How to Get Your House Ready for Kids’ Summer Vacation

As summer vacation approaches, parents everywhere are gearing up for a few months of increased activity, noise, and mess. When my son was young, I remember taking a few days off from work to get my house decluttered, organized, and deep cleaned in preparation for the summer months. By doing so, it not only made the summer more enjoyable but also helped me get my house back in shape when school started again. Whether you’re working from home, staying busy with summer plans, or just trying to keep your house in order while the kids are home, preparing ahead of time can make all the difference.

Here are practical tips to help you get your house ready before the kids start their summer vacation, ensuring that you can enjoy the season without feeling overwhelmed by clutter.

1. Start with a Clean Slate: Declutter High-Traffic Areas

Why it matters:

With kids home all day, areas like the living room, kitchen, and bathroom will see a lot of action. These spaces tend to get messy quickly, so starting with a clean slate will help you maintain order throughout the summer months.

How to do it:

Take some time to tidy up common areas by putting away unused items, donating or tossing old toys, and creating simple storage solutions. Consider getting storage bins or baskets for toys, shoes, or books. This will help keep your home from feeling overcrowded and chaotic. A decluttered space is easier to maintain and keeps everyone from tripping over stray items.

2. Create Dedicated Zones for Summer Activities

Why it matters:

With kids home all day, a little organization can go a long way in preventing the entire house from feeling like one big playroom. Designating specific spaces for various activities can reduce the clutter and help keep everyone focused.

How to do it:

Create a play area for toys, a craft station for art supplies, and an outdoor gear zone for sports equipment and swimsuits. Use labeled bins, shelves, or baskets to keep everything organized and easy to find. If you have older kids, get them involved in setting up and maintaining their own areas. This will make it easier for them to clean up after themselves and for you to maintain order in the long run.

3. Set Up a Summer Command Center

Why it matters:

During the summer, family schedules can get a bit chaotic. Between vacations, camps, playdates, and family activities, it can be hard to stay on top of everything. A family command center is a great way to stay organized and keep everyone on the same page.

How to do it:

Designate a spot in your home (like the kitchen or entryway) for a family calendar, meal planner, and chore chart. Use a large wall calendar where everyone can see it, and mark down important events, appointments, and activities. Include a list of weekly chores that everyone can help with to keep the house in order. This will help you stay on track and ensure that nothing gets forgotten during the busy summer months.

4. Prepare the Kitchen for Easy Meal Prep and Snacks

Why it matters:

Summer days often involve kids snacking throughout the day, which can turn your kitchen into a constant mess if you’re not prepared. Having a well-organized kitchen with easy-to-reach snacks and meal prep options will save you time and reduce stress.

How to do it:

Organize your pantry with easy-to-grab snacks, like granola bars, fruit, and nuts. Create a snack station that kids can help themselves to throughout the day. This will reduce the need for you to constantly intervene when hunger strikes. You can also plan ahead by prepping easy meals that can be stored in the fridge or freezer—things like salads, sandwiches, or freezer-friendly dinners.

5. Organize Summer Gear and Supplies

Why it matters:

From swimming lessons to trips to the park, kids’ summer gear can quickly pile up and create unnecessary clutter. Organizing these items ahead of time will make getting out the door for summer activities a lot easier.

How to do it:

Set up a dedicated space for all your summer gear. Use labeled bins or baskets to store swimsuits, sunscreen, beach towels, hats, and sports equipment. If you’re planning on traveling, create a packing list and store everything for each trip in its own spot so you’re ready to go when the time comes.

6. Incorporate a Daily Cleaning Routine

Why it matters:

With kids home all day, the house will need more frequent tidying to stay manageable. A quick daily cleaning routine will help you maintain order without feeling overwhelmed.

How to do it:

Set aside 10-15 minutes each day to tidy up high-traffic areas. Wipe down surfaces, make the beds, and put away any stray items. Get the kids involved by assigning them small tasks—like picking up their toys or wiping down the kitchen table. This will not only keep the house tidy, but it will also teach them responsibility.

7. Create a Quiet Zone for Rest and Recharge

Why it matters:

While summer is filled with excitement and energy, it’s also important to carve out quiet time for rest. A designated quiet space allows kids to recharge and gives you some peace in the midst of the hustle and bustle.

How to do it:

Designate a quiet zone where kids can go to read, relax, or play quietly. This can be a corner with soft lighting, comfy seating, and a selection of books or puzzles. Encourage your kids to spend time in this space when they need a break from the excitement. It will provide them with the downtime they need to stay refreshed throughout the day.

8. Review School Supplies and Make Space for Next Year

Why it matters:

Before school ends, it’s a good idea to review last year’s supplies. This will clear up space and prevent old materials from cluttering up your home. Plus, you’ll know exactly what you need to buy for the upcoming school year.

How to do it:

Go through last year’s school supplies and sort through what’s still usable. Donate any excess items that can be passed on, and toss anything that’s no longer in good condition. Make space for new school supplies by clearing out any old materials and organizing your kids’ backpacks.

Conclusion

With a little preparation, you can keep your home running smoothly and stress-free while the kids are home for the summer. By decluttering high-traffic areas, creating dedicated zones for activities, and setting up systems to manage meals and schedules, you’ll set yourself up for a fun, organized, and relaxing season.

Nathalie xoxo