Summer Prep!
It’s the light at the end of the tunnel: school is winding down, the weather is warming up… so how does summer still tend to catch us by surprise? Let’s be ready this year! It takes just a little time, preparation, and maybe a bit of elbow grease.
We want to help you meet the beginning of summer stress-free and get ahead of the prep involved, so when June is here, all you have to do is send out some text invites for a yummy barbecue (or maybe just curl up on your comfy patio chair by yourself with a fun book… we won’t tell!).
Give Everything a Deep Cleaning
Clear off your entire deck/patio area if possible. Toss broken items, and make notes to order any necessary replacements.
Pull out the broom and sweep away the major debris. Then spray the area with water to clean off whatever is left.
Go through the rest of the yard: store any winter items, and donate or throw out anything that hasn’t been used the last few summers. Schedule a gardener if needed, or entice a teen with a nice payday to do the job!
Give the grill, furniture and any buffet space a good cleaning too! Prep all the outdoor utensils and store them nearby. Invest in colorful enamel dinnerware and acrylic tumblers for durability during outside dining.
Freshen Up Your Space
Elevate the lighting! Add ambiance in a simple, affordable way by stringing up lights and adding regular or battery-powered candles.
Install a fire pit, any type or size that fits your budget and lifestyle. Do you want added heat, a fun way to make s’mores, or both?
Check out your shade needs: would an umbrella or two be helpful, or do you already have a patio cover that just needs the cobwebs swept off?
Clean or replace seat cushions, dust or repaint side tables, and check that there’s enough horizontal space for everyone to have a place to set their drinks.
If you decide to add more furniture, look for pieces that double as storage! Otherwise, set out a nice deck box to stash kids’ toys, outdoor games, blankets, sunscreen and insect spray.
Add Fun Decor
You don’t need much, just a few items that help make your space pop!
Start with outdoor pillows in your favorite shades, and cozy blankets for cool evenings.
An outdoor rug brings warmth and personality to any patio or deck. This is the time to go big with pattern and texture — have fun with it!
Adding greenery is also a lovely way to bring life to your space. Ask a local nursery about which plants work best with your climate, and pick out a mix of them to bring pop and interest. Pro tip: make the most of your space and go vertical with hanging plants and ivy!
Bonus Level
Maybe your outdoor space is already prepped for summer, or perhaps you live in an apartment or condo: here are some bonus ideas to help you get ahead of the curve!
Check anything that got missed during spring cleaning: change batteries in smoke alarms, stock up on flashlight batteries, and replace air filters.
Grab your summer calendar and confirm travel plans and any potential visitors. Write a list of anything else that needs to be done: passport renewal, tickets to purchase, and any reservations to be made. Don’t forget to look for sales on swimwear!
While you’re at it, pencil in some purposeful downtime for yourself, even if it’s just an hour or two a week — and treat it like a real appointment, you’ll be glad you did!
Unlike other seasonal to-do lists, prepping for summer can be a bit more fun and a lot more rewarding. We would love to help organize your outdoor and indoor spaces so you can truly enjoy the upcoming season. If you find these tips helpful, subscribe to our email newsletter below:
Cheers!
Your MHS Team
