Summer Success

Want to have a super summer? We all do, but often end of the school year, projects and sports press us for time. This year, get it together before the kids get out of school and before the temperature rises.

The most important part to a successful summer is to start preparation now.

Set some time aside each day, at least ten minutes, to start preparations for those summer adventures now.

Start by asking your family what it is they would like to do. Here are some sample questions to get the process rolling:

• Where do you want to go on vacation?

• Do you want to go to camp? If so, what type of camp?

• Do you want to visit any local amusement parks?

• Do you have any summer responsibilities? Job, schoolwork, sports practice?

You may already know the answers to a lot of these questions, but it is a good idea to get the whole family thinking about them as a unit to avoid scheduling conflicts and disappointment later on down the road. Creating a family calendar of the summer months and marking off when your family will be away, working, at camp, etc. is a great way for your family to have a clear understanding of the time you have to plan extra activities.

Depending on the answers to some of the above questions, you may want to take action right away. For example, many amusement parks offer discounted season passes before the season begins. Many camps book and fill up early so you want to secure your child's spot as soon as possible. If your child is going to camp, call the camp and ask for a required items list. Start shopping for these items as soon as possible.

Next, you want to get your summer equipment in working order and ready to hit the road. Start by clearing out a space in your entryway, garage, closet or foyer for some summer items. If you do not have sufficient space in any of these locations, consider purchasing a deck box. Deck boxes are usually less then one hundred dollars, water tight and provide you with a excellent source of extra outdoor storage.

Start checking out your summer items from last year, checking expiration dates and sizes. Keep in mind that sun block and bug repellant often lose their effectiveness after one year. Purchase replacements and keep some in your house, car and beach bag.

Have your family try on their summer attire, such as water shoes, life jackets and even sleeping bags. This way you will have plenty of time to purchase replacements if necessary.

Create kits for your summer adventures. Use a large durable tote bag and stock it with beach toys, water shoes, towels (must be washed after every use), sun block and even a book. Keep it by the door, in the trunk or even in the deck box mentioned above for quick use and an easy escape to the beach at a moment's notice. Create other kits for hiking, camping, going to the pool, or the amusement park.

If you will be going to a lot of sporting events, make sure to have a picnic blanket, foldable chair and book in your car with you at all times. You can even throw in a Frisbee or other sports balls for a quick pick up game at a moment's notice.

Having a successful and happy summer does require some advance planning, but with a little work before the last school bell rings, you can right the heat wave and have fun all summer long!

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Bonnie Joy Dewkett is the owner of The Joyful Organizer LLC. She offers professional organization services to help you organize your home and your life. Email The Joyful Organizer at bonnie@thejoyfulorganizer.com for your free home organization guide or to sign up for a free organization newsletter.