How to Get Ready for Summer: The Ultimate Summer Prep Checklist – The Olden Chapters

Why is it that every year, summer rolls around and it feels like we have no time to truly enjoy it?

Too many tasks and responsibilities just seem to always get in the way of enjoying the warm weather.

You know what I say? Not this year!

Instead, let’s create a plan to ensure this summer is the most epic, adventurous, and relaxing one yet!

So, how can we get ready for summer, you might be asking?

By completing a summer prep checklist, of course!

No, I’m not talking about losing weight or going on a crazy crash diet (cringe).

I’m talking about getting productive and down to business early so our summer schedule is cleared for takeoff.

Ready to learn more? Let’s get into it!

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I know, it might sound like a strange concept.

But, taking the time to prepare for the upcoming summer can truly make a difference. Getting ready for summer will help ensure you…

Never have to stress about unfinished projects or tasks on your sunny summer weekends
Avoid wasted money on costly summer essentials during peak prices
Enjoy exciting activities all summer long (like fun days at the beach)
Plan amazing travel adventures that don’t break the bank
Truly relax and enjoy the most epic summer of your life!

Convinced? Good, let’s take a look at a free tool that can help you get ready for summer!

My number one tip to ensure your summer prep success is to turn this checklist into a project.

How can you do this, you might be wondering?

Simply create a Summer Prep Checklist and assign a deadline, goal, and reward to help you focus your efforts.

This can easily be done using my Free Project Planner Printable. You can snag your copy below.

Once it’s printed (or downloaded to your device), be sure to jot down any summer prep tasks listed below that catch your eye and get started as soon as possible.

Alright, now that you know the benefits of summer preparation and have your project planner in hand, let’s begin creating your ultimate Summer Prep Checklist.

The first step to prepare for summer is to clear your schedule and to-do list.

This will not only help make space for more exciting plans but also help decrease your workload and therefore your stress over the summer.

Cancel unnecessary or unwanted plans, events, meetings, etc.
For plans you can’t cancel, consider pushing them back to the fall months
Cancel all irrelevant and unimportant tasks from your current to-do list
Delegate as many tasks on your to-do list as possible
Push back any big projects or tasks that don’t need to be finished this summer
Create a summer attack plan (see below for details)

Once you’ve cleared your schedule and to-do list, take a look at your remaining events and tasks that need to be dealt with by the end of summer.

What can you get done now or this month to help ease this workload?

Answer this question by adding tasks to your Summer Prep Checklist and be sure to schedule time to complete everything on this list.

Summer prep is not about getting your body bikini-ready (though, if that’s your thing, go for it!).

Instead, it’s about preparing to have the absolute best summer of your life.

This includes starting and maintaining healthy habits to ensure you feel your best.

Practice self-care and stress management (here are 24 game-changing stress management techniques to try before summer begins)
Create a new morning and evening routine for summer
Sketch out a new workout routine for the summer
Create a new healthy meal plan (here’s how)
Prep healthy freezer meals for quick and easy summer meals
Try a health-related challenge (see below for details)
(Optional) Plan a glow-up (exfoliate, evaluate your skin routine, hair mask, do your nails, detox, etc.)

For 7 days, commit to completing each of your basic health habits. This is a great way to reset both your body and mind.

You can easily track your progress using this simple habit tracker printable and, once you’re finished, be sure to reward yourself (here are 99 cheap and fun ideas).

Here are a few basic health habits you might want to consider for this challenge:

Drink 8 glasses of water
Sleep 7+ hours
Eat 3+ produce
Exercise for 30 minutes
Complete your morning, afternoon, and evening routines
Meditate, journal, or read for 10 minutes

Next, begin preparing your space for the upcoming hot summer months.

This includes preparing your car, home, outdoor living areas, and workspace.

Declutter your home
Create a simplified and realistic cleaning routine for the summer
Prep your home for the summer (check your A/C, fans, ice machine, etc.)
Swap your spring home decorations for summer home decorations
Toss old and expired summer essentials (like sunscreen, lotion, skin care, etc.)
Clean out your car
Charge your car A/C by using this car A/C recharge kit (way cheaper than going to a mechanic)
Give your car a tune-up (change the oil and check the fluids, lights, tires, etc.)

Take advantage of summer sales early to ensure you stock up on summer essentials at a great price.

Keep a bag filled with your summer essentials and a few snacks at the ready for any last-minute summer adventure.

Be sure to place it next to your door, in your trunk, or somewhere you can easily grab and go.

You could also keep a hiking bag filled with your 10 hiking essentials for those early-morning wake-ups.

Now that your schedule, mind, and space are clear, it’s time to begin filling your calendar with some exciting summer activities!

One final thing to add to your calendar and/or to-do list: a reminder to complete an end-of-summer planning session.

This might include back-to-school prep, re-evaluating your career goals, setting up more productive systems, preparing your home for fall, etc.

One last thing, here are a few related posts to help you on your summer preparation mission!

Well, there you have it – my ultimate summer prep checklist. I hope this list helps you get ready for summer and ensure you have the most fantastic, amazing, epic, and out-of-this-world summer season.