The Summer Survival Guide: Clever Solutions for Life’s Little Summer Annoyances

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Who doesn’t love summer? Sunshine, swimming, barbecues, vacations… what’s not to love? Well… along with summer comes a few annoying things.

I’m known as the organizer who helps people find solutions, so I thought, why not help solve some of summer’s biggest “problems”? No, I’m not a doctor or an exterminator (although some people might disagree after seeing how obsessed I am with getting rid of bugs!). But I do love finding practical solutions that make life easier.

Here are some of my favorite summer fixes.

Sunburns

We love the sun… just not the burn!

Mineral Sunscreen

If you know me, you’re probably not surprised that I prefer a safer mineral sunscreen over traditional chemical sunscreens. This one passes my test.

Aloe Vera

First of all, the sun isn’t the enemy. Moderate sun exposure gives us Vitamin D, which has so many health benefits. Just be smart about it. Start with short periods—about 15 minutes at a time—and gradually let your skin adjust instead of overdoing it all at once.

If you do end up with a sunburn, aloe vera is a classic for a reason. It helps soothe hot, painful skin and can make you much more comfortable while you heal.

Bugs

Warm weather means more bugs!

I have people in my life with serious F.O.B.—Fear Of Bugs—so I’ve accidentally become the family “exterminator.” 😂

Mosquitoes:

• Prevention first

Wear mosquito-repellent bands when you’ll be outside at night or in heavily wooded areas (especially for those of you spending the summer upstate).

• Lemon Eucalyptus

Skip the traditional bug sprays if you can. I prefer products made with oil of lemon eucalyptus. Did you know people in tropical climates have been using eucalyptus to help keep bugs away for years?

• Bug Bites

If someone does get bitten, 1% hydrocortisone cream is great for calming the itch.

Flies & Other Flying Visitors

.• Indoors:

Every Motzei Shabbos my son proudly goes around the house with our favorite fly zapper and gets rid of all the flies that found their way inside during Shabbos.

• Outdoors:

Want to enjoy a nice supper on the porch without some extra “visitors” in your food?

Put these small fan on your table near the food. Bugs don’t fly well in moving air, and it helps keep them away from your food.

This device helps keep bugs away so you can enjoy the outdoors

Wet Bathing Suits & Towels

This scene probably looks familiar…

Hang towels outside.

They fall off.

It rains.

Bring everything inside.

Wash.

Repeat.

If you’re great at keeping an eye on the weather, letting towels dry outside is wonderful. But if you’re like me and life gets busy, you might find it easier to just put them in the washing machine or try one of these to hang them indoors. They’ll be dry by the morning:

• Retractable Indoor Clothesline

Perfect for hanging wet bathing suits and towels without taking over your laundry room.

• Folding Drying Rack

Simple, portable, and folds away when you’re finished. You can keep it in the garage (if you have one) so it’s out of sight.

• Ants and fruit flies :

We can’t forget about the 2 most annoying indoor pests ants and fruit flies.

• These ant traps are the most effective.

• Fruit flies - don’t keep out overripe fruit but if you forgot and an infestation occurs , these traps work amazing!

Dehydrated and kvetchy hot kids :

Kids love summer but kvetchy hot kids isn’t fun. Keeping them cool and hydrated is important . Here are some things that help:

Maybe it’s just me… but I’m not a fan of the ice cream truck.

If I want to buy my kids ice cream, I will. I just don’t need someone driving by making everyone suddenly need ice cream. 😄

So here’s my solution:

• Have your own “Ice Cream Truck” at home

I keep a stash of frozen treats that I hand out at my discretion—not the ice cream truck driver’s!

One of my favorite finds is a slushy cup. Keep it in the freezer, pour in any drink, squeeze it for a minute or two, and you’ve got instant slush. It’s healthier and definitely more economical.

Thanks to client “R” for introducing me to these!

• Mini fans: My kids keep these (labeled) fans in their backpacks when they go on trips.

• Encourage Hydration

• Water: Good reusable water bottles are worth every penny.

• Sports drinks like Gatorade can help replace electrolytes quickly which we stock up for trip days.

Outdoor Toys

Fun in the sun is what makes summer feel like summer. Here’s how to stay on top of these toys and maybe they’ll actually last the season!

• Label, Label, Label

Seriously—it helps! Label everything.

Even the tiny balls from my grandson’s water table have labels because I know they’ll eventually end up flying off the porch. At least this way they have a much better chance of making it back home. These labels are perfect for clothing and toys . I literally put them on everything!

• Outdoor Storage Box

One of my favorite outdoor organizing products is this outdoor storage box. It comes in many sizes and is relatively inexpensive. They’re perfect for storing sports equipment, rollerblades, RipStiks, pool toys, sidewalk chalk, outdoor cushions, and just about anything else that tends to end up scattered around the yard. Neat, in one place and there’s even an option to add a lock if necessary.

I hope these simple solutions help you spend less time dealing with summer annoyances and more time enjoying everything summer has to offer.

Wishing you a relaxing, safe, organized, and healthy summer!

P.S. Every product mentioned here is something I personally use, love, or would recommend. If it saves you time or frustration this summer, then I’ve done my job! Happy summer!

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