Professional Organizer, Julie Peak, is Helping Parents Shed Summer Stress by Sharing her Top Summer Organization Tips

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For children, summer means no school, longer days, and little to no responsibilities. For many parents, however, summer brings a unique set of challenges that can often leave parents feeling overwhelmed and stressed - from coordinating childcare and planning activities to managing disrupted routines and balancing work obligations. With so much on their plate, it's no wonder that many parents experience increased stress levels during the summer months. However, there are solutions that can help. Julie Peak, Declutter Expert and Professional Organizer, and founder of The Precise Place, is sharing her top summer organization tips to help parents maintain an organized home during the chaotic summer months in hopes of reducing their summer stress.

“Summertime is all about fun and creating lasting memories, but without the proper organization systems in place, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by clutter,” says Julie. “With the kids out of school, a packed schedule of summer activities, and lots of time spent outdoors, it's easy for clutter to pile up and chaos to ensue. However, prioritizing home organization during the summer can save you time, energy, and frustration.”

Below, Julie shares her tips for keeping the home organized during the summer months.

Organize Children's Toys - When it comes to organizing children’s toys, I like to follow four simple steps: Declutter, Sort, Organize, Label. To declutter your toys, search through your children’s toys and determine what toys to keep, donate or discard based on their functionality and how frequently they are played with. Then, sort the toys you’re keeping by grouping like toys together, such as board games, plush toys, and electronics.

Organize the toys by creating different zones within your children’s play space, like crafts, games, and pretend play. Also, keep them at eye level and visible because when children can see their toys, they are more likely to play with them. Creating labels also helps everyone quickly and easily identify categories and know where toys are and where they are supposed to go. The goal of organizing toys is to teach kids to be responsible for what they have by keeping it clean, together, and in a safe space when they are not using it.

Organize Pool and Beach Equipment - When it comes to beach and pool equipment, declutter your shed, garage, or storage and discard any old, worn, or damaged beach and pool equipment. Use an outdoor storage box to keep pool toys tidy and protected from the elements and store inflatables in an airtight container to protect them from punctures and keep them clean and dry.

When packing your beach bag, use individual pouches to organize like items. If space allows, make use of vertical space in your storage areas by hanging pool chairs, floats, and toys. After returning from the pool or beach, wash your towels immediately to avoid mildew and bacteria growth. I recommend using Arm & Hammer Free & Clear Sensitive Skin liquid detergent because it provides a deep clean while still being sensitive enough for children’s delicate skin.

Store Winter Clothes - With the changing of the seasons, comes the perfect time to declutter and organize your winter wardrobe. I recommend following these three simple steps to get the most out of your closet cleanout: Declutter, Sort/Store, Label. When decluttering your closet ask yourself questions like: Is it damaged? Does it currently fit? Etc. Depending on your answers to these questions, it may be time to donate or discard that piece of clothing. When storing clothing, make sure to use plastic or vacuum seal bags/containers and store clothing in a dark, cool, and dry location. If moisture issues are a concern where your clothes are being stored, add silica gel packets to the containers to absorb excess moisture.

Then, label all containers and storage bags so you can easily identify winter items. Remember, part of a proactive winter clothing storage plan is to wash or dry clean things before storing them away. Make sure to treat any stains or odors before packing to reduce the risk of pest issues by using Arm & Hammer Oxiclean Odor Blasters liquid laundry detergent.

Keep Track of Sports/Camp Materials - It’s important to create a system that the whole family can participate in so everyone can help out and put things away where they belong. Create categories and label all your storage bins, bags, and totes. Label clothes, jackets, and materials with each family members’ names corresponding to who each item belongs to. This way everyone knows where their sports and camp materials are and where to put them when returning home later in the day.

“Organizing your home is a gradual process, so be patient with yourself. Take breaks when needed and celebrate your accomplishments along the way,” says Julie. “Remember that organization is not a chore or a burden; it's an opportunity to show gratitude for the things that bring us joy and to create space for more joy to come into our lives.”