Summer is now in full swing. The temperatures have started to rise, so now is a great time to think about preparing your home.
It always pays to prepare your home for warmer weather. Longer days and higher temperatures are welcomed by most, but they can cause discomfort if your property is still geared up for the winter.
Here are seven simple ways you can get your home ready for summer.
1. Clean windows — inside and out
The summer sunshine should be allowed to stream into your home. Not only does it open up spaces and make them appear larger, it is also a great source of vitamin D. In readiness for this extra sunshine, make sure all your windows are clean and free from obstructions. Clean them inside and out with paper towels using a homemade spray of water, vinegar and a little dishwashing detergent.
2. Check your blinds and curtains
While it’s great to let sunshine flood into the rooms of your home, you also need to think about staying cool during the hottest weather of the summer. If you live in the UK, for instance, you probably don’t have integrated air conditioning in your property.
One way to keep rooms as cool as possible during heatwaves is to close blinds or curtains during the day, and open them at night. Make sure all of your blinds and curtains are in good working order; and if you have south-facing rooms that get very hot during the summer, make sure they’re reasonably thick.
3. Invest in some fans
It’s important to keep air circulating around your home during heatwaves, otherwise things can get very sticky very quickly. Invest in an attractive fan for each room, and test where each one performs best. If things become unbearable, you can create your own makeshift air conditioning systems by placing a bowl of ice water just underneath your fans.
4. Organise your wardrobes
There’s no point having your wardrobes filled with woolly jumpers, coats and thick socks during the summer. Towards the end of spring, have a wardrobe/closet clearout. Pack away garments you’re never going to wear during the summer months, and make sure your cooler clothes are close at hand. This process will help you to establish what summer purchases are needed for your wardrobes.
5. Neutralise
Most of us want our homes to be bright, airy and spacious during the summer, so spring is the best time to prepare. Switching to lighter decor in the most sun-kissed rooms of your home will help to reflect light and create the illusion of space. Pastel shades, whites, yellows and pale greens are all wonderful summer colours. Don’t forget to swap your accessories and furnishings with lighter versions too.
6. Get your beds ready
The thing most of us dread in the summer is not being able to sleep due to the heat. If you’re not fortunate enough to have air conditioning in your home, it might be worth investing in a portable unit for the hottest rooms of your home.
There are specially designed pillows that remain cool throughout the night, or you can simply fill a hot water bottle with iced water and place it in your bed a few hours before turning in. Some people even use ice boxes to store their bedding in during the day. Prepare your bed and bedroom now, and you’ll be ready.
7. Prepare the barbecue
Barbecue parties in the garden are just one of the reasons why so many people love the summer. Get your grill and all of the related equipment ready in advance. Stock up on gas, coals or charcoal, and give everything a thorough testing. This isn’t just for your enjoyment, however. Cooking with conventional ovens and hobs adds heat to a home, so do as much outdoor cooking as possible during heatwaves.
If you start planning now, your home will be fresh for summer.