Refresh Your Space
Small Decluttering Projects for a Summer Day
Make it stand out
It's one of those perfect summer afternoons—windows open, gentle breeze flowing through, and you have that rare gift of a few uninterrupted hours. Maybe the kids are at camp, working, or hanging out with friends. Instead of feeling guilty about what you "should" be doing, what if you channeled that summer energy into refreshing a small corner of your home?
Summer days have a different rhythm than the rest of the year. There's something about the longer daylight and warmer weather that makes even organizing feel lighter and more enjoyable. Today, we're focusing on small, satisfying projects that take advantage of this seasonal energy—the kind that leave you feeling accomplished without overwhelming your schedule.
Want a handy reference for these projects? Download my free Summer Day Declutter Guide —a simple one-page checklist you can print or save to your phone for easy reference.
Why Summer Is Perfect for Small Decluttering Wins
Summer naturally invites a different pace. With more daylight and often more flexible schedules, those small organizing projects that felt overwhelming in the depth of winter suddenly seem manageable. Plus, there's something deeply satisfying about creating calm, clear spaces when everything outside feels abundant and alive.
The key is choosing projects that:
Take 30 minutes or less
Create immediate visual impact
Work with summer's natural energy (not against it)
Set you up for easier living during the season
6 Perfect Summer Day Decluttering Projects
1. The 20-Minute Linen Closet Refresh
Open that linen closet and take everything out. Summer is the perfect time to assess what you actually need versus what's taking up valuable space.
The process:
Remove expired medications and old first-aid items
Donate towels that are rough or stained
Keep only the sheets you actually use—one to two sets per bed, max
Store heavy winter blankets in less accessible spots
Summer bonus: This project often uncovers forgotten beach towels or lightweight blankets perfect for outdoors.
Last year, I discovered we had been storing six sets of sheets for our guest room that gets used maybe three times a year. Keeping just two sets freed up an entire shelf for things we actually needed.
2. The Car Declutter & Summer Prep
Your car becomes command central during summer—road trips, pool runs, camp carpools. A 15-minute car reset can transform your daily experience.
The quick routine:
Remove all trash and unnecessary items
Organize glove compartment and console areas
Create a small summer car kit: sunscreen, water bottles, phone charger, wet wipes
Check for expired items in your emergency kit
Pro tip: Keep a small bag or container in your car specifically for items that need to go back in the house. This prevents the daily accumulation that makes cars feel chaotic.
3. The Entryway Summer Swap
Your entryway sets the tone for your entire home. Summer calls for a lighter, more functional approach.
The 30-minute transformation:
Store heavy coats and winter accessories
Create designated spots for summer essentials: sunglasses, pool bags, hats, keys, pet supplies
Set up a basket for items that need to be returned to other rooms
Add a small container for sunscreen that everyone can grab on the way out
This project has saved me countless "where did I put my sunglasses?" moments. Having a designated spot for summer grab-and-go items eliminates that frantic searching that can derail a relaxed summer morning.
4. The Junk Drawer Summer Purge
Every home has at least one—that drawer where everything ends up. Summer's longer days make this perfect timing for this often-avoided project.
The approach:
Empty the entire drawer
Wipe it clean (so satisfying!)
Sort items into categories: keep, relocate, toss
Use small containers or dividers to create homes for what stays
Be ruthless—if you haven't needed it in the past year, let it go
Reality check: You probably don't need 47 pens, three broken phone chargers, or that collection of takeout menus from places you've never ordered from.
5. The Outdoor Space Quick Reset
Summer living often extends beyond our walls. A quick outdoor declutter can transform your enjoyment of these spaces.
Focus areas:
Gather scattered outdoor toys and create one designated storage spot
Clear patio furniture of accumulated items
Organize grilling supplies and outdoor entertaining essentials
Create an outdoor toy rotation (not everything needs to be accessible at once)
Summer insight: Less outdoor clutter means more spontaneous afternoon relaxation or impromptu gatherings.
6. The Digital Photo Summer Sort
While everyone's outside enjoying the weather, spend 20 minutes organizing the digital clutter on your phone. Summer produces so many photos—set yourself up for success now.
The quick routine:
Delete obviously bad photos from the past month
Create a simple folder system for the summer (vacations, everyday moments, etc.)
Back up your favorites to cloud storage or an external drive
Clear out screenshots and random images you no longer need
