There’s something about a UK summer, isn’t there? One minute we’re reaching for the brolly, and the next we’re searching for the sunscreen. And as the temperature rises, so do our stress levels —especially when our home starts to feel hot, heavy, and full of things we’ve been meaning to sort.
When our surroundings feel disorganised, it’s hard to relax—and even harder to keep our cool. But the good news is, a few small changes can make our home feel lighter, calmer, and much more comfortable—even when it’s sweltering outside.
If you are starting to feel like this, this blog is perfect for you. I share some simple ways to make your home feel cooler, calmer and more spacious this summer.
And if you’re stressing about how to manage the school holidays, don’t forget to download my free School Holiday Planner—it enables you to spread activities out and plan in quiet time, so that you can feel calmer and more in control. Get your free planner here.
1. Clear the Clutter from Hot Spots First
Let’s start with the areas that always feel stuffy and chaotic. To common locations are the hallway, full of school bags and shoes, and the kitchen counters, usually cluttered with post, snacks, and appliances you haven’t used since Easter. These spaces can feel busy, heavy and make day-to-day living tricky.
You don’t need to do a whole-house declutter. Just pick one space that’s causing your stress and give it some attention. Put away what you’re not using, dispose of, or donate, anything you no longer use or love. Open windows and wipe the surfaces. A quick refresh can make a room feel so much lighter.
2. Create a Cool-Down Corner in Your Home
If the heat and noise are getting to you, create a quiet little space just for cooling off. I’m not suggesting you redecorate. You can keep it simple; a chair by a breezy window, close the curtains to create shade and have a cool drink to hand (Top tip: if you keep windows and curtains closed on the sunny side of your home and open curtains and windows on the shady side, you can ensure cooler air travels through your home).
This can be your pause point—somewhere to breathe, listen to a podcast, or take a moment to read a magazine article or chapter of your book. If you’ve got little ones at home, it’s also a great chill-out zone when things get too much.
If your home feels too full to make space like this, let’s talk. I’m here to help you create space that works for you and your family.
3. Pack Away Winter Things to Lighten the Room
It’s easy to overlook, but seasonal swaps can really shift the feel of your home. Heavy throws, thick bedding and dark cushion covers can make a space feel warm and heavy at a time when you crave light and airy.
Take the opportunity to pack away anything you won’t need until Autumn. If you have cotton bedding or light fabrics stored away, now is the time to bring them out.
These little switches help your space feel more breathable. Pack away these seasonal items for the moment. Use whatever storage space works for your home: containers under the bed, harder to reach wardrobe shelves, storage boxes, and vacuum bags for loft storage are all great examples.
4. Tidy Summer Bits Before It Takes Over
Flip-flops, water bottles, picnic bags, half-used bottles of sun cream—it doesn’t take long for summer items to take over every surface.
Set up a ‘home’ near the door where these things naturally land. A basket for sandals. Hooks for hats and bags. A tray for sunglasses and keys. Create enough of a system to stop it all spreading.
When your things have a home, you spend less time searching—and more time enjoying the sunshine.
5. Make Life Easier When It’s Too Hot to Think
Hot days are not the time for big decisions. Even deciding what to cook can feel like a lot, so give yourself the gift of simplicity. Plan easy meals, lay out outfits the night before and have a few go-to indoor or shaded activities at the ready.
This is where my free School Holiday Planner can really help. It gives you space to plan your week without pressure. And even if plans changes, you’ve got something to come back to.
And if you are getting away this Summer, you’ll find my packing tips in this blog helpful.
6. You Don’t Have to Do It All
A gentle reminder: you don’t need to power through every task or tick off every box. Some days, surviving the heat and keeping everyone fed is enough.
Focus on what helps you feel a little calmer today. This might be folding the laundry so the bedroom feels calmer or tidying trainers in the hallway so you don’t keep tripping over them.
Little wins make a big difference. And if you’re staring at the chaos thinking, “Where do I even start?” you’re not alone.
Download My Free School Holiday Planner
Are you feeling the chaos of summer already creeping in? My free School Holiday Planner is designed for busy mums just like you, who want to enjoy the holidays.
Inside, you’ll find space to plan out meals, childcare, activities, and more.
Click here to download your free planner now and bring a bit more calm into your summer days.
