Summer officially kicks off today, June 21. After yesterday’s rain storm we could use some of the summer heat!
If you have not started prepping your home and garden for the warm weather we are about to experience, no worries. Let’s kick off summer on the right foot.
We want to set up the perfect drip-dry spot for beach towels, reorganize the kitchen for items we will now need. This includes, home made popsicle containers, jars for catching bugs, plastic glasses for patio beverages, picnic items and setting up the patio for the out door meals. Last, but not least, we need to get your BBQ ready! That thing is about to be put to good use, once again.
Items You Can Check Off Your List With Ease:
-
Start with activities: Make a checklist (here are two examples)
Beach /pool day activities:
- towels
- hats
- sunscreen
- pails shovels, etc
Grab a basket that can be easily folded or squished when not in use and place all beach/pool items in there. When you are home and these items go into the wash it is easy to collect them all and place them back into the basket.
Out Door BBQ’s Activities
- bug spray
- candles
- utensils
- bottle openers
- blanket
All of these items are easily stored in a picnic basket. Grab one that is sturdy and will stand the test of time. Add all items in the basket and find one spot for the picnic basket to live in your entrance or in your garage.
Be sure you are making the most of your summer season by creating a list of your personal must-dos and posting it where you can see it.
-
Empty standing water regularly. Do Not Invite The Mosquitos! Especially After Yesterday!
The best way to keep mosquito populations down is by regularly checking your property for standing water and emptying it. Even a saucer of water can become a mosquito nursery, so leave no pot unturned!
Set a calendar reminder to walk around the property and check items at least once a week. The kids can help so setting the reminder for when everyone comes home from a sport might a great time for your family.
-
Set Up A Clothes Rack Or A “Dry Place” All the things that get wet during the summer months.
Sandy beach towels. Soggy pool towels or soggy towels from the outside sprinkler – all of these items get dragged through the house.
This is a wet disaster waiting to happen! You can easily prevent this with a bit of planning. Pick a dedicated spot, either just outside the door or in the mudroom, or the garage, and hang a row of sturdy hooks for wet towels and bathing suits. Or put up a clothes hanger and place towels under it so that all wet items can hang and dry in one spot.
-
Garden plants and tools
Nothing screams summer like a fresh veggie or herb garden. Some people find this task to be quite enjoyable. To make this easier on yourself, and your family, keep a small container close to the door where you head out to garden. In there you can store, insect replant, weed killer, garden gloves, your watering can, small shovel, etc. Then, when you head out to get to work you won’t have to make a mess coming inside to find the tools you need to get the job done.
-
Screen Doors
Screen doors let the summer breezes pour in (and keep out critters). Be sure to inspect screens carefully, patching holes as needed — even a tiny hole can be enough to let in a mosquito.
Screen doors are great for allowing you to hear the kids. Easy to open and are wonderful to keep in the fresh air and keep out everything else.
