Okay, real talk… May is straight-up wild. It’s like this perfect storm of end-of-school parties, sports practices, games, and tournaments galore, dance recitals, teacher gifts, summer camp prep, and oh yeah — running an entire household on top of it all. Oy!! There’s a lot to think about! And honestly, it’s no wonder we’re all hanging on by a thread. Which is why I’m sharing 11 brilliant home hacks that I swear by!! Seriously, every busy mom (hi, all of us!) needs to know these before the summer madness really hits. Think of it like a survival guide… but wayyyy more fun. Truly!!!
And what’s more is that I made ya a little something to make your life even easier — a FREE Summer Family Fun Jar Ideas printable! It’s packed with 30 easy, fun activities to keep your entire family entertained without you having to overthink it. You’re gonna LOVE it!! Promise!
Alright, deep breath… let’s jump in and get prepped for the crazy, messy, amazing summer ahead!
Real-Life Home Hacks That Actually Make Summer Easier
1. Create a Drop Zone (AKA Save Your Sanity Station)
First up, if you don’t have a designated “drop zone” yet, you NEED one, mama. I’m talking about a spot near the door where backpacks, lunch boxes, sneakers, and all the random stuff can live. (Many times referred to as the mudroom — although our kids hilariously call it the “shoe room” haha.) One of my favorite home hacks is using cute baskets for each kid so the mess has a home (and it’s semi-contained… semi lol).
2. Meal Prep Like It’s Your Superpower
Now let’s talk about food — because if there’s one thing that can completely derail a summer day, it’s the dreaded “what’s for dinner?!” moment around 5p. I get it, meal prepping sounds a little intense. But hear me out: take a day to toss a few meals together and prep some freezer smoothie bags because it can make a huge difference in your sanity! For real, try it!!! (Here are 10 simple & quick weeknight dinners the whole family will love to get you started!)
3. Set Up a Snack Station
Now let’s talk about the snack situation. Because once summer hits, it feels like kids ask for food every five minutes. Instead of losing your mind, set up a snack station they can actually manage themselves. Think: pre-portioned, mom-approved snacks in a basket or bin they can reach. Served in a divided tray or kept in the fridge at all times, fresh fruit and cut-up veggies are always a win to have ready for the kids to grab at their convenience, too! It’s one of those home hacks that keeps you from being a short-order chef all day long and teaches them a little independence. Win-win!
4. Declutter the “Hot Spots”
You know those areas where junk just magically appears? (Looking at you, kitchen counter, eeeks.) Pick a day to do a quick 20-minute “power declutter” of those hotspots. Less clutter = less visual stress. This is one of my most underrated home hacks because it’s so simple but makes a huge difference.
5. Prep Your Car for Summer Living
Our cars basically turn into second homes in summer, am I right or am I right? Load a small bin with essentials: wipes, sunscreen, extra water bottles, a change of clothes, and a few non-melty snacks. This home hack saves me on the daily when I inevitably forget something running from activity to activity.
6. Set Up a Chore Chart Reboot
Trust me, even the littles can handle small jobs! Assign age-appropriate chores and maybe even tie it to a summer reward chart. It keeps them busy, teaches responsibility, and lightens your load. Check out these FREE chore charts created by yours truly! They work!!
7. Create a Family Fun Jar
This is one of my favorite hacks for keeping summer days feeling exciting and low-stress. Grab a jar, some colorful popsicle sticks or slips of paper, and brainstorm fun family activities. Write one idea per stick, and anytime you hear “I’m bored,” just let a kid pull a stick for a surprise plan! You can tailor it to your family’s vibe — indoor, outdoor, budget-friendly, etc.
And don’t forget to download my FREE “Summer Family Fun Jar Ideas” printable for 30 easy ideas ready to go!
8. Make a DIY Sunscreen Station
Put a basket filled with different types of sunscreen (spray, stick, lotion) right by the door. We actually keep ours outside directly next to our front door! That way, it becomes a habit to grab and apply before starting the day. This tip is a game-changer!
9. Pack Ready-to-Go Pool Bags
Keep a couple of bags packed with towels, goggles, and swimsuits. When the sun is shining and a pool day invite pops up, you can just grab and go without the mad scramble. Genius, I know!
10. Keep a Collapsible Laundry Basket in the Car
Seriously, you’ll never regret having a spot to toss wet swimsuits, sandy clothes, or muddy soccer cleats instead of letting them soak into your car seats. One of the easiest, low-effort hacks that feels next-level organized! This collapsible laundry basket works well!
11. Stash Simple Craft Supplies for Rainy Days
Grab a bin and stock it with construction paper, markers, beads, glue sticks, etc, etc — basically, all the things!! When the inevitable “I’m bored!” hits during a rainy afternoon, you’ll have a mini craft camp ready without any extra prep. I recommend keeping these 8 art supplies in your home at all times!
Let’s Put these Home Hacks to Good Use…
Honestly, prepping now with these little home hacks can make such a huge difference in how chaotic summer feels. A little planning = a lot less chaos… and way more time to actually enjoy those messy, amazing summer memories that fly by way too fast. Instead of scrambling for sunscreen or picking up wet towels, we’re making lemonade stands, jumping on the trampoline nonstop, and roasting s’mores in the backyard.
Because, let’s be real, it’s never about having a “perfect” summer — it’s about creating space to be present for the good stuff! Am I right or am I right??
And just to drive my point home even more, we all know summer is already busy in the best way. But when your home is set up to support the madness instead of fighting it, everything feels a little lighter. You’ll find yourself saying “yes” to more last-minute ice cream trips, “yes” to one more splash in the pool, and “yes” to soaking up every single little moment. YESSSS to that!
So do a little prep now, and savor every sunny second later!
And don’t forget to grab your FREE “Summer Family Fun Jar Ideas” printable — because we all deserve a summer that feels a little easier and a lot more fun!
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