Summer is here — longer days, warm nights, spontaneous hangouts, and weekends that beg for grilling, games, and time outside. Whether you’ve got a small patio, a full backyard, or a cozy front porch, now’s the time to get it ready for the season.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about making your space feel inviting — somewhere you want to hang out, sip a drink, laugh with your people, and soak up every bit of sunshine.
Here’s how to get your outdoor area cleaned up, refreshed, and ready for all the good stuff summer brings.
If your outdoor setup has been sitting through spring storms and pollen showers, it probably needs a little love.
Start with:
Removing cushions and shaking them out
Mixing warm water with dish soap or vinegar
Wiping down all surfaces: chairs, tables, side tables, railings, etc.
Spraying everything off with a hose and letting it dry in the sun
Want to take it a step further?
Throw cushion covers in the wash (if machine-safe)
Add a couple new outdoor pillows or a weather-resistant throw
Set out a tray or basket with sunscreen, bug spray, and sunglasses
Even a quick clean makes a huge difference in how the space feels. Clean = welcoming.
Nothing kills the mood like a cloud of mosquitoes. Keeping bugs in check makes your space instantly more enjoyable — day or night.
A few smart moves:
Set out fresh citronella candles or coils (check the burn time)
Refill torches or plug in bug zappers if you use them
Plant bug-repelling herbs like lavender, mint, basil, and rosemary
Keep a small “bug station” basket with spray, itch relief, and wipes
This isn’t just about bugs — it’s about creating a space where you want to stay awhile.
Summer means movement — kids running through sprinklers, friends tossing cornhole bags, spontaneous water balloon fights. But it’s a lot more fun when you can actually find the stuff you need.
Here’s how to simplify it:
Go through what you have: toss anything broken or moldy
Give toys and gear a quick rinse or scrub
Use baskets, bins, or crates to sort by category (water play, lawn games, chalk/art)
Store everything in a spot that’s easy to grab-and-go
Even if your crowd is mostly adults, having a few yard games on hand (like bocce, giant Jenga, or a deck of waterproof cards) adds that “let’s stay a little longer” feeling.
Now that it’s clean and organized, it’s time to make your space feel like yours. This is where the vibe comes in — cozy, calm, playful, bright — whatever makes you feel like, “Yes, I want to hang out here.”
Small upgrades that make a big impact:
String lights overhead or along a fence
Add a few planters or pots — herbs, flowers, even tomatoes or strawberries
Set out an outdoor rug to anchor the seating area
Create a drink station with a cooler, a tray of glasses, or a small bar cart
Keep a speaker nearby for your summer playlist
It doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy — it just has to feel good.
You’ve put in the work — now enjoy it. This space is more than a backdrop for summer. It’s where you’ll share meals, catch up with friends, watch the kids play, and unwind at the end of a long day.
So light a candle, pour a drink, and settle in.
You’ve created something beautiful — now let it be lived in.
We’ve put together a free printable To-Do List to help you get your outdoor space summer-ready without the overwhelm. It’s got everything you need to clean, organize, and style your space — so you can spend less time stressing and more time soaking up the sunshine.
Click here to download the Outdoor Entertaining Area Prep Checklist
(Free for personal use — print it, pin it, or keep it on your fridge!)
Summer means fresh produce, cold drinks, and more time spent opening and closing that fridge. So if your shelves are looking a little sticky, overstuffed, or just plain chaotic, it’s time for a reset. Here’s how to deep clean and organize your fridge so it’s summer-ready—and stays that way.
Pull everything out. Toss anything expired, moldy, or questionable. If it’s sticky or smells off—out it goes. This includes sauces you swore you’d use again, and that half-used bag of lettuce that turned into soup.
👉 Pro Tip: Have a cooler or laundry basket handy to hold cold items while you clean.
Use a mix of warm water, dish soap, and white vinegar or baking soda to wipe down every shelf, drawer, and wall. Don’t forget the door seals—they’re grime magnets.
