Your home deserves a seasonal refresh as spring morphs into summer. The higher temperatures and humidity make interior spaces less comfortable, but with a few simple adjustments, you can make your living space more appealing and ready for summer fun. And don’t forget about your outdoor space. The more you love it, the more time you’ll spend there.
You needn’t tackle everything at once or spend a small fortune, so don’t worry. These straightforward steps will prepare your home for the sunny season ahead with little effort.
Declutter and Swap Out Seasonal Gear
Who wants to look at winter coats, heavy blankets, and thick curtains when you have backyard BBQs on your mind? Swapping our winter gear for summer items is easy with seasonal storage. Inventory what you have, and purge what you won’t use again.
If needed, clean and prepare the winter items, then carefully pack them in storage containers. Label the containers, and put them away. Hello, freedom! You’ll have more space in your closets and drawers for swimsuits, sandals, and garden tools. This seasonal switch streamlines daily summer routines.
Beat the Heat With Energy-Saving Home Tweaks
Air conditioning usage skyrockets in the spring, summer, and sometimes even into the fall. But a few clever tweaks will stop the energy bleeding and keep the bills in check.
Schedule a day to go through your home for an energy efficiency check. Check vents and filters, including dryer vents; replace clogged filters. And since many homes aren’t adequately insulated, check your attic. Lower your water heater’s thermostat; if you don’t have a programmable thermostat, consider upgrading to one. Use your ceiling fans, keep window treatments closed to keep out the heat, and unplug power strips and devices when not in use.
Other suggestions include sealing gaps around windows and doors to keep cool air in and installing blackout curtains. If you aren’t up for a home energy efficiency check or your AC isn’t working correctly, now’s the time to schedule an appointment with a heating and cooling company. Get your A/C checked now; You’ll be grateful when the next heat wave hits.
Simple Steps to Backyard Bliss
So many homeowners don’t use their outdoor spaces in nice weather because they never invest the time to make them comfortable or practical. But your slice of the outdoors deserves TLC, too. It can be an extension of your living area during pleasant summer evenings.
Before adding any furnishings or design elements, clean up your patio or balcony for sunset hangs and spontaneous picnics. Power wash decks, patios, and outdoor furniture to remove winter grime; check outdoor lighting and replace any burnt-out bulbs. Then, inspect outdoor furniture for wear and tear, making minor repairs before they worsen.
Now, on to the fun part. If you’re handy, you can make a DIY pergola that won’t cost you a fortune. A basic version sourced from reclaimed wood or natural bamboo and decorated with string lights works, or you can use a metal frame or lattice. You can even build a wall-mounted pergola if you have limited space.
Add a freestanding umbrella to block the sun if you have a raised patio. Other budget-friendly summer prep ideas include adding potted plants, string lights, and lanterns. Prioritize comfortable seating and privacy, like outdoor rugs and fences. As final touches, stock up on natural bug repellents like citronella candles or plants that deter insects, and set up a simple outdoor storage solution for toys, gardening tools, and sports equipment.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Hot Out to Prep
Check your calendar and set aside one or two weekends for summer-prep your home’s indoor and outdoor spaces; once summer arrives, you might not feel as motivated. Even small spaces like kitchens, balconies, or tiny yards can become summer sanctuaries if you organize, clean up, and repurpose the space.
Soak Up the Season, One Small Step at a Time
With intentional preparation, your home will become a cool, comfortable haven that serves as the setting for summer memories instead of a source of stress. Handle the preparations now, and set yourself up for a season where you can focus more on enjoying sunny days and less on managing household discomforts. Doesn’t the thought of relaxing in your well-prepared space seem better than scrambling to catch up during the season’s first heat wave?
With a Master in Architectural Studies from University of Pennysylvania, Marwa Haydar has pioneered living spaces since 2005. Her expertise, initially honed in a prestigious architectural firm, is evident in her approach to creating environments. Marwa became part of our team in 2019 and has since been a driving force in our home improvement section, known for her practical yet stylish solutions. She’s been spearheading our design workshops since then, infusing her passion for teaching into her work. In her leisure time, Marwa enjoys exploring historic architecture and is an enthusiastic pottery hobbyist, further enriching her understanding of form and texture.
