Get Organized for Summer

With summer just around the corner, we all want more time to enjoy the lakefront, the music festivals, our neighborhoods and just to be outside.

With just a few simple tips you can clear your mind and get a bit more organized for summer.

First of all, it’s important to do a seasonal swap out in the front hall closet, mudroom or backdoor. (Basically the place you most often come in and out) There’s nothing worse than seeing heavy coats, scarves and boots when it’s 85 degrees and humid.

Find some plastic bins to pack up the winter gear and label the bins. Then move these bins out of the way if you have a basement or another closet. Or simply put them on the top shelves of the closet, or in your “less prime real estate.”

Don’t forget to launder or dry clean what you are packing away. Take boots to the shoe repair for polishing or do it yourself before packing them up.

 Keep your beach tote, baseball cap, and sandals in sight instead.

For families with school age children, another great “end of school year” project is to deal with the papers and art projects that have accumulated from the school year. Each child should have a plastic bin or two with their names clearly labeled on them.

Have one bin for larger artwork (paintings and such) and one for school papers. Decide what you want to keep and recycle the rest. Have your child help with the “editing” process to teach decision-making and organizing skills.

Got young kids? Keep the sand toys, beach chairs and umbrella in the trunk of the car or by the back door. It’s one way to save time when getting ready to go.

And speaking of cars… with gas prices so high, organize your errands and trips to save money. Keep your coupons and discount cards in a zippered pouch in the car. If you are driving by one of the local shops, you don’t have to run back home and get your coupons.

Also keep a blanket and a couple of folding chairs in the trunk of the car along with a few good books and maybe some art supplies. If you have a few minutes in your summer day to enjoy the out of doors, you will be ready to sit and relax and soak up the sun or shade.

So clear away that winter attitude as well as the winter stuff and enjoy those lazy days of summer!