
Staying Organised Amidst the Summer Chaos (Without Losing Your Mind)
- Ann Teehan
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
Ah, summer. Long bright evenings, sandy car seats, snacks on repeat, and kids who seem to believe “bedtime” is a myth invented by adults.
If you’re a busy mum, summer can be a magical time… but it can also feel like chaos wrapped in suncream. The routines go out the window, the washing pile triples, and there always seems to be something sticky underfoot. So how do you stay organised (ish) when life’s in full summer swing?
Here are a few realistic tips to help you survive the madness and actually enjoy a bit of it too.
1. Lower the bar and ditch the guilt
First things first, this isn’t the season for perfectly colour-coded schedules or pristine playrooms. It’s okay if things feel a bit messier than usual. Summer is a different rhythm. Give yourself permission to do enough rather than everything.

2. Create a summer “drop zone”
Designate one spot near the front/back door for all the summer essentials: sun hats, suncream, swim gear, sandals, towels. Use a basket or box for each child if you can. No more frantic searching for goggles as you're heading out the door, they live here now.
3. The fridge is your new best friend
Meal planning in summer doesn’t have to be a military operation. Think “picnic fridge”. Pre-chop fruit, prep some grab-and-go snacks. Sandwich bits, cold pasta salad, chopped veg, it’s less about cooking and more about assembling.
Bonus: less time in the kitchen means more time outdoors (or hiding in the shade with a coffee).
4. Declutter one tiny area each week
You don’t need to do a full-on clear-out, but if you tackle one drawer, one basket or one shelf a week, by the end of summer you’ll feel lighter. Get the kids involved, make it a 10-minute “speed tidy” game, stick on the music and promise them ice pops if necessary. No judgement here.
5. Set up simple routines and get outdoors
Summer routines don’t have to be rigid, but a bit of gentle structure can save your sanity. Try a loose rhythm like:
Mornings: Outdoor play (before they start fighting!!)
After lunch: Quiet time/lego/colouring
Evenings: Garden play or walk
Even if the actual timings go out the window, having a flow to the day can help everyone (including you) feel less untethered.
6. Manage the unpredictable
For the love of sanity, keep a bag in the boot of the car with essentials like spare clothes, wipes, snacks, bubbles, a ball and bin bags. You will thank yourself.

7. Build in “mum time”
This one’s hard but important. It doesn’t have to be a spa day, just 10 minutes with your feet up and a coffee you didn’t microwave twice.
Ask for help, say no to things you don’t want to do, and remember: you matter too.
8. Let “good enough” be the goal
Your house won’t be picture perfect. The kids will argue. It’s all part of the summer blur. But if everyone’s alive, fed, and smiling at least once a day, you’re doing great, go easy on yourself.
In a nutshell?
This summer, don’t try to control the chaos, just find little ways to contain it. Baskets, routines, and realistic expectations are your best friends. And if all else fails, there’s always September.
Neatly done,
Ann x
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