Who’s ready for summer? While summer is officially still a month away, that doesn’t mean we can’t start dreaming and planning for the season ahead. Summer is one of the best times to enjoy our homes to the fullest. We can finally spend time outside in the sunshine and invite our friends and family over for celebrations both big and small. Here’s what you need to do to get your home ready for the summertime fun ahead!
Clean up the landscaping
Even if you live in a warm climate, winter can give your landscaping a beating. Now is the time to start sprucing it up. Clean up any dead leaves and debris leftover from fall and winter. Tidy up your flower beds by defining the edges and covering them with mulch. Trim trees and bushes and plant perennial and annual plants and flowers to amp up your curb appeal.
Get your air conditioner ready
If you haven’t already, then you’ll soon be turning on the air conditioner. Help ensure your AC runs all summer long by doing the necessary maintenance now. Turn off the power on your electrical panel and clean up the AC unit, including leaves and branches that may have lodged in it over winter. Use the garden hose to rinse off the coils and repair any wires that have been damaged by weather or animals.
Clean out the gutters
Cleaning the gutters is nobody’s favorite job. But it’s essential if you want your home to stay in good condition. Take an afternoon to get up on the ladder and clean the debris out of your gutters. This will help to ensure that rain moves away from the home during a storm. Once you’ve cleaned them, keep an eye on them during storms to check for leaks or damage.
Spruce up your front door
Nothing says “welcome” like a pretty front door! Summer is such a great time to focus on sprucing up your front door. First, check the weather stripping for gaps and repair any that you find with caulk. Tighten the hinges on the door if they have shifted because of temperature changes. Then give your front door a fresh coat of paint in a fun color! It only takes one afternoon to make a huge difference in the look of your home. Once you’ve painted the door, you can accessorize your front porch with a pretty wreath and some potted plants that match your decor.
Clean your outdoor living areas
Finally, it’s time to get your outdoor living areas ready for company! If you have a deck or patio, then use a pressure washer to get rid of the accumulated dust and dirt from the previous year. If you have a wood deck that needs repair, then let it dry and reseal it. It’s also time to scrub down your gas grill so it’s ready for your first barbecue. While you’re at it, wash your outdoor cushions and spray off your outdoor furniture. Add some colorful throw pillows, some hanging lights, and a few flowers and you’ll be ready to entertain!
