Springtime is a season of packing away the dark, cold winter lifestyle and welcoming in the sunshine. Getting your house ready for summer can involve both indoor and outdoor preparations. If you’re living in a cold state like Colorado, spring is the perfect time to start looking into Denver landscape design and prepare for the warmer days ahead. While everyone has their way of preparing for the summer, here are a few items to check off your lists and get you started:
1. Declutter and Organize
The best way to launch the season off on the right foot is by decluttering and organizing. Make a list prioritizing the rooms in your home and begin decluttering one room at a time. There is plenty of information on the web for different methods on how to purge and refresh all areas of your home.
If children are in your home, consider organizing a boredom-busting play space for their summer break. Add easy-access books to encourage summer reading, and implement toy and craft rotation to keep them entertained all season.
As you pull out warm-weather clothes, try everything on as you purge items that no longer fit and determine what clothing you need to replace. Since you will already be swapping out your seasonal clothing in your closets, remove any cold-weather items you will not want next winter. This is also a great time to implement closet organization for your clothes and shoes.
You can also sell or donate your old clothes, shoes and jewelry. Selling your old jewelry to a local jewelry store can also be a way to earn some quick cash while decluttering your home.
Remember to declutter the garage as well, creating more room for organized storage throughout the season. If possible, make room in your garage to store your vehicle to keep it cool and protected from storm damage.
When going through each room, clean your spaces and organize them in a way that will improve your functionality for the summer. Any items you decide to eliminate can be donated, resold, or repurposed.
2. Deep Clean
Speaking of cleaning as you go, springtime is well known as the season of deep cleaning. Start at the top of each room, cleaning ceilings, fans, and light fixtures. Work your way down each wall, dusting and wiping down as you go. Remember to clean doors, windows, hardware, and baseboards before moving on to sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping the floors. Now is also a great time to shampoo carpets and upholstery. A clean house will feel fresher and more inviting for the summer season.
You should also use this time to deep clean your outdoor spaces, such as patios, porches, and garages. Replace or hose off welcome mats, getting rid of loose dirt and debris. Pressure washing is a great way to clean up grime on siding and sidewalks from all the gloomy, damp winter weather.
Open windows and doors to let fresh air circulate throughout your home as often as possible throughout the spring and summer seasons, as temperatures permit. This will help eliminate any stale winter odors and create a pleasant indoor environment.
3. Check and Service Air Conditioning
Before the heat arrives, inspect your air conditioning system. Clean or replace filters, check for any issues, and consider scheduling professional maintenance to ensure optimal performance during summer. Now may be a great time to invest in a smart thermostat as well to improve energy usage.
4. Review and Update Emergency Supplies
Summer storms can sometimes cause power outages or other emergencies. Review your emergency supplies, including flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, and non-perishable food, to ensure you’re prepared. This is also a great time to review emergency plans with your family to ensure everyone is on the same page.
5. Prep Outdoor Spaces
Once your outdoor spaces are clean, you’ll want to prep them for optimal summer functionality. Set up outdoor furniture, dining, and entertainment spaces. Organize outdoor toys and supplies for easy access.
6. Inspect and Prep Outdoor Equipment
If you have a pool or water feature, purchase supplies and develop your plan to open it for the season, replacing outdated components. Check your grill, outdoor lighting, and other equipment to ensure they’re in good working order. Clean the grill and make sure the lights are functional for evening gatherings.
Now is also the time to inspect and prep your mowing and landscaping equipment to ensure everything is ready for the season. Check windows and screens, make any repairs needed, and ensure the gutters are clean and clear of any debris to help with summer storm preparation.
7. Revitalize Your Garden
Prepare your garden for summer by trimming overgrown plants, pulling out weeds, and adding fresh mulch. Consider planting colorful flowers or starting a vegetable garden if you enjoy gardening. Take a look through some seed catalogs or plan a trip to your local nursery for inspiration, then begin gathering supplies and planning out your garden space.
8. Update Outdoor Decor
Add some summer flair to your outdoor spaces by incorporating bright, colorful accessories such as cushions, umbrellas, or outdoor rugs. If you have a pool, consider adding a towel stand to keep beach towels dry and organized all season. Find functional and fashionable decor, such as a modern fire pit or a table cooler, to add some flair to your outdoor decor.
9. Prepare For Pests
Take preventive measures against summer pests. Seal any cracks or openings where bugs could enter your home, and consider using natural remedies or professional pest control if needed. Sweep down any webs or nests as soon as they appear before unwanted residents get settled. Consider adding glue traps or putting other methods in place inside your home as pest traffic increases through the early summer months.
10. Stock Up on Summer Essentials
Get ready for outdoor activities by stocking up on essentials like sunscreen, citronella candles, and bug spray. Also, ensure you have enough garden chairs , cushions, and shade options for your family and guests.
If you have children in your home, stock up on quick and easy summer activities, such as bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and reusable water balloons. In addition, collect a surplus of favorites in your pantry and fridge, such as quick healthy snacks, drinks, and popsicles to beat the summer heat.
The Bottom Line
Depending on your needs and preferences, you can adjust your planning according to your home’s nuances. However, getting your house ready for the summer will make it more enjoyable and functional for you and create a welcoming environment for friends and family.