How to Get Ready for Summer: The Ultimate Summer Prep Checklist

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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Why Should You Get Ready for Summer?

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!

The Secret to Success: Create a Summer Prep Project Checklist

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.

Learn how to conquer the project planning process in ten easy steps. This is one of the best productivity tips for college students looking to stay organized and better their time management. Includes a free project planning printable to stay organized and accomplish your biggest tasks. Read now to learn more time management and productivity tips!

How to Get Ready for Summer

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.

Step 1: Clear Your Schedule and To-Do List

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.

Here are a few tasks to help clear your schedule and to-do list:

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)

How to Create a Summer Attack Plan:

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.

Related: 54 Game-Changing Tips to Skyrocket Your Productivity

The top productivity tips and time management ideas that will change your life in college, work, business, or as a stay at home mom. Start staying organized and blast through your to do list by using a planner, becoming a morning person, and mastering your daily schedules, study habits, and writing. Even includes free printables to help you stay focused and utilize these life hacks. Pin this post now so you don’t forget these life changing secrets! #planneraddict #organization #college

Step 2: Prepare Your Body and Mind for Summer

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.

Here are a few tasks to help prepare your body and mind for summer:

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.)

Related: Morning Habits to Transform Your Day

Get Ready for Summer 7-Day “Back to Basics” Health Challenge

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

Related: How to Create the Perfect Morning Routine

Learn how to conquer college food by creating cheap and healthy meals. Includes a complete system for finding the best healthy recipes, creating grocery lists on a student budget, and the best tools to creating amazing and healthy meals quickly. Read now to begin spending less money and time in the kitchen!

Step 3: Prepare Your Space for Summer

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

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

Here are some tasks to help prepare your space for summer:

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.)

Step 4: Shop for Summer Essentials

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

Here are some summer essentials to add to your shopping list:

Sunscreen: You’ll want to pick up this amazing face sunscreen. I can’t even describe how amazing it is, it’s an absolute game-changer! In addition, don’t forget to grab a high-quality, high-SPF sunscreen to have on hand.
Bug Spray: Don’t let mosquitos, ticks, and other biting insects ruin your summer adventures.
Polarized Sunglasses: Protect your eyeballs with a cute pair of polarized sunglasses (I have this set of 3 and love them).
New Swim Suit: Now is the perfect time to snag a new swimsuit!
New Summer Outfit: Plenty of summer dresses and hiking clothes are on sale before summer begins. A perfect excuse to add a new outfit to your closet. Check out the latest Amazon deals here.
Packable Oversized Beach Towel: Having a quick-dry towel on hand is so handy for any quick trip to the beach, pool, or lake.
The 10 Hiking Essentials: If you’re like me and love a good summer hike, don’t forget to have your 10 hiking essentials always at the ready.

Tip: Get ready for summer with a summer to-go bag!

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.

The ten hiking essentials are ten items that every hiker should carry in their daypack. They keep you safe, comfortable, and prepared for a full day of hiking. This is the ultimate hike packing list and includes tips for women and for kids on their next adventure. Pin now and read before your next hike.

Step 5: Make Summer Plans

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

Here are some tasks to help you make summer plans:

Create a summer bucket list (here are 50 summer activity ideas to get you started)
Make a summer movie bucket list (here’s mine)
Create a summer reading list (here are all of my reading lists to help you find your next book)
Choose at least 10 summer activities and 2 new travel destinations and add them to your calendar now
Create a Pre-Travel Checklist for all major trips this summer (book flights and hotels, etc.)

End of Summer Planning Reminder

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.

Get Ready for Summer Resources

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.