Remove drawers/shelves if possible and soak in the sink
Use a toothbrush or small brush for crevices and gunk
Dry everything thoroughly before putting it back
Set up zones that make sense for your lifestyle:
Top Shelf: Leftovers, drinks, ready-to-eat items
Middle Shelves: Dairy, eggs, snacks
Lower Shelves: Raw meats (in a bin), meal prepped containers
Drawers: One for produce, one for fruits (and label them!)
Fridge Door: Condiments, butter, beverages
This cuts down on overbuying and makes food easier to find (aka less waste).
Use clear bins, turntables, and labeled baskets to corral small items.
A few favorites:
Egg containers with a lid (stackable!)
Lazy Susans for sauces/jars
Clear bins for snacks or deli meats
Fridge drawer liners to catch messes before they spread
Your fridge should be at or below 40°F (4°C). Warmer than that? Things spoil faster—and bacteria love summer.
Summer = more fruits and veggies. Keep them fresher longer by:
Washing berries with vinegar-water solution and drying completely
Using paper towels or produce-saving liners in drawers
Keeping ethylene-sensitive foods (like strawberries) away from bananas or apples
Need help staying on track? Grab the free printable checklist to walk you through every step and keep your fridge in check all summer long.
A clean, organized fridge saves you money, cuts down food waste, and honestly? Just feels good. You’ll cook more, snack smarter, and stop cringing every time you open the door.
Summer’s on the horizon—and while it sounds like sunshine and freedom, the truth is, it can become a chaotic blur of sports camps, road trips, last-minute BBQs, and “Are we doing anything today?” on repeat. Let’s fix that.
With a little planning (and the right calendar), you can make this your most organized summer yet.
Start with a brain dump. Grab your notes app, a fresh page, or a printable planner and jot down everything:
Camps (with times, dates, registration deadlines)
Vacation dates
Day trips or weekend getaways you want to take
Summer classes or sports practices
Holidays or special events
Guests or relatives visiting
Don’t worry about the order yet—just get it out of your head.
You need one master calendar for the whole family. Choose what fits your style:
Digital: Google Calendar, Cozi, or Apple Calendar let you color-code by person, share across devices, and set reminders.
Print: A big wall calendar, magnetic fridge calendar, or printable monthly planner gives you a physical, visual hub.
Bonus tip: Keep it somewhere central—like the fridge, command center, or synced to everyone’s phone.
Mark these in pen (or bold font):
Vacations
Camps (including drop-off/pick-up times)
Non-flexible work obligations
Any “must-do” family events
These are your anchors, and everything else will flow around them.
Once your big items are in place, you can start adding the fun fillers:
Beach days
Zoo or museum visits
Hiking or park days
Farmers market Saturdays
Water park trips
Be realistic—aim for 1-2 outings a week and leave plenty of blank space for rest days or unexpected plans.
Camps can be exhausting. Travel days are chaotic. Give your family grace days—no plans, just rest or free play.
Planning margin into your schedule helps you avoid burnout (yours and theirs).
Review the calendar once a week. Sunday night is perfect:
Talk through what’s coming
Adjust if needed
Add last-minute invitations or RSVPs
Let kids see the calendar too—they’ll feel more in control and less likely to ask “What are we doing today?” fifteen times.
Download our FREE Summer Schedule Planner to map out your family’s calendar with space for camps, vacations, and memory-making.
With a little upfront planning, you’ll go into summer with confidence instead of chaos. Whether you’re juggling three camps and two vacations or just want to make space for spontaneous fun, an organized schedule is your secret weapon.
As the weather warms up, it’s time to say goodbye to bulky layers and hello to lighter, brighter pieces. Rotating your clothes seasonally is one of the simplest ways to keep your closet functional, organized, and stress-free.
Why Rotate Your Wardrobe?
