Summer is lovely when the weather warms up, and you can start to spend time outside again. However, when you’re inside, the heat can be downright unpleasant. That’s especially true at night when you’re trying to get to sleep to Prepare Your Home
Winter also can leave your garden in need of tidying and your home in need of repair. So here are five ways to get your home ready or Prepare Your Home for summer.
Table of Contents
1. Invest in Blackout Blinds- Prepare