10 Things to Declutter Now for a Peaceful Rest of Summer

Summer can be a time when we yearn for simplicity, but don’t actually have time to embark on a big organizing project. Even a short time spent decluttering can help reduce stress and add to your enjoyment of this short season. For a small hit of summer organizing endorphins, I've compiled a list of 10 things you can declutter right now to enjoy a more peaceful rest of the summer.

1. Expired Sunscreen and Toiletries

Did you know expired sunscreens and self-tanners are less effective?

Sunscreen has a limited shelf life, and using expired sunscreen can be ineffective. Check the expiration dates and dispose of any old bottles. That stuff from 2016 probably won’t protect you effectively. This goes for self-tanners and after-sun products, too. Keep a fresh bottle of sunscreen in your pool bag, in the bathroom, and by the door for accessibility.

2. Magazines and Newspapers

Stacks of old magazines, catalogs, and newspapers can quickly accumulate and create unnecessary clutter. You don’t need anything from Land’s End right now, and they’ll send you a new catalog tomorrow anyway. Recycle or donate them, and keep only the most recent issues for leisurely reading by the pool or between innings.

3. Unused Water Toys

Pool floats, water guns, and other water toys can take up a lot of space. Discard any that are broken or no longer used. Keep only the items that your family enjoys. With a curated collection, you’ll be surprised that the items left actually get used.

4. Outgrown Summer Clothing

Summer is a great time to go through your wardrobe (and your kids’). Donate clothes that no longer fit or that you haven’t worn in the past year. Your kids’ pants from last school are capris now, so pass them along for someone else’s back-to-school shopping (sorry, I said it). Keep only what you love and wear regularly to stay cool and stylish.

5. Excess Beach Towels

Beach towels can accumulate quickly. Sort through them and donate or repurpose any excess items. Keep only what you need for your lake or pool outings.

6. Books You Won’t Read Again

If you’re like me and love summer reading, you can accidentally accumulate quite a collection. Books can hold sentimental value, but they also take up a lot of space. Donate books you’ve already read and don’t plan to read again. Keep only your favorites or those you reference often for relaxing summer reading. For more on book organizing, see this blog post.

7. Sports Equipment

Many of us have an old set of golf clubs, baseball bats from tee ball (but you’re player is in Babe Ruth), neglected bikes, or shin guards that haven’t seen the light of day in years. Local youth sports groups or Facebook Buy Nothing groups are great options for rehoming equipment that no longer serves your family.

8. Excess Picnic and Grilling Supplies

Sort through your picnic and grilling supplies. Do you have multiple Traeger accessories but you’ve moved on to a Blackstone? Pass on what you no longer need and you’ll free up space to make an award-winning steak.

9. Unused Gardening Tools

If you have a garden, sort through your tools and supplies. Old or unmarked mystery seeds will probably never be planted. You’ve probably got mismatched and hole-y gloves you won’t use. A local gardening group might appreciate donations of tools and supplies you no longer need. Fall You will be grateful that you simplified in July.

10. Random Junk Drawer Items

Everyone has a junk drawer filled with random items. Sort through the drawer and toss or donate anything that doesn’t serve a purpose. Organize what’s left to make it easier to find what you need.

Conclusion

Decluttering can seem overwhelming, but tackling these 10 quick summer-related areas will make a noticeable difference in your home. By getting rid of summer clutter, you'll be able to enjoy the rest of your summer to the fullest.

Be the Boss of your summer!

Oh hey there!

I’m Ashley, and I love my job as a professional home organizer in Jamestown, ND. I help people clear clutter and get their homes organized. Judgement is not included in my services! No matter your starting point, we can declutter, organize and set you up in a space that works for you. We’ll work together and when I leave, you’ll have the systems to keep it up.

Click HERE to schedule a complimentary consultation to chat about how I can help you be the boss of your stuff.