Seasonal wardrobe rotation isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about efficiency and care. Here’s why it matters:
Benefits for You:
Less daily decision fatigue: Only see what’s relevant and wearable right now
More space: Reduce visual and physical clutter
Fresh eyes on your wardrobe: Rediscover pieces you forgot you owned
Easier outfit planning: No more digging through sweaters when it’s 80 degrees out
Benefits for Your Clothes:
Better longevity: Let your off-season items rest and breathe
Fewer wrinkles and creases: Properly packed clothes maintain shape better
Moth and moisture protection: Keeps your items clean, dry, and safe
Step-by-Step: How to Pack Away Winter Clothes:
1. Wash Everything First
Even if you only wore it once, body oils, sweat, and food residue can attract pests and cause discoloration over time. Wash or dry clean before packing anything away.
2. Edit as You Go
Don’t store what you won’t wear next year. Toss or donate:
Worn-out sweaters
Anything that didn’t fit right or you didn’t reach for
Items you’re emotionally done with (you know the ones)
3. Sort & Categorize
Group by type: coats, chunky knits, scarves, boots, etc. That way, unpacking next fall will be way easier.
4. Choose the Right Storage
Use breathable bins: Fabric bins, plastic bins with vent holes, or under-bed containers
Avoid vacuum sealing: It can crush fabrics like wool and cashmere
Toss in some cedar or lavender sachets: Natural moth and moisture repellents
Label everything clearly: Think ahead—you’ll thank yourself in October
5. Store in a Cool, Dry Spot
Attics and garages are not ideal unless they’re climate-controlled. Try under the bed, top shelves, or the back of a closet.
Now… Bring Spring & Summer Front and Center
Once winter’s tucked away, it’s time to refresh what stays:
Pull out lighter fabrics, short sleeves, tanks, and sundresses
Check for stains, missing buttons, or items that need tailoring
Re-fold or re-hang intentionally—this is a chance to reset the whole vibe
Group by category: tops, bottoms, dresses, etc. for easy outfit building
Pro Tips for a Smooth Seasonal Switch
Set a reminder on your calendar to rotate again in early fall
Take inventory: what’s missing in your spring/summer lineup?
Donate or sell pieces you didn’t reach for last season
Add one small seasonal “treat” to refresh your wardrobe without overhauling it
Final Thoughts
Closet rotation is one of those small habits that makes a big difference. It protects your clothes, clears your mind, and helps you feel more together every day. And let’s be real—nothing feels better than opening your closet and seeing only what actually works right now.
Want a printable seasonal wardrobe rotation checklist? [Download it HERE!]
Hello Everyone, Angie from Architecturally Organized here!
I hung out with my grandma a lot while growing up. Most of the time when the weather was warm we were all kicked outside to go play. We built forts in the forest, swang from vines and would catch tadpoles in the pond!! Gram was always up to something…. Working in her garden, patching the roof, or building something.
When the weather would change and the cold air would turn warm, she would get all of her winter clothes washed up, fold the winter clothes up nicely and store them away. She would pull out all the warm clothes and give them a fresh wash (as they typically smelled like mothballs after their hibernation), and place them in drawers or hang them up in the closet.
In my mind (at the time) it never made sense to me…. Why take all the time and effort to do that – when she could just leave everything in her drawers and closets? To me it was a waste of time. You know how you were as a kid, you thought you knew everything!!
Now here we are…many years later…. And I am writing about it… Thank god it didn’t take me that long to grasp what she was doing and why she was doing it.
Yes – I know that doing all that work can be time consuming and the weather is beautiful and you rather be playing outside… But, as with all things Organizing – if you take the time now to do it, it will save you extra time down the road!!
Swapping out your clothes can be very beneficial:
1. You save time – It puts what you will be wearing regularly out in front of you so you don’t have to sort through all the sweaters and cold weather clothes – which will save you time in that morning hustle and bustle!!
2. You save Closet space – PRIME real estate!! The winter clothes get stored away and the warm clothes get put away allowing room for your clothes instead of having everything squished in together. Again – the clothes you will be wearing more often will now be front and center and easy to access.
3. Allows you to analyze your clothes – Is it ripped? Stained? Does it fit properly? – now is your chance to toss/donate it and not have to wash/dry/put it away again (again, saving you some time in the long run!!)
