Ready for a Reset? Your Guide to Transitioning from School Schedules to Summer Fun

"Who else is starting to feel that itch for summer?"

Yes, we’re still deep in spring — rainy one day, warm or cold the next — but that anticipation is real. Longer days, warmer sun, and the excitement of what’s just around the corner are starting to creep in.

Even though we’re not fully there yet (no sunscreen stations or beach towels in the mudroom), there’s no time like the present to start getting ready. It’s the perfect moment to begin making space for what’s ahead... and I’m here for it.

Now’s the time to prep for that "out of the school-year routine" and begin creating room for what we all can't wait for... more relaxed mornings, spontaneous fun, and those easy-going summer days.

Are you ready to start getting mentally prepared for summer? Let’s dive in.

---

Trade the Tight Schedule for a Little More Spontaneity

Many of you are still in the thick of that busy spring swirl. Between spring sports and jam-packed schedules, it feels like you’re running on overdrive. But here’s the thing — summer is just around the corner, and with it comes that shift from our structured school-year routines to those slower, more spontaneous days we’ve all been craving.

Now’s the time to start adjusting both your mindset and those little habits that’ll help make the transition easier.

---

Create Space for Flexibility

We all know how crazy it gets during the school year — every minute of every day is packed, right? As we inch closer to summer, it’s time to think about leaving a little more room for flexibility. Not ditching your schedule completely, but making small tweaks. Leave a few gaps in your calendar — even if it’s just an hour or two on the weekend where no one has to rush off.

These little moments — whether it’s a walk after dinner, a quick trip to the park, or simply chilling at home — are what will make summer feel special.

---

Let Go of the Need for a Perfectly Planned Day

Many of us love having a plan (hello, type A here). But the magic of summer can be in its unpredictability. Stick to a general rhythm — maybe a slower morning or a flexible evening routine — but allow for unplanned, free moments.

Some of the BEST summer memories are made from the days we didn’t plan out minute-by-minute.

---

Letting Go of Control: Giving Kids the Freedom to Explore

When you empty that backpack for the last time, let that be your little signal to hit the ‘ready, set, go’ button on summer. Letting go — not just of the schedules, but of the need to control how every moment looks — is key to truly embracing the season.

Kids don’t need every moment planned out. Some of the best summer days come from letting them do their thing. Give them room to explore their own interests, create their own games, and just be. Focus on connection over control and give yourself permission to let things be a little undone.

Try this: Once a week, let your kids decide what the afternoon looks like or pick a fun dinner theme for the night. These small moments of freedom go a long way in helping them build independence and confidence.

---

Make Room for Rest (for Everyone!)

We always think of summer as a break for the kids — but let’s be honest... you need one too.

After months of school drop-offs, jam-packed evenings, and feeling like your calendar is running the show, you deserve a reset. And it doesn’t have to be a big trip. It can be slow mornings, spontaneous naps, cereal for dinner, or ignoring the laundry pile for a day.

Pick one day a week where you keep the calendar completely clear. Or create a “quiet hour” in the afternoon where everyone does their own thing.

When you prioritize real rest, your whole family benefits.

---

Practical Ways to Prep for Summer

📚 Backpack Clean Out

Before you toss those backpacks into a closet for the summer, take a few minutes to clean them out. Crumpled papers, half-used notebooks, snack wrappers—they all add up! Give backpacks a good emptying, wipe them down, and store them neatly. Bonus Tip: Have kids help—they might find a few "treasures" they thought were lost forever.

📕 Reset Your Drop Zones

Clear out the mudroom or entryway of school-year gear and create a summer-friendly version. Think beach bags, sunscreen, sandals, and library totes.

Pro Tip: Shop your home first before buying new bins or baskets.

📆 Command Center Overhaul

Update your family command center with summer schedules, camp dates, trips, and family plans. Color-coding activities can make things even easier.

📲 Digital Declutter

Tidy up your inbox, school apps, and digital files. Set up simple folders for summer activities and back up important memories from the school year.

🏖️ Summer Grab-and-Go Area

Create a basket or shelf with summer essentials like sunscreen, bug spray, towels, water bottles, and outdoor toys. Having everything ready saves you from scrambling at the last minute.

🌈 Rotate Toys and Activities

Keep boredom at bay by rotating toys, art supplies, and games. Fewer items out at once mean less mess and more excitement when "new" toys reappear.

🚫 Say No to Overpacking Your Schedule

Leave white space on your calendar. Spontaneous fun, relaxed afternoons, and lazy mornings need room to happen.

---

Mindset Matters: Think Seasons, Not Systems

The way your family lives during the summer is different than during the school year—and that’s normal. Systems should flex with your life.

Give yourself the freedom to tweak your spaces and routines as you go.

Summer isn’t about perfect schedules or Pinterest-perfect organization.

It’s about creating breathing room, space for laughter, and memories that matter.

---

Let’s Soak It In

Give yourself some grace as we wrap up one season and lean into another. There’s no “right” way to do summer—there’s only what works for your family, your rhythm, and your energy.

Prepping for summer isn’t just about where the towels go or what’s stocked in the pantry—it’s about how you feel heading into it. Take a deep breath, let go of a little control, and make space for connection, curiosity, a little chaos, and a whole lot of joy.

Let’s make the most of this very special season we all love! 🌟

---

---

Thanks for following along on our journey as we declutter and organize!

XOXO-

Janelle

& The A Meaningful Space Team

Try Our Organizing with Kids Course