The school summer holidays are in full swing. You’ve probably already had your family holiday, and now there are four more weeks to enjoy before the little ones head back to school. If you’re anything like me, this presents the perfect opportunity to finally tackle those home projects you’ve been mentally adding to your to-do list since Easter.
And right at the top of that list? Giving the kids’ bedrooms and playroom a much‑needed refresh before the new school term rolls around. It’s a project that’ll keep them entertained for a good few days AND get these spaces ready before life gets hectic again after back-to-school.
It’s amazing how quickly children outgrow their spaces. One minute they’re toddling around with chunky plastic toys, and the next they’re asking for a desk because they’re “basically in high school now”. So, while their enthusiasm for the holidays is flagging (has anyone heard mutterings of “I’m bored” yet??), it’s the ideal moment to gently coax them into a little room revamp adventure.
Getting Kids Involved in the Big Clear-Out
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “My child? Voluntarily tidying and decluttering?” But with the right approach, it can actually be fun. I’ve found that kids love the idea of decorating their room and making space for “new grown-up things”, especially if they get to be in charge of deciding what stays and what goes. Plus, their reward can be choosing a new paint colour or patterned bed sheets to customise their tidy space.
Start with toys and clothes. Spread everything out (yes, it’ll look like chaos for a moment) and chat through what they still use, what they’ve outgrown, and what they’re happy to pass on. You’d be surprised how decisive they can be when they realise it means they can decorate their room. Plus, you can mention that they could earn a little pocket money from the process…
Car boot sales are brilliant for selling on any items your little ones have outgrown. Kids adore the excitement of setting up their own little stall, selling things for 50p and proudly counting their coins at the end. And if selling isn’t their thing, donating the items they no longer need is just as rewarding. Clothes can go to a charity shop, and toys are often welcomed by local playgroups who love a fresh batch of fun items – and it can help your youngsters to let go of items if they know another child will enjoy playing with them in the future.
Adding Fun New Features to the Bedroom
Once the decluttering is done, you can sprinkle in a few fresh touches to make their bedroom feel brand new. Soft furnishings are the easiest way to transform a space without redecorating the whole thing. A cosy throw, colourful cushions, or even playmats for indoor play can bring back that sense of fun while still keeping things tidy.
Taking your pre-teens to the shops to choose their new bedding or rug can be a fun day out during the school holidays. Stick to affordable options for soft furnishings, like supermarket ranges or high street shops so that you don’t have to say no to a £50 cushion they spotted in a premium store. I’ve previously written about ways to help children decorate their rooms with personality and colour, so have a read of that piece too.
You can perhaps encourage them to use their takings from the car-boot clear-out to create a budget for the room makeover – a sneaky way to add a bit of a maths lesson into the school holidays. Personally, as a teen, I only became interested in maths when money was involved after I got my first Saturday job; it’s amazing how keen kids can be about adding up cash rather than numbers!
If you’re working with a small room, think vertically. Wall-mounted shelves, hanging organisers, and under-bed storage can make a world of difference to helping them keep their room tidy. Kids love having “secret” spots to stash their treasures, and you’ll love not tripping over these.
Refreshing the Playroom for a New Term
Playrooms tend to become the unofficial dumping ground for everything from Lego bricks to half-finished craft projects. So, while the kids are off school, it’s the perfect time to give this space a little love too. Include items they’ve outgrown in the big clear-out, and then it’s time to tidy!
Start by creating zones – one for crafts, one for imaginative play, one for reading. It helps children know where things belong, where to tidy items away at the end of the day (like into the Monster toy box I DIY’d), and it magically reduces the “Mum, I can’t find my crayons!” moments.
A new oversized rug for the playroom can instantly pull the whole space together with colours and patterns. Choose something soft and durable so it can handle everything from superhero battles to quiet story time. And if you want to keep the room feeling playful, add a few bright storage tubs or cheerful posters on the wall.
Creating a High School-Ready Bedroom
If your child is moving up to high school, this is the moment to introduce a proper desk to their bedroom. Homework becomes a bigger part of life, and having a dedicated spot to work makes all the difference. It doesn’t need to be huge – just a sturdy surface, a comfy chair, and a little lamp can transform a corner of their room into a mini study zone.
I’ve seen kids beam with pride when they get their first “grown-up desk”. It’s like a rite of passage before going up to high school and it often encourages them to keep their room tidier… at least for a week or two! I remember my own desk quickly turning into a dressing table for my nail polishes and hairdryer as I became a teen – but it was still a handy space for writing assignments, too.
While you’re rearranging furniture, think about storage that suits their new stage of life. Boxes for toys might be replaced with shelves for books, organisers for stationery, or a pinboard for school timetables and photos with friends. It’s all about creating a space that feels exciting and reflects who they’re becoming, so let them choose the wall art, cushions and throws they love.
A Fresh Start for September
There’s something wonderfully uplifting about starting a new school term with a refreshed space. Kids feel more organised, more inspired, and more excited to settle back into routines. They’ve had a fun time choosing what items to clear out and going shopping for new decor pieces they love. Plus, you get the satisfaction of knowing that together you’ve created a bedroom or playroom that supports their growth and creativity.
Thank you so much for reading my blog post, this has been such a fun topic to dive into and it makes me want to start decorating at home myself! I’d love to hear your own summer makeover stories, so please leave me a message in the comments below and share what you’re planning for your kids’ rooms. And if you fancy more décor inspiration, there’s plenty more waiting for you on my blog in my Home DIY category. Enjoy!
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