4. You are giving your clothes a breather. Yes, I know they are just clothes – but doesn’t everyone deserve a break? Give them some time away from the washer and dryer, or from hanging in the closet. Think like Kondo – say thank you and carefully pack them away and let your winter wear rest for the season.
5. It gives you something to look forward to next year!! Surprise – look – it is that sweater you haven’t seen all year – have you forgotten how cozy it is!!
Sounds pretty good right? So set aside some time this weekend or one night after work and:Sort through your clothes
1. Separate cold clothes and warm clothes.
2. Separate clothes that don’t fit, are stained, are holy, or you don’t care for anymore from the clothes you are keeping and love (for both warm and cold clothes).
3. Carefully fold or hang the warm clothes.
4. Pick a favorite top, sweater, hoodie, jacket etc. to leave out for possible chilly days/evenings.
5. Carefully store away the winter clothes.
It really is that easy. It’s more time consuming than anything. But again – it’s all about the long run…
Till Next time!!
Hello Everyone, Angie from Architecturally Organized here!
It has been a little while since we have posted. Ok – a long while. But guess what? That is life. It happens to everyone. I am sure quite a bit has happened in your lives the past year. We learn and grow from the changes. And that is a beautiful thing.
Guess what today is? AO’s Birthday!!! Architecturally Organized turned 2 today!! I have been organizing all of my life. Seriously. I would plan out how to rearrange my bedroom before I moved the furniture around, because I wanted to see if it would fit…. I have always loved to organize and I still can’t believe that here we are now…. 2 years in. It’s a pretty wonderful thing!!
So for me – thinking about AO (what I call Architecturally Organized when talking to friends and family) and where I want it to go, and how I want to expand, where I want to take things….. It is an awesome (and scary) feeling…. But that leads me to my goals. Big Goals… small goals… What I see and hope for the AO future.
Upcoming Goals
What are your goals for this year? Tell me about them!! Put them into motion!!
Till Next time!!
Hello Everyone, Angie from Architecturally Organized here!
Guess what today is? It is the first day of the new Season….Today is officially the first day of Summer!!
The Summer Solstice – The longest day of the year…. the Sun is at its highest point in the sky today.
What does that have to do with organizing? Absolutely nothing.
We are not talking too much about organizing today…. Not talking too much about anything really… I figure… Everyone needs a time to relax and regroup…. To just take a minute and forget all the worries and stressors…. To clear your mind…. Everyone needs that sometimes… Why not take the time now?
Looks like today we are talking about self care…
Take the day to take some time out for yourself….
If those activities don’t float your boat…. Think of something that does and do it! How does that sound? Just relax… destress…chill… whatever you want to call it!
Get your headspace cleared out…. Once you do that… well…it will possibly help make it a little easier for you to start tackling your to do list.
Till Next time!!
Hello Everyone, Angie from Architecturally Organized here!
I don’t know where some of you are from – but here in Jersey summer weather is here!!! The AC has been kickin… the pool is getting used… and we are soaking up the sun!! But, not every day is going to be a beach or pool day…
Today is one of them. It is gloomy looking outside, it wants to rain any minute. The skies are gray and it is humid out…. It is not a day to be hanging out by the pool!
So on these days… or when it is rainy…or even on the days that it is just TOO hot to go outside – why not take a minute (or a few) and organize your email.
Yes – I said organize your email.
I know I am not the only one who lets their email get out of control.
I know there are more of you who have hundreds if not thousands of emails just sitting in the inbox.
I know there are half attempts at folders that never got used…. At things that have been sitting in your inbox for over a year… just hanging out…. Doing nothing except taking up space!!
So – take the time to clear it all out!! Below are some steps you can take to help you organize your inbox! Have fun!!
7 Steps to decluttering your Inbox
See – now that wasn’t so bad was it?!?! Now-when the next rainy day comes…you will be ready to tackle your inbox!!
Till Next time!!
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