Stop putting pressure on yourself to create the perfect summer. If you’re stuck for ideas and perhaps struggling with juggling it all, read this gentle guide to thoughtful summer planning when life already feels full.
ARE YOU PLANNING OR OVERTHINKING YOUR PERFECT SUMMER?
Summer is meant to be a time of slower days, sunshine, and simple pleasures—but if you’re anything like me, it can also feel like just one more thing to manage. Between juggling the kids being off school, trying to keep up with the usual housework and life admin, and maybe even squeezing in a family trip, summer can quickly become stressful instead of serene.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed before summer even begins, you’re not alone. That’s why summer planning can make such a difference. It’s not about scheduling every moment or creating a long list of things for your To Do list—it’s about creating space. Space to breathe, rest, and enjoy the little moments without feeling pulled in ten different directions.
Here’s a gentle and practical approach to summer planning to help you enjoy a simpler, more intentional season.
WHY SUMMER PLANNING MATTERS
Planning ahead—even just a little—can help reduce that frantic feeling that often creeps in by week two of the holidays. It could be sorting childcare options, keeping the kids occupied, completing DIY projects around the home, making sure you have enough food in the house, even maybe feeling like the summer months are an ideal chance to learn or try something new (but you forget or can’t get or stay motivated)… you get the idea!
You don’t need to schedule every hour or set up elaborate activities. Summer planning is more about thoughtfully creating a rhythm that supports you, your home and your family.
When you take a step back and get clear on what matters most, it’s much easier to say yes to what you want to do—and no to what drains your energy. Think of it as creating a loose framework to hold the season together, so you’re not left reacting to every day as it comes. Too many decisions, too much chance to waste time and money, too much to think about.
Don’t have time to read the whole article? Grab your free Summer Planning Worksheet so you can work through the ideas when you have a moment. Enter your details below and I’ll send it to your inbox.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE SUMMER BEGINS
You don’t need to plan everything now—but reflecting on the questions below can help you enter the season with clarity and calm. For me, that sounds much better than stressed and unorganised!
1. What do you want this summer to feel like?
Peaceful, playful, restful, fun, connected—what words come to mind for your ideal summer? Use these as your guiding values. You can come back to them when you’re unsure whether to commit to something or need a reminder of what’s most important. This of it a bit like choosing a word for your year but this is just for summer.
2. What has worked (or not worked) in past summers?
Think back to last summer. What did you enjoy? What stressed you out? Maybe the kids got bored quickly, or you overcommitted to social events. Use this insight to make intentional changes this time around.
3. What are your non-negotiables?
These are the things that need to happen—work commitments, family events, or even your own quiet time. For me it’s those 10,000 daily steps and my morning routine. Be honest about what’s essential, so you can plan around it without guilt.
4. What kind of routine would help?
You don’t need a strict timetable, but even a loose daily rhythm can make a big difference—especially for children. Think morning routines, rest time after lunch, or evening wind-downs.
Want to learn more about routines? Try these articles:
- Think about your own morning routine
- Create some evening habits to wind down
- Establish simple, effective household routines
5. Where do you need to build in white space?
Not every day needs a plan. Try to keep space in your calendar for slow days, lazy mornings, and spontaneous moments.
Read this article on time-blocking. It’s an excellent way to roughly map out your day but allowing for flexibility and fun. There’s a free time-blocking printable you can get with that article which you could try for fun!
6. What support do you need?
It’s okay to ask for help. Whether it’s sharing childcare with a friend, arranging a few hours of quiet time while the kids visit grandparents, or booking in a cleaner just once to ease the mental load—think about what would make summer easier and more enjoyable for you. You don’t have to do it all alone.
7. What do your children (or family) need this summer?
Take a moment to consider what kind of summer your children or family members might need this year. Perhaps your teenager needs downtime after exams, your toddler needs more time outdoors, or your partner is craving quality time together.
8. Where can you simplify?
Think about where life tends to get a bit too much over summer. Is it in the kitchen, your calendar, or keeping the kids entertained? Could you simplify your meals, cut back on commitments, or set up a toy rotation system? A few small shifts now can make everyday life feel much lighter.
Read this article on 7 Easy Ways Meal Planning Can Simplify Your Life for some ideas.
9. What do you want to let go of this summer?
Is there something that’s been weighing on your mind or taking up energy that you’re ready to release? Maybe it’s saying yes to things out of guilt, comparison scrolling on social media, or the idea that you have to make every day “magical” for your kids. Let these things go if they’re not serving you very well.
I, for one, will be limiting my social media consumption so I can focus on living and loving MY life instead of what others are doing when their videos pop up on my feed. One way I limit myself is by not checking my phone first thing in the morning.
10. What small joy can you build into your days?
Think of something simple that brings you joy—your morning coffee in peace, an evening walk, a weekly picnic lunch in the garden. Planning for these small pockets of pleasure can lift your mood and give your days a gentle rhythm you look forward to. They don’t need to be anything fancy.
GENTLE SUMMER PLANNING IDEAS
These ideas aren’t meant to add pressure—they’re here to support you in creating a season that feels easier and less busy.
1. Create a flexible weekly rhythm
Consider setting loose themes for each day or week. For example, Monday might be a home day, Tuesday could be library or park day, Wednesday a playdate, and so on. It gives a sense of flow without being rigid. If you don’t have kids, choose your own activities.
2. Meal plan with summer in mind
Think easy, no-fuss meals—sandwiches, pasta salads, BBQs. A bit of planning now means fewer “what’s for dinner?” moments later.
3. Prep your home for summer
A quick summer declutter (think garden gear, toys, summer clothes) can clear physical and mental space.
4. Make a ‘Would-Like-To-Do’ list
Instead of a summer bucket list that makes you feel behind, write down a few things you’d like to do if the time and mood are right. Keep it relaxed and pressure-free. You could even try these simple summer goals to set yourself a gentle challenge.
5. Schedule downtime
If you’re a parent, or even if you’re not, give yourself permission to rest—even if it’s just half an hour with a book or a cup of tea outside. You matter too.
I also like to include exercise in my downtime. Yes, it’s not always relaxing to be power walking on the treadmill but moving my body is good for my mental and physical health. Downtime doesn’t have to be spa days or naps. It can be anything that makes you feel good about yourself.
And, summer is the perfect time to get more movement in your day – even if you don’t feel like it!
Read this: How to Exercise Regularly Even If You Don’t Want To
CONCLUSION
Summer doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to feel easy, fun and stress-free for you. With a little thought and planning, you can create a season that’s calm, intentional, and full of simple joys—whatever that looks like for your family.
READ THESE NEXT
Here are some other articles to help you with planning for an easier, more intentional summer in different ways
- 30 Things to Declutter in June
- 30 June Journal Prompts to Help You Prepare for Summer
- 30 Things to Declutter in August
- Ideas for Your Summer Bucket List
- How to Make Weekends & School Holidays Fun For Everyone
- How to Mark the End of Summer
- How to Simplify Back to School for the Kids and You
- 7 Simple Ways to Build Healthier Eating Habits
GRAB YOUR FREE SUMMER PLANNING PRINTABLE
Ready to brainstorm for your own simple summer? I’ve put together a free worksheet to help you plan and organise for summer. Pop your details in the box below so I know where to send it.
Antonia Colins is the creator of Balance Through Simplicity, a website helping busy people declutter their home and life and live more intentionally. She has over 20 years of personal and professional experience in juggling work and family life and supporting individuals to remain independent and enjoy their home more. In her spare time, you can find Antonia walking, reading or planning her next travel adventure! She lives in the UK with her husband and teenage kids. Get your free Declutter Starter Kit.