Your checklist for an organized summer

We’re so lucky to have four distinct seasons where we live but with that comes a bit of work to be prepared for what each beautiful time of year brings.

Now that the weather is getting warmer and our activities are moving outside, what do we need to take care of to ensure a fun and carefree summer?

Stock up on patio entertaining essentials such as sparkling mixers, fancy straws and easy appetizers. If you’re more of a campfire (when it’s safe) family, be sure to pick up fresh s’more stuff. Launder your throws and picnic blankets this time of the year so they’re ready to do their cozy duty on cooler nights.

Give your barbecue a good cleaning, season the grates if required and check the status on your propane bottle before you run out halfway through Canada Day dinner. One thing I always forget is to buy a new package of wooden skewers to have for easy summer supper kabobs.

Summer tires should be swapped out by now. Do yourself a huge favour and wash those winter rims before storing them away. You’ll thank yourself in November when you’re doing the reverse swap.

Give your car a thorough wash and detailing to get rid of winter grime, salt from the roads and dust and debris that accumulate during the winter weather.

Consider keeping a lawn chair, a few beach towels and a ball hat in the trunk, in case you drop in on a sporting event to save you from running home.

Get your summer grocery order. It’s smart to buy ice cream treats now, before the temperature in the car ride home from the grocery store melts your purchases. Throw some packages of hotdogs and burgers in the freezer for quick summer meals.

Do an inventory of your barbecue marinades, sauces and rubs. You might want to freshen your pantry up if everything has been in the cupboard for awhile. I like to purchase new camping condiments and I stock up on my top three pasta salad recipe ingredient lists.

Get the garden growing. Now is the time to freshen up your home’s exterior with patio planters and colourful annuals. Sow seeds of vegetables and herbs you’ll be cooking with later in the summer.

Edge lawns and mulch beds for maximum curb appeal. A fresh new pair of gardening gloves can be very inspiring.

I have a big box in the linen closet labelled outdoors where I keep all my bug and sunscreen sprays and lotions. Check them for expiration dates and purchase fresh inventory where required. Distribute them into entry closets, cars and backpacks.

Get out the lawn mower and service it as required.

Sharpen the blade and purchase fresh gas to keep your yard work flowing smoothly. This time of year is perfect to hone hand tools and oil any moveable parts on garden shears and pruners.

All that’s left to do is sit back on the deck and relax once your prep for an organized summer is complete. With just a little work and some careful planning, you’ll be ready for all the fun activities and the entertaining possibilities.

Lisa Macdonald-Faulkner has been a professional organizer in Nova Scotia for more than a decade. She is passionate about helping people clear the clutter and get aboard the organized train. Connect with her about pre-move purges, estate organizing and your dusty boxes