Summer isn’t about color-coded schedules or perfectly packed lunches. It’s about breathing, laughing, and making messy memories. If you do a little prep now—close out school, prep for summer, pack your go-to bag—you’ll buy yourself a lot more freedom later.

You’ve totally got this. (And if you don’t? At least you packed snacks.)

Here’s to a summer full of sunscreen, sanity, and some peace and quiet.

 May your homes be filled with peace and purpose as you find space to breathe!

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