Summer is the perfect season to declutter and refresh your home. With longer days, warmer weather, and a slower pace, it's an ideal time to take a step back and create a more organized, functional living space. Whether you have just a few hours or an entire weekend to spare, these five simple organizing projects will help you make the most of the summer season.
One of the easiest ways to feel more organized during the summer is to focus on your wardrobe. As the temperature rises, it’s a great time to switch out heavier winter clothes for lighter summer pieces. Start by going through your closet and removing anything you no longer wear or need.
Sort items into three piles: keep, donate, and toss. Be ruthless—if you haven’t worn something in over a year, it’s probably time to say goodbye. Once you've pared down your wardrobe, organize your remaining clothes by type (t-shirts, shorts, dresses, etc.) or color for easy access. Invest in some lightweight storage bins for out-of-season items, or consider a vacuum-sealed bag to store bulky sweaters and coats until fall.
Pro Tip: Add slim velvet hangers to save space and keep your clothes from sliding off.
Summer often means vacations, family outings, and countless memories captured in photos. An easy organizing project is sorting through and backing up your digital photos. Start by going through your phone or camera and deleting any blurry, duplicate, or unwanted images. Then, organize the remaining photos into folders by event or date—vacations, holidays, birthdays, etc. Consider using a cloud storage service or an external hard drive to back up your collection and ensure it’s safe. If you want to go the extra mile, create digital photo albums or even print out a few to make a simple photo book that captures the best moments of the season. This project not only helps you stay organized but also allows you to reflect on the wonderful memories you've made, without the overwhelm of an unorganized photo library.
Cluttered paperwork can easily accumulate during the year, but summer offers the perfect opportunity to tackle this often-overwhelming task. Start by sorting through your files—whether digital or physical—and create piles: shred, file, or act upon. Get rid of old mail and receipts, outdated documents, and items that no longer need to be kept. We have a Paperwork Pile Up Blog that deep dives into how to organize paperwork and what you need to keep! Make sure to check it out!
For anything you need to keep, create an organized filing system that makes sense for your needs. Consider using color-coded folders for different categories (e.g., bills, medical records, receipts) and store them in a filing cabinet or labeled file boxes.
If you have digital files, take the time to organize them into clearly labeled folders on your computer or cloud storage. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, go paperless by scanning important documents and storing them securely online. A clutter-free paper system will make a big difference in your day-to-day routine.
After months of indulging in cozy comfort foods, it’s time to refresh your pantry for summer. Start by emptying out your pantry completely and inspecting every item. Toss anything that is expired, stale, or no longer used. Wipe down shelves to remove any crumbs or spills.
Next, organize your pantry by category. Keep dry goods like pasta, grains, and canned goods together. Store baking supplies (flour, sugar, etc.) in clear containers to prevent pests and to easily identify what you have. Use baskets or bins for smaller items like snacks or condiments, and label everything for easy access.
For those who like a touch of style in their organization, consider using glass jars or sleek, uniform containers to store dry ingredients—this not only keeps everything fresh but also adds a visually appealing element to your pantry.
Summer vacation is the perfect time to tackle kids' rooms—when the pace slows down and you have a little more flexibility. It can be tempting to let the mess build up as kids are home more often, but using this downtime to get their rooms organized will make the rest of the summer feel more manageable. Start by sorting through toys, clothes, and books to see what can be donated or tossed. Encourage your child to be part of the process by letting them decide what they want to keep and what they’ve outgrown. Once you’ve cleared out the clutter, create designated spaces for everything. Use bins, baskets, and shelves to keep toys, games, and school supplies neatly contained. Labeling items with clear tags will help kids easily find—and put away—their things. Not only will an organized room foster a sense of independence and responsibility, but it will also provide a calmer, more enjoyable space for them to play, read, and relax all summer long.
As you dive into these easy summer organizing projects, remember that the goal isn’t perfection—it’s creating a space that feels lighter, more functional, and easier to maintain as you enjoy the season. Whether you're clearing out your closet, reorganizing your pantry, or tidying up the kids’ rooms, each small step you take adds up to a big difference. The best part? The effort you put in now will give you more time to relax and enjoy summer activities without the stress of clutter hanging over you. So grab a cup of iced tea, put on your favorite playlist, and get started—summer organizing has never been this fun or rewarding!
Ready to tackle your summer organizing projects but not sure where to start? Suncoast Organizing Solutions is ready to help. Give us a call today, and we’ll work with you to create a customized plan that transforms your space and makes the most of the season!
