It’s been such a long, cold winter in the West—hard to believe summer is on its way! But the time to get ready for it is here. A little preparation can make the warmer, longer days of summer, lighter and more fun, both inside your home and outdoors too. Overwhelmed? Here's six tips and don’t forget I’m always here to help!
1. Shedding Layers
In the Bay Area, summer is sweater weather, but, as a rule, you’ll want to rotate the items in your closet to reflect the change of season:
Move heavy winter sweaters up to higher shelves, and coats and winter clothes to the back of the closet.
Bring your sundresses and seersuckers forward.
Pack up your winter hats, gloves and boots in a bin and move it up to a higher shelf or other storage space.
Pull out swimsuits and coverups and put in a basket for easy access.
With a seasonal rotation, you won’t have to dig for what you need, and you’ll actually wear those cute shorts if they’re not at the bottom of your drawer.
2. Update Your Entryway
The spot just inside your front door is your transition zone for moving in and out of the house. Update your entryway for summer with:
A basket that includes hats, sunglasses, and water bottles.
Swap out your rain boots and Uggs for sandals, sneakers and flip flops.
Keep a bin of sunscreen—a variety of SPFs—and always check expiration dates, tossing expired products and replacing them.
3. Toss Out When's School's Out
The end of the school year means a great transfer of assignments and gear from the classroom to home. Don’t get buried in the deluge:
Sort through art assignments and decide what to toss and what to keep.
Ditto with school supplies. Donate or recycle what you don’t need.
Donate outgrown winter clothes, shoes and sports gear.
Donate used books to your local used book store or library and choose new books for summer reading.
For more tips, read my article on managing school supplies.
4. Organize Your Outdoor Space
Warm summer days and long summer nights are outside time. You’ll enjoy going outside with a book or having dinner outside with family and friends. Taking a little time to prepare the space can make it even more enjoyable and relaxing.
If your outdoor umbrella is in storage for the winter, take it out and shade your table.
Wipe down your seats and cushions.
Wipe down your grill.
Take out your grill accessories and make them accessible in the kitchen or hang them from hooks on the grill.
Clean out your cooler and stock it with beverages and non-perishable picnic supplies, like napkins and outdoor tableware.
Get an open bin to corral balls and outdoor toys for easy cleanup.
A clean, clutter-free space is a more welcoming space. If you’ve got a yard, enjoy it!
5. Create an Outdoor Car Kit
Life's more fun outdoors when you have what you need, and it’s easier to be spontaneous when you’re prepared. Create an outdoor car kit that includes:
Towels
Hats
Foldable chairs
Beach games
Outdoor toys
Picnic supplies
Sunscreen
Bug repellent
Taking a trip this summer? Read my tips on preparing for travel.
6. Keep it Simple
When the weather warms up, we thrive when we keep things light; our clothes, our meals and our clutter. Devoting a little time now to preparing your home will keep you smiling all summer long.
Not sure how to let go of your winter layers? Need help creating more summer calm? Do you have a bigger challenge you don’t want to tackle on your own? Give yourself space to imagine what’s next.
I’m here to help,
Best,
Comments