Transforming Your Space For Warmer Months
The warm spring and summer months are quickly approaching, and that means that it is time to start transitioning your home for the new seasons. This is a time to clean around the house, reduce some clutter, take advantage of the sun, and consider some renovations that can add more fun and value to your home. Today, we will talk about just a few of the steps that you can take to get your space ready for the warmer months.
Clean And Declutter The Space
As the weather starts to get warmer, use the opportunity to trade out the items around your home. When it is cold and snowy outside, you are more likely to have extra blankets and pillows on your bed and couches, your hats, gloves, and boots crowding the front door, and your favorite sweaters hanging in the closet. Now that the season is changing, it is time to declutter your spaces and trade out those items in lieu of warm weather options.
Take this time to go through your closets and move all of those winter clothes to the back or get them out of your hair entirely by putting them in a storage locker. While you go through your outfits, pick out anything that didn't make the cut during the winter. If you didn’t wear it this year, then you likely won’t again, so consider donating it so you can make more space.
If you want to remove some clutter but you don’t want to rent a storage locker, you can get creative with other storage solutions. One idea is to buy functional furniture like an ottoman or bench that can be used for sitting, and inside, you can store your winter clothes. You can also add more shelves into closets and the garage to make room for spring and summer items.
Clean Up Your Paper Records
This is also a good time to digitize your household. It is easy to get bogged down in a lot of paperwork from years of work, taxes, and homework assignments. If you need to keep any of your files, then this is a good time to scan them into your system, so you have everything in one place when you need it.
You can eliminate the leftover paperwork and any other old bills by shredding what you don’t need. Just keep in mind that there are some things that you should never shred. For instance, even if you upload your birth certificates, Social Security cards, and military records, you should still keep the physical records because you may be asked to show them for employment or other needs. If you are ever in doubt, don’t shred until you know for sure.
Outdoor Renovations Can Add Fun And Value
Next, you should think about renovations that you can make to your home, especially in the backyard, where you will do most of your entertaining during the warmer months. There are many smaller changes that you can make in the backyard to make it more appealing, including installing hanging lights, adding new furniture, and adding a nice fence for privacy.
If you currently have a setup ready to go, then you can use this time to clean those outdoor areas. Clean off the grill with a wire brush, so you are ready for the first big BBQ party. Clean and stain the patio so it is presentable for guests. Also, inspect your gutters, so you don’t have debris falling during your event.
This is also the time to consider additions that could make your home the go-to place for parties this year. Although you are probably a master of the grill, you can really kick things up a notch by installing a comprehensive outdoor kitchen. Before you start building, do your research and determine if you will need special permits or if you will need to do any preliminary work to have the necessary electrical and gas lines installed. Once you're set, you can install a grill, sink, prep area, and more.
If you have always wanted to install a swimming pool, then this may be the time to move forward with that dream. A pool is great for entertaining guests, but it is also great for you and your family if you want to cool off on an especially hot day. You will need to check with your homeowner’s association to ensure that you are allowed to add a pool. Then, you will need to check the cost and verify that a pool will fit in your budget. Don’t forget that you will need to continue to maintain a pool after it is installed, so keep those costs in mind as well.
Remember The Sun
It is important to remember that the sun will be a powerful ally during the warmer months, but it can also be a pain to deal with if you are not properly prepared. On the bright side, the sun provides natural light, so keep your drapes and blinds open so you can heat and illuminate your home without the need to turn on the lights.
As it is, you will likely already be paying a lot during the summer to cool your home with air conditioning, so it is important to keep your other utility bills as low as possible. On that note, this is a good time to invest in a smart thermostat. This intuitive device will allow you to keep the temperature higher while you and the family are away at work and school. On your way home, you can change the temperature in the house via an app and lower it down so you can return to a cool house. It is a great way to feel comfortable during the summer without those high cooling costs.
While you are redecorating the interior of your home for the spring and summer seasons, keep in mind that while we value the illumination and warmth that the sun provides, it can also wreak havoc on our furniture. When the sun is constantly hitting our couches and chairs, it can start to fade the color of the material. To prevent this issue and protect your decor, consider putting covers over the furniture. Choose a bright, cheery color to fit the season, and make sure to coordinate with the other items in the room.
As you can see, there is a lot that can be done to transform your space for the warmer months to come. Consider these tips and implement a few of your own ideas, and you can have an enjoyable and relaxing summer.
