Summer Systems That Help Families Thrive (and Not Just Survive)
Home Organization Tips & Product Recommendations from Certified Professional Organizers®
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1. Create Summer Stations
Set up go-to zones around your home that support daily summer activities and give kids just enough independence to keep things running smoothly.
Outdoor Station:
Keep sunscreen, bug spray, sidewalk chalk, goggles, and pool towels in easy reach. Durable storage that works indoors or out makes all the difference:
A woven all-weather basket like this one are is perfect for pool towels.
Stackable baskets work great for goggles, bubbles, and water toys.
Sports Equipment Organizer is a smart option for corralling sports balls and outdoor gear.
Snack Zone:
Use a 3-tier rolling cart or a labeled basket filled with parent-approved snacks so kids can help themselves without raiding the pantry.
Craft Corner:
Designate a small shelf, drawer, or rolling cart for summer crafts—think markers, paper, glue sticks, scissors, and activity books. Keeping it low and labeled encourages creativity without creating a mess.
2. Set Up Visual Schedules & Chore Charts
Structure doesn’t have to go out the window just because school’s out. A family-friendly calendar or chore chart helps kids know what to expect—and gives you fewer “what are we doing today?” questions. We love the Skylight Calendar or even a simple magnetic whiteboard.
3. Schoolwork & Art Preservation
The end of the school year often brings a flood of papers, artwork, and projects—each one tugging at your heartstrings. But let’s be honest: keeping everything isn’t sustainable.
Here’s what we recommend:
Sort as You Go: Set aside a small bin or drawer during the year for artwork and school highlights. At the end of each semester (or when it starts overflowing), take 15 minutes to sort through.
Only Keep What You Love: Aim to save the pieces that really matter—something they worked hard on, a drawing that shows their personality, or a card that made you tear up.
Digitize the Rest: Take a quick photo on your phone and create a folder for each child labeled by school year. It’s easy, free, and takes up no space. Even better? Snap a picture of your child holding their artwork to capture the memory and their age in one shot.
Want to turn it into a keepsake?
At the end of the year, you can use those photos to create a printed photo book. Our team would love to help you design one or walk you through a simple system that works for your family. Reach out to learn more about our Photo Organizing services!
If you’d like a more physical system, file boxes are a great solution—especially if you’re local to Jacksonville, FL and would like our team to handle this for you. We often create custom keepsake file boxes for our clients with labeled folders by grade. While you can find beautiful pre-made options online like this Etsy one, we’re happy to help you build a more affordable version using our local partners.
The real goal? Create a system you can stick to—so you’re not drowning in paper at the end of every school year, and your kids’ memories are saved in a way that actually works for your life.
Need a hand getting systems in place before summer kicks off? We’re here to help.
By setting up a few thoughtful systems now, you’re giving your family the gift of a summer that feels more intentional and less overwhelming. Whether it’s organizing the outdoor gear, creating a snack station that encourages independence, or finding simple ways to preserve those school-year memories, small steps like these can make a big difference. It’s not about perfection—it’s about creating a home that supports your family in the season you’re in.
If you’re ready for a little extra support, reach out to us here to get started. Here’s to a summer that feels a little lighter, a little more organized, and full of moments that truly matter.
🛒 Shop Our Favorites:
3-tier rolling cart for snacks or crafts
All-weather basket for pool towels
Stackable bins for goggles and toys
