3 Steps to a Busy, Beautiful,
and Organized Summer
3 Steps to a Busy, Beautiful,
and Organized Summer
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and Organized Summer
May 16, 2025 - Kristina Pinkerton
As the school year winds down, I know this season can bring a complicated mix of emotions—relief, fatigue, and the overwhelm of shifting into summer mode. If you're juggling end-of-year paperwork, last-minute events, and the looming question of “How are we going to manage the summer schedule?”—you are absolutely not alone.
I work closely with so many wonderful parents, and I see how hard it is to balance everything, especially during transitions like this one. I love supporting you with calm, practical systems so your home and routines can feel lighter and more manageable.
So, let’s walk through a thoughtful plan to close out the school year, prepare for a more flexible summer schedule, and create simple systems that help you stay ready for whatever this season may bring.
Summer can be a lot of fun with a few simple systems in place, and you don’t have to do it all on your own. I’m here to help!
Step 1: Closing Out the School Year
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!
Though it’s tempting to do everything on your own so you can cross it off your massive to-do list, involving your children will help them build lifelong organizing habits and a sense of ownership in their space.
Here’s your Quick Close-Out the School Year Checklist:
Go Through Backpacks
Decide what should be kept.
Toss trash.
Wash the backpack according to the instructions.
Store the backpack in a closet or somewhere out of the way.
Sort and Save Schoolwork
Keep a few special projects.
Snap photos of the rest to save digitally.
Toss everything else
Inventory School Supplies
Toss anything that’s broken.
Save what’s still suitable 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
Devices like iPads, Chromebooks
Instruments
Thank the Teachers
A note, a gift card, or even just heartfelt words. They deserve all the love — and a rest!
Step 2: Prepare for a Summer Schedule
Step 2: Prepare for a Summer Schedule
Summer is magical—and chaotic. No two days are the same, and sticking to a routine is hard.
Some days, the kids have camps. On other days, you’re traveling. And you still want enough freedom for the occasional at-home day with popsicles and sprinklers.
The trick? A flexible framework. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
1. Create a Big-Picture Calendar
1. Create a Big-Picture Calendar
Even if you don’t typically use a calendar, summer requires more structure because things change daily. Thankfully, it doesn't have to be complicated—no color-coding or complex systems required.
Simply write out the key details: day camps, vacations, childcare plans, visits with grandparents—anything that changes the flow of a day.
Place it somewhere visible, like the kitchen or entryway. When everyone can see what’s coming, the days tend to feel calmer and more grounded, especially for children
who find comfort in knowing what to expect. Plus, you
can always point to it when kids say, “What are we doing today?”
2. Build a "Daily Rhythm" — Not a Rigid Schedule
2. Build a "Daily Rhythm" — Not a Rigid Schedule
Summer often brings a different rhythm — one that may feel less predictable but can still be loosely shaped.
Creating simple, consistent routines can help everyone feel more settled, even when the schedule shifts from day to day.
Here’s an example of what that might look like:
Morning: Breakfast, light chores, camp drop-off, or planned outings.
Afternoon: Quiet time or independent play—a valuable pause from screens and stimulation.
Evening: Dinner, outdoor time, and a slower wind-down to end the day with calm.
Try to leave room for flexibility and rest. Some days may not go according to plan—and that’s okay. Emotional moments are a natural part of transition for children (and adults), so building in space to reset can make a meaningful difference.
3. Prep for Camps & Trips Ahead of Time
3. Prep for Camps & Trips Ahead of Time
Consider keeping a few small, ready-to-go bags to simplify your daily routines. Having essentials prepped in advance can ease transitions and reduce the last-minute scramble.
Here are a few ideas:
Day camp: A labeled backpack with a water bottle, sunscreen, and lunchbox.
Swim lessons: A tote with a towel, goggles, swimsuit, change of clothes, and a plastic bag.
Road trips: A small bin or pouch with snacks, travel activities, and emergency wipes.
A simple checklist taped inside each bag can be incredibly helpful, especially on busy mornings when time is tight. Small systems like this can go a long way toward making your days run more smoothly.
Step 3: Assemble Your Summer On-the-Go Kit
Step 3: Assemble Your Summer On-the-Go Kit
Even with thoughtful routines and checklists in place, summer has a way of bringing the unexpected. That’s where your On-the-Go Kit comes in—a simple, ready-to-use bag that helps you feel prepared for whatever the day brings.
When plans suddenly shift, whether you’re headed to the park, the pool, or just running errands, gathering a few essentials in one place can make all the difference.
This kit might live by your front door or stay in your car—somewhere easily accessible. The goal is to have what you need close at hand, so you're ready to respond calmly and confidently, even when the day doesn't go as planned.
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
Headphone
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 prepare for whatever adventures come your way. With a bit of prep (and a lot of snacks), you can definitely handle them.
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 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! Here’s to a summer of the great outdoors, lots of fun, and sunscreen!
Here’s to summer!
Kristina
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