Summers are exciting. They are full of promise and relaxation. With busy schedules and the desire to lounge by the pool or get in a few more laps, you can quickly find yourself staring headfirst into fall and wondering where the time has gone. Instead of allowing a to-do list to hang ominously over your head the entire summer, be proactive and follow these easy tips to help you enjoy your summer more and keep your home functional and beautiful.
Keep Everything in Good Condition
Even though the beautiful sunshine and warm temperatures beckon you to come outside and play, it is important to continue practicing good home maintenance. Stay on schedule with your maintenance tasks to ensure everything stays in good condition. This is also a chance to fix minor problems before they begin to loom large and potentially cause a much bigger and more expensive situation.
Here are some basics to check off this summer:
- Keep your pool clean and usable by hiring a pool maintenance company to handle this job for you.
- Trim vegetation away from the house to prevent leaves from clogging the gutters in the fall and to remove a bridge for bugs and small animals to access your roof and home.
- Fix and fill any exterior and interior cracks in the home to prevent moisture, drafts, bugs, and small animals from entering.
- Service the HVAC system before turning the air conditioner on for the season.
- Check the window screens and make any repairs before letting in the fresh air.
- Sharpen and service all outside tools, such as the lawn mower, edger, string trimmer, and hedge clippers, etc., before using them.
While this list is not exhaustive, it does give you a good place to begin.
Rearrange Your Home’s Interior
If you have been in your home for a while, or you simply enjoy a change in the scenery within your home, there are several things you can do that do not involve a pricey renovation or moving to a new home. You can actually make some great changes without spending (too much) money.
Start here when you want to switch things up at home:
- If you have beautiful pieces of art that you enjoy looking at but do not get much viewing time, consider moving them around. Swap a piece in the living room for one in your guest room, and so on. Follow these tips on how to display your art.
- Rearrange the furniture within a room or between rooms for a refresh.
- Consider repainting a room to change the look and feel. Alternatively, you can paint an accent wall or two to create new visual interest and depth.
- When the seasons change, you can change your window coverings, too. Swap out heavy winter fabrics for light and breezy spring and summer ones.
- Change your displays. If you have heavy and dark objects on bookshelves and tables, place lighter seashells or other collections you have curated over the years.
Use these quick and easy tips to give you back more of your time. You can still have a great summer while making your home beautiful and keeping it in good shape.
