Summer decluttering to better enjoy your vacation

Decluttering your surroundings at the start of the summer season is therefore not just a matter of tidiness: it's a real investment in the well-being of the whole family. By freeing your space of unnecessary items, you'll create the ideal conditions to fully enjoy the summer and focus on what really matters: the moments shared as a family!

Decluttering: why?

The psychological benefits and practical advantages of decluttering

There's no denying it: a decluttered living space is a real balm for the mind, as our brain can finally rest and our stress level drops considerably. It's guaranteed: your mood will automatically improve and you'll be able to focus fully on all those summer activities you've planned with such enthusiasm!

For children, growing up in a decluttered environment lets them develop their creativity further, on top of improving their ability to focus on their different games; having fewer toys available actually stimulates their imagination and keeps them from being overwhelmed by too many options!

What's more, with the house suddenly full all day long, a cleared-out space will be easier to clean and maintain, which will save you time for family activities. Finally, getting together the belongings needed for summer outings becomes child's play instead of a frustrating treasure hunt: swimsuits, sunscreen and beach toys no longer hide at the back of overstuffed cupboards and are easy to find when you want them!

Decluttering: how?

First, make sure you set clear, achievable goals. Start by defining priority spaces based on your summer plans. If you're planning more creative activities, begin by freeing up a space dedicated to them, whereas if you're expecting guests, prioritize the guest room and the common areas instead.

Of course, don't hesitate to involve the children according to their availability and abilities: the youngest can help with decluttering for short periods, while teenagers will be able to take charge of their personal space completely on their own.

Finally, set simple sorting criteria that everyone understands: “used in the last six months,” “in good condition,” “suited to the children's current age,” etc. These objective guidelines will help you avoid endless dithering and make decisions easier.

Zone-by-zone sorting method

• Kids' bedrooms: for sorting toys, apply the six-month rule. Anything that hasn't been used in that time can probably leave the house. Also take care to part with puzzles or games that are damaged or missing pieces, which often take up space without being used to their full potential. If you haven't already, take advantage of the start of the nice weather to sort through clothes and give away the ones that are now too small or worn out. Finally, keep your children's meaningful artwork and drawings, photograph the ones that have sentimental value but take up too much space, and let go of the rest without guilt!
• Shared living spaces: make sure to keep a minimum of decorative items in the living room and other common rooms, and go through the family bookshelf. Damaged books, outdated magazines and titles that no longer match the family's interests can make room for new summer discoveries!
• Kitchen and storage: the kitchen, the heart of the household, deserves special attention. Make sure you set aside enough time for it, and get rid of duplicate utensils, containers without lids and small appliances that just gather dust. Go through your food supplies and take the time to give the fridge a thorough clean-out!

Decluttering: maintenance

New summer habits

Insist that every family member put each item they use straight back in its place, and adopt the “one in, one out” rule to avoid building up clutter again. In addition, if possible, try to set up a weekly sorting time when each person goes through their personal belongings and puts them back in order. This routine of just a few minutes prevents build-up and maintains serenity within the family cocoon.

Preparing for after vacation

Avoid cluttering the house all over again by asking every family member, in particular, to avoid buying bulky souvenirs and to favour personal keepsakes instead, such as good old photos or putting together a travel journal. Also plan a time now for a post-vacation sort, which will let you work any new things acquired over the summer into your now-organized space.

Give yourselves the luxury of fully enjoying your summer vacation through effective decluttering from the start: your future family memories will certainly be all the more beautiful, fuelled by a serene environment that can breathe!