As summer rapidly approaches, many of us are starting to think about a more relaxed schedule including long days at the beach, eating outside and hopefully taking some time off to visit family and friends, take a vacation or stay local and – have a staycation. Here are 5 easy ways to get ready for this delightful time of year in sunny southern California.

Prepare Your Barbecue – This backyard appliance is about to enter its busy season when it will be performing regularly for your family and friends. To be certain your barbecue is in tip top shape spend some time preparing it. Perform a little inspection to confirm your barbecue is good for another summer. They don’t last forever but it’s much better to find that out before you actually need to use it. It is also a good idea to check the valve and hose on the propane tank to make sure they are in safe working condition. Deep clean the grill with a metal brush. Finally turn on the gas and all burners to make sure everything is working as expected. If your barbecue uses lava rocks it may be time to replace them since greasy rocks can burn the food. Speaking of grease, empty or replace the grease catching container below the grill.

Clean off the Patio Furniture – if your furniture has been covered, this task should be easy and fast with the help of a wet rag. However, if it has been exposed all winter, you may need a scrub brush, a hose, and some elbow grease on a warm afternoon.

Get the car Summer-Ready – Confirm your car is up to date with its scheduled services to verify all tires, belts and hoses are in good condition and fluids are at the proper levels. It is also a good idea to have the air conditioning checked, and a safety inspection performed. Get the car cleaned and remove any unnecessary items so you’ll have plenty of room for your beach chairs and umbrella.

Replenish your Sunscreen – check to make sure you have a good supply that includes a high SPF and a waterproof version. As always check the expiration dates to see if it’s time to replace anything you already have. Checking your supply early will allow you time to order what you need or take advantage of the many drugstore sales and avoid having to pay a premium in a hotel gift shop.

Arrange for Pet Sitters – Don’t forget the pets as you get busy making summer plans. Make sure your extended family members are well cared for by planning ahead and scheduling pet sitters early, before they book up. If you are working with someone new, have them over to meet your pet a couple of weeks before you leave so they can get acquainted and you’ll have plenty of time to explain the routine, and any special food or medications.

Now that you’ve tackled these easy tasks you can relax and plan how and with whom you will spend your time this summer.

Mishele Vieira, Certified Professional Organizer® (CPO®), has a deep passion for working with people with brain related conditions including ADD, addiction, depression, anxiety, and other behavioral health conditions which make it harder to get and stay organized. And her popular “Get It Done Day” is helping busy people finally get their own stuff done. Lean more at www.AwayWithChaos.com.