If you are like me, you look forward to the summer months all year long. The warm weather, family-focused events, and extra time I get to spend with my friends seem like heaven on earth. The only problem - with car pools, play dates, and camp trips, there is zero time to get (and stay!) organized.

This summer I took the bull by the horns and decided to control the clutter and organize everything from my digital files, to my closet, to my garage.

Here are some tips that helped me say bye-bye to my “hoarder” alter ego and hello to the closet floor.

Make a List.It’s a lot easier to tackle one mess at a time versus having numerous projects going at once. Make a list of the most unorganized areas and put the one that needs the most TLC on top. I love to use different color Post-it Notes to keep track of to-dos in different areas of my house. One by one you’ll cross off an area that went from eyesore to sparkling, and before you know it, the list will be completed.

Take it One Day at a Time.Are you stressed out over a mess but would rather be outside than organizing? Make a deal with yourself to finish one project in the morning and then reward yourself with a fun afternoon with family and friends. You’ll feel very productive and will still be able to take advantage of all that summer has to offer.

Don’t let big projects scare you. Is there one area of your home that is way too daunting to even begin organizing? For me, it’s my digital photos. I have thousands and thousands of files stored on various websites, some of which I haven’t seen in years. Organizing these files in one central location seemed impossible until I discovered Woven, a photo viewing app that consolidates photos from sources like Facebook, Instagram, Picasa, and Shutterfly and creates easy-to-view albums on your mobile device. Once I downloaded Woven, I was taken on a trip down memory lane. The project I avoided the most turned out to be the best of the summer!

If in Doubt, Throw it Out. We all have pieces of clothing hidden in the back of the closet, and those extra plastic spoons in the kitchen drawer. Do we really need to keep things that simply collect dust? A good rule of thumb is asking if you have worn it or used it in the last year. If the answer is no, or if you have to think about the question, it is time to get rid of the item. If the items are in good shape, make a pile to donate to a local women’s shelter or school. Someone in your area will need what you no longer have a use for, and it will do more good at a new home than in a landfill.

Treat Yourself.With all the organizing you are doing you will most likely be making room in your closet for new things. Remember that pair of shoes you really wanted or the super soft cardigan that would match almost everything you own? Get excited about turning over a new leaf and allow yourself a treat. You earned it!