How to Organize Your Vacation Home with Intention and Ease
One of my absolute favorite things as a professional organizer is helping clients set up and streamline their vacation homes. Whether it’s a lake house, a cozy cabin, or a sun-soaked beach retreat, creating a space that’s relaxing, functional, and thoughtfully designed is such a rewarding step.
When you're building your home-away-from-home, organization matters more than ever. A well-organized vacation home means less stress and more joy—it allows you to truly unplug, spend time with your people, and soak in every peaceful moment.
If you're getting ready to outfit a second home, here are three key steps I walk through with my clients to make the experience smooth, intentional, and clutter-free:
1. Be Intentional with Your Inventory
Before you start packing, take a moment to consider what actually needs to come with you. Are there specific household items, kitchen tools, or linens that you already own and want to bring? Or would it make more sense to shop locally or order items in advance and have them delivered?
This is a great time to create a customized home inventory checklist—a tool I often use with clients to track essentials and make sure nothing important gets left behind. Being strategic about what goes into your vacation home ensures you're not duplicating clutter—it’s all about functionality and ease.
2. Declutter Your Main Home
A second home can be a perfect excuse to finally declutter your primary residence. Clients often realize they have duplicate items—dishes, towels, furniture, or decor—that can easily be repurposed in the new space.
This is where the organizing magic really happens: You lighten up at home and make smart use of what you already have. It’s a win-win.
3. Keep the Space Light and Open
Vacation homes are about rest, renewal, and reconnection—so it’s important not to overfill them. Resist the urge to bring every cozy throw or board game you own.
Instead, think about how you want the space to feel. Aim for minimal, intentional design that supports relaxation. A clutter-free environment allows for a clear mind and peaceful energy—which is exactly what a vacation should offer.
You deserve a second home that feels like a retreat—not another project. With a little planning and the right systems in place, you can set it up in a way that makes every visit easier and more enjoyable.
If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & small businesses in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go to pinkyjackson.com
Photo: Sebastian Staines @seabas
