School is out during the summer, but even if your child sees it as a vacation, there's no denying that it can be a difficult time for parents. Rest assured, there are plenty of organizational tips to help you get through the summer holidays. Use them in advance to ensure everyone, including you, has a stress-free break.
Juggling work and household chores, arranging activities and arranging child care can be quite overwhelming, but organizing a home with children in mind makes it easier to avoid chaos. While leisure and free play are of course the priority, don't hesitate to introduce children to the concept of household chores; Introducing kid-friendly home organization ideas allows them a little independence, which takes some of the pressure off.
"We all want an organized, clean, and Pinterest-worthy home, but when there are kids around, it can be difficult to maintain. Instead, try lowering the bar a little and changing your measure based on happy memories and fun times together," says Star Hansen , professional organizer and self-proclaimed "chaos whisperer."
Organizational tips to survive the summer holidays
We've put together some organizational tips for summer vacation survival that have been approved by experts and parents alike. And don't forget: the holidays are the perfect time to introduce children to household chores !
1. Create a flexible schedule
A more relaxed approach to routine is healthy, but try to stick to a schedule. In order to stay motivated, children need structure and stability, which also makes it easier for them to keep track of things.
"A relaxed daily routine can provide a sense of normality even during the summer holidays and help manage expectations. Spend time doing chores, learning activities, free play, outdoor recreation and leisure. Involve children in creating the routine so they feel like they are taking ownership of it, says Meaghan Kessman, professional home organizer.
2. Prepare an "essential" kit
The last thing you want to do when trying to prep the kids is reach for sunscreen. So set up a temporary storage box in an easily accessible place and fill it with all your essentials: think water bottles, a change of clothes, sunglasses, bandages. , Activities. books etc.
Don't forget to bring a school backpack so you can grab it and try to organize an entrance area thinking about the children so that leaving the house is as easy as possible.
3. Create areas for different activities
Just as you would set up a playroom (but more temporarily), designate areas around the house for different activities; play, read, create, relax, etc. You need to give the children clues so that they know what they are doing and the risks of inconvenience and problems (I am sure that the organization of the net goods for those who are in the main place is safe). in case of !)
(Image credit: ©Mark Bolton Photography)
4. Rotate toys and books.
Access to tons of toys is key to keeping kids entertained, right? In fact, the opposite is true. Research shows that children are more likely to interact with fewer toys that are offered to them. Therefore, the arrangement of toys in the rotation system should allow for longer breaks.
Start with two or three boxes per child, fill them with different types of toys, and rotate them every week or so to keep things fresh and interesting. You can use the same tactic for organizing children's books too.
(Image credit: Mylands Golden Square)
5. Make storage easy
One of the things the most organized families have in common is that they don't strive for perfection: clutter is part of family life, and that's even more true during the summer holidays when we spend more time at home. This doesn't mean you give up completely; Open storage and simple systems, as well as ways to make cleaning fun , should encourage your family to clean the house little by little .
"Avoid the inevitable and set up special baskets where you and your children can discard loose items throughout the day and then return them to their original spot before bed. You can also suggest games such as: B. who can collect the most items the fastest. "There's nothing like a little gentle competition to get the family involved in household chores!" says Jennifer Ebert , digital editor at Homes & Gardens .
6. Prepare healthy snacks and meals in advance
Encouraging children to choose their own snacks is a healthy way to encourage positive eating habits while keeping irritation to a minimum - the constant demand for snacks is enough to send any parent over the edge! Set them up for success by knowing what's available.
"While I think it's important to help children regain balance, there are certain snacks that we're not supposed to have 100% access to. "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" works with children and vice versa, "in vision, in mind". Give nutritionally valuable fruits, vegetables, and snacks prime storage space when creating a refrigerator and/or pantry for kids to choose from, advises Kathryn Lord , child care expert and founder of More to Organizing.
Decanting can also help with portion control, so consider these reusable food storage bags at Wayfair .
"Preparing and freezing meals in advance also helps alleviate dinnertime chaos. Therefore it is a good idea to tidy up and organize the freezer before or at the start of the school holidays . I also like to meal plan for the week to avoid last-minute cooking stress," says professional organizer Heather Aiello , founder of The Organized You.
7. Make your content easily accessible
If your children constantly need help accessing items around the house, it can be quite frustrating for both them and you. Check each room in advance and place age-appropriate items within easy reach to avoid going back and forth. Remote controls, toys, water bottles, office supplies, etc.
"Putting children's things at their level gives them the opportunity to do things themselves," says Kathryn Lord. "By cultivating good habits, they will become independent adults and will serve you well on your journey. Family life is based on teamwork."
However, it is important that you also take these unfriendly elements into account, especially when organizing a kitchen with children in mind . Make smart swaps in advance (breakable glasses for plastic cups, unhealthy snacks for nutritious snacks, etc.) and keep dangerous items out of reach.
(Image credit: Mylands)
8. Organize your outdoor gear
Provided the weather is nice, you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, so you'll want to get your garden storage ideas in order. Make it easy to store things so you're not tempted to leave them out overnight. Not only does it look messy, but it can also cause damage.
"A dedicated place to organize bikes, scooters, balls, and pool toys will help keep the yard tidy and make it easier for kids to find what they need." Consider using bins, hooks, or a storage shed, to keep everything organized, or free up space by tidying up the garage ," says Meaghan Kessman.
Encourage kids to help out by investing in storage ideas for kids. This Ebern Designs patio box from Wayfair features a soft-close mechanism that prevents fingers from becoming trapped.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep my house tidy during the school holidays?
We admit that it is not easy, but it is possible. The trick is to organize with the kids in mind so they can help you stay on top of things. Open storage (easier for quick storage), within easy reach (so children can access what they need and put it away without assistance) and correctly labeled, integrated into every room in the house (i.e. hidden, stylish, ideally).
Despite these organization tips, summer vacation can get pretty busy, so be kind to yourself. Plan a few days off at home and prioritize self-care, even if it's just a walk or a relaxing swim - you will be more patient with it. Above all, take advantage of the holidays, you will soon be setting up a children's room for a good start to the school year !
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