Simplify Your Summer: De-clutter Now, Relax Later
Summer in the Okanagan is all about enjoying the lake, spending time outdoors, and making memories—not stressing over a cluttered home! Whether you're hosting guests, heading to the beach, or simply trying to keep life organized with the kids home, now’s the perfect time to simplify. With a little prep, you can free up your time and energy for the things you love most.
🌿 Quick De-cluttering Wins
1. Entryway Reset:
Swap out and de-clutter winter gear, worn shoes, and bulky coats for sun hats, sandals, and bug spray. Create a summer-ready basket with sunscreen, flip-flops, umbrellas, and daily essentials. This makes getting out the door faster—and way less stressful!
2. Patio Refresh:
Start by letting go of what you didn’t use last year: broken pots, worn-out cushions, unused garden tools, and tired décor. Ask yourself: What do I actually use and enjoy outside? You’ll be surprised how much more welcoming your patio feels without the clutter.
3. Guest Room Reset:
Expecting company? Go through your linens and towels—toss or donate anything stained, torn, or unused. Create a guest basket with water bottles, snacks, fresh towels, and extra toiletries like sunscreen, toothpaste, and deodorant. Don’t forget to share the Wi-Fi password! (Pro tip: write it on a notecard or create a fun Canva sign to place in the room.)
🧺 Create Summer “Go Zones”
These simple stations will save time and reduce chaos all season long:
☀️ Beach Bin Checklist:
Fill it with beach towels, lifejackets, beach toys, sunscreen, hats, bug spray, and your favorite umbrella. Keep it by the door or garage so you're always ready to hit the lake! (Free printable checklist available below.)
🍽️ Outdoor Serving Caddy:
Make weeknight BBQs and patio meals a breeze. Include salt and pepper, napkins (in a container so they don’t blow away!), cutlery, wipes, and serving tongs. It’s a small setup that saves a lot of trips in and out of the house.
🧊 Cooler Station:
Designate a shelf or basket near your kitchen or entryway with reusable ice packs, water bottles, and snacks. Keep a checklist handy so kids can help pack it before heading to the beach or park.
🏡 Self-Serve Guest Breakfast Station:
Set out easy items like oatmeal packets, granola bars, instant coffee, tea, paper cups, napkins, and disposable cutlery. Add a note that milk, cream, and jam are in the fridge. This makes mornings feel like a mini bed-and-breakfast without extra effort.
⏱ 10-Minute-a-Day De-clutter Challenge
It’s amazing what you can tackle in just ten minutes:
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Organize one drawer while waiting for water to boil.
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Sort a bin or shelf while on a phone call.
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Clear your kitchen counter during a podcast.
Little wins build momentum—and you’ll feel a big difference by the end of the week!
📝 Grab Your Free Limited Time Printables
We’ve made it easy for you to get started with a full Summer Simplify Checklist Bundle, including:
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✅ Beach Bin Checklist
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✅ Outdoor Serving Caddy Setup
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✅ Cooler Station Checklist
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✅ Guest Room Prep & Welcome Basket List
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✅ Self-Serve Breakfast Station Guide
These are designed with busy Okanagan families in mind—practical, helpful, and quick to implement.
💬 Final Thoughts
A simplified home means a calmer summer. By organizing a few key spaces and creating helpful zones, you’ll have more time to enjoy the sunshine, make memories, and savor the season stress-free.
👉 Download your free Summer Checklist Bundle now and simplify your summer—your future self will thank you!