Summer brings a shift to many of our homes, schedules, and daily lives. Let’s focus on a few areas to prepare for more shared use of some common living spaces.
Living Room
Whether you have young kids or teens home for the summer, it’s a great time to reassess how you use your living room. Consider these simple ideas to keep things fun and functional:
Set a daily rhythm: Limit screen time and schedule key activities to reduce arguments and avoid overuse.
Rotate toys and books: Swapping items keeps the space fresh and encourages engagement with different activities.
Create screen-free traditions: Try family movie nights, game nights, or designated TV-off times to build connection.
Practice a “closing shift”: Each evening, have everyone:
Return items to their proper place
Prep for the next morning
Tidy up before bed
Kitchen
Encourage shared responsibility:
Involve kids in making grocery lists & taking inventory of what you already have
Let them help prep meals or load/unload the dishwasher (this is a great lesson in responsibility for them while putting your own patience to the test!)
Assign simple tasks like putting away clean dishes or packing snacks for the day
Set up snack systems:
Create kid- or teen-friendly snack zones with easy access
Use clear bins for prepackaged snacks to improve visibility
Prefer fresh snacks? Fill a reusable snack box with fruit, cheese, nuts, and other grab-and-go options
Declutter and organize:
Take inventory of your pantry and spice cabinet. Pull it all out!
Use stackable bins for deep or lower cabinets
Schedule a reminder to clean out before trash day
Search online for recipes using your leftover odds and ends—it can be fun and resourceful!
Car
Let’s be honest—cars easily become a drop zone for clutter. Whether it’s donations, returns, or recycling… things pile up fast. Challenge: take just one focused hour to refresh your vehicle. Reward yourself with a car wash and enjoy your refreshed ride!
Quick Car Clean-Out Checklist:
Bring: a trash bag, Clorox wipes, and a bin to carry items back inside
Empty everything & don’t forget:
Under and between seats
Glove compartment
Trunk/cargo area
Organize for daily use:
Use a container or zippered tote for kids’ car toys/items
Let them help choose and care for what stays in the car
Try back-of-seat organizers to save floor and trunk space
Trunk organizers can be a game-changer!
Keep these essentials in your car:
Hand sanitizer
Toiletries (tampons, diapers, etc.)
Grocery bags (great for trash)
First Aid kit and jumper cables
Water bottle and umbrella
Paper towels or wipes
Blanket (for emergencies or impromptu picnics)
Beach towel & dry bag (if you’re outdoors often)
Calendars
Organizing your schedule might not feel as satisfying as a tidy room, but it’s just as essential—especially as summer routines shift.
Get aligned as a family:
Review calendars together (grown-ups and teens)
Go over registrations, camps, trips, and family events
Make sure everyone knows what’s coming up, this can help build anticipation and excitement
Keep it visual and simple:
Create a visible weekly plan for:
Meals
Evening activities
Use a shared digital calendar or physical board to stay synced
Build in margin:
Avoid overloading your schedule—leave room to breathe
Protect “off” times (like one unscheduled morning a week)
Intentionally slow down when possible
Model rest:
Our team is “closing” the last week of May to allow our team to truly unplug
Rest doesn’t happen by accident—fight for it!
Encourage your household to do the same. Go on a device-free walk each evening or one night a week, whatever works for your schedule!
If the thought of summer arriving feels overwhelming, we’d be happy to help you prepare for this shift in your home. Bonus - The Lazy Genius shared some Summer Wins You Should Definitely Try last year, and the comments from her followers are full of great ideas. We can help declutter, make room for what matters, think through rhythms & routines for your space, and more!
Call or text 865.245.9080 to get on our schedule!
We can’t wait to help you dwell this summer.
PS- Don’t forget we will be closed this month from May 25 until June 1. See you next month!
