Plan Ahead to Maximize Summer Fun Time
- Jonda Beattie
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
Officially summer begins on June 20 but here in Georgia it has been summer hot for a while. During the hot days or hot periods of the day we just want to slow down and take it easy. I have always loved the song Summertime and the Living is Easy.
Summer is a time when we want to chill and conserve our energy. We would much rather sit on the deck with a nice tall cold drink than organize a closet.
Still, we don’t want our homes to become a cluttered mess.
By planning ahead, we can at least maintain our order and still have time for summer fun.
· Set up your calendar for the summer. Plug in any trips or fun excursions. Don’t forget to also check for any appointments that are already scheduled. Leave some days intentionally blank.
· Write out a To-Do list. This will help you stay organized and focused on what has to be done. Include all of the tasks necessary to make your trips and excursions stress free. Schedule time on your calendar to actually do these tasks.
· Declutter in small 10-minute spurts of time. This practice will help you feel like you are still in control of your home and make it easier to relax and enjoy your summer. Choose one area that has become disorganized and frustrating. Set your timer for 10 minutes and work on that one area. You will be surprised by what you accomplish. To make this even easier use one of the cards from our Organize Your Home 10 Minutes at a Time deck of cards.
· Plan easy meals in advance. Look for menus that are easy to prepare and have minimal cooking time. Make a weekly menu schedule that includes all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack). Check your refrigerator and pantry to see what you need to purchase to prepare your weekly menu. Put together a shopping list so that you only have to go to the store and/or market only once a week.
If you use these organizing ideas and work them into your summer routine, you will be able to stay cool and enjoy your summertime fun.
If you are ready to work on any specific organizing project and want some tips, encouragement, or accountability join Diane Quintana and me in our Clear Space For You virtual clutter support group. You could complete a small project or set up an organizing plan during the call. The group will offer ideas, support, and gentle accountability for working on developing plans or projects.
Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients.
Very wise advice. My favorite aspect is the ten-minute tips (right in your wheelhouse) because anyone can do anything for ten minutes without getting too hot or sweaty. A series of tiny tasks, interspersed with hydration, is the way to get it done without feeling like you're doing anything too laborious. And of course, planning and To-Do lists are key — more thinking, less labor is the perfect way to enjoy the summer. Great job!
One tip that I got onto was to think about the slow cooker in summer. I know it is sort of counterintuitive, because usually the slow cooker is stews and heavy meals. However, the nice thing about using it is that it really doesn't take up nearly as much energy as an oven or stove, and it can leave your day (and hot, late-afternoons) free for the pool or summer activity.
I think summer would be the perfect time of year to work through tiny organizing projects. Your deck of cards is perfect for this!
What great advice for an organized season! And guess what? "Summertime" is our special song. It was the song that we chose for our "first dance" at our wedding, 42 years ago, and has remained "our song" since.
We like to keep meals simple, especially this time of year. BBQing proteins on the outside grill to have for multiple meals works well. Grilling outside also helps keep the house cooler. We toss the proteins over salads for filling, easy meals.
We're having a heatwave right now in New York. It feels like 100 degrees. I'm sure it's much hotter where you are. Stay cool.