So I think you guys are going to start being able to tell every time I go through a transitional period in my life because printables become my coping mechanism. 😀 Like at New Year’s when I resolved to get my whole life in order– I cranked out my budget binder and my home binder. And even when we were just leaving to go on vacation for a week– hello, packing printable! And now summer break has begun and the Cs and I are home together for 3 straight months– MORE PRINTABLES!!! On Monday I shared my morning routine/evening routine printable that I’m using to try to create some semblance of structure around here, and today I’m talking about how we’re organizing summer projects with– yep, you guessed it– printables!
I love summer because the weather is nicer, the days are longer, and the schedule is a little free-er, and you’d better bet that I’m going to take advantage of that time to crank out some projects that have been on my list for a while now. In order to get everything organized and all planned out, I made a set of printables in two parts. The first part is the project page…
{Click here to download FREE planning printables!}
On this first page, I wrote out the major projects I wanted to accomplish this summer and broke them down into steps so I could see what all needed to be done for each project. If you are more ambitious than me and are planning on tackling more than four major projects, feel free to print multiple copies of this first page!
So for example, I’m hoping that I’ll finally be able to finish up our living room, and in order to do that I know I still want to: reupholster a chair, paint the walls, create a new gallery wall, make a few more pillows, and paint a set of shelves. Everything gets added to the list. Once I have everything all listed out, I take a look at part two of the printables, which is a calendar:
I included June, July, and August. The first thing I did with the calendar pages was go through and write down any commitments we already have this summer– Connor’s day camp, a getaway for D and I, the Haven blogging conference, etc. Once those things were filled in, I could easily see where I had room in my schedule, and I began writing in all of the pieces of my projects on the days I wanted to work on them.
I tried to give myself a realistic timeline for each project and even set aside some buffer days here and there in case I end up needing them. I made sure to include every step of every project that I wrote down on my first page somewhere on the calendar so I have a specific time set aside for each item.
I can “want” to get a lot accomplished during my summer, but I know that unless I plan ahead and set deadlines for myself, the whole summer can fly by, and I won’t have completed anything! If I’m proactive, though, and have a plan for getting everything done, I’m waaaaaay more likely to check all of my “to-dos” off of my list! {And isn’t that the best feeling ever?!}
If you have a long to-do list this summer, fire up your printer and get planning! You’ll be amazed at how much more you accomplish if you plan to do it ahead of time. Happy organizing!!
{Pssssttt… Want to get more organized? I can help! My eBook Simplify: 25+ Printables to Help You Organize Your Life includes tools for organizing your home, your finances, your schedule, and more! Check it out here!}
What big projects do you have on your list this summer?
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Love the printables! I am hoping to get a lot of projects done over the summer. Of course, I want to work in the garden and the yard, but I am hoping to get two new bedrooms set up for my daughters. At 11, they finally want their own rooms — I will be giving up my home office for one of the bedrooms. Enjoy your weekend!
Sounds like you have a productive summer planned, Lauren! I can’t wait to check out all of your projects! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
This is exactly what I need!
Our garden (and the addition of a new flock of chickens) has taken up our free time so far, but I hope to do some more work on our family room (mantel update, throw pillows, wall art) and possibly some budget updates to our kitchen.
I’m excited to see what the summer holds!
Oooh Donnie has always wanted to have chickens! How fun! Sounds like you guys have lots of great plans!! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, Kim!
~Abby =)
You are much more organized than me. My big summer project is moving, but since they keep changing our closing date, I can’t plan ahead 🙁
That’s frustrating! Congrats on the new house, though! I know moving is a huge job, but setting up a new place can be so fun! I hope they work out a firm date for you soon! Hope you guys are doing well, Andrea!!!
~Abby =)
I so need this!!, to keep on track and accomplish stuff this summer 🙂 Will be punning, Abby! Thx!!
Thanks so much, Kendra! I appreciate the pin! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
These will come in very handy!! Thanks Abby!
I like the way you think. My to do lists are usually on post-its or loose leaf paper. Printables are way cuter. As a teacher, I get summers “off” (I use that loosely) and there are so many things I would love to do project wise, but I am home with my 2.5 year old so my “project time” is limited to naps or here and there on the weekends. I think I might use your printable to create my steps to decorate my kiddo’s “more of a big girl” than baby room transition 🙂
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Great printables! The best way to get anything done is to have a plan and to have a plan work, a calendar will do the trick. I notice that calendars help me procrastinate less than I normally would, especially in the summer time. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, Catherine! I agree– it’s important to have a plan! Hope you’re having a great week!
~Abby =)
I love a good printable! Thanks for this Abbey. I think this will come in quite handy to organize my projects for my days off work. Summer hours are great!!
Yay! So glad it was helpful!! Hope you’re having a great week, Jennifer!
~Abby =)
You have such a great site! I am really appreciating all of your fabulous ideas and use of WORD. My site is under construction and I am looking at what others are doing to get some ideas about design and content. I just wanted to say your site is just great and has given me some good ideas and thoughts on direction.
Linda
Thank you so much for your sweet words, Linda! I always love finding other fans of Word! 😀 Good luck with your site! Hope you’re having a great week!
~Abby =)
Abby, I am starting my own blog and wanted to see if I can use your free printables and mention you in my posts you have great stuff and I’d love to share it!
Hi, Ashley! Thanks so much for your sweet words! I would be honored to be mentioned on your blog!! Hope you have a great night!
~Abby =)