Get Organized For Summer: Get Organized Now Have Fun Later!

Of course for me, organizing is fun. I understand that it is a job for some people, but the thing to remember about organizing is that it saves a lot of time later. If you get organized now for summer, you can save time to have more fun when it is time to start an adventure.

These tips should help you get organized and set for all the adventures your heart desires.

1. Put the things that have to be done in your calendar now. Go ahead and make those summer doctor appointments now and schedule the fun around it. You'll be glad that isn't hanging over your head. 

2. Make a "summer bucket list" this can be as fancy or as simple as you want. Put it somewhere for the whole family to see. When you are trying to think o something fun to do with the family, check out the list. At the end of the summer, you won't be saying "I meant to take the kids to the waterfall this summer."

3. Make a schedule for the kids including chores that must be done daily/ weekly. Go ahead and set screen time limits. If you do it now, you will be ready for their first day out of school!

4. Sort swimsuits and summer clothes now- see what fits, what needs retired to play clothes, and what needs to be replaced. Make a shopping list so that when you see items out for sale, you know what is needed. That way, you do not end up with 10 pair of shorts for sue, no swimsuits, and nothing for Johnny. 

5. Check summer equipment - does anyone need new goggles, new lifejackets, a new basketball, new floats? Be sure to go ahead and set the tent up and check for leaks- you do not want to realize it has a leak when it starts pouring the first night of camping!

6. Make lists- especially kids' needs change each year, so go ahead and revamp those "go to" lists, like babysitters, camping, packing, and day trips. 

7. Check expiration dates of chapstick, sunscreen, aloe, hair products, benedryl, insect repellant, and other items your family uses in the spring and summer. Replace it now so you do not end up in a bind. 

8. Find a fabulous beach bag and get it ready for fun adventures. I actually use 2- one for at home and one for away from home. The one away from home gets changed depending on what we are doing. The one for at home usually keeps the same stuff in it, but if we are at the pool or fire pit, I do not have to keep running back to the house for everything the kids need- I just need to throw in snacks, drinks, and a couple of toys for each kid and they are content. 

9.  Check your outside! Make sure you have comfortable seating areas, your fire pit is cleaned out, start working on the pool, clear backyard trails, sort outside toys, etc. 

10. Remember to have fun- you can't get these days back and you do not want to look back and wish you'd had more fun with your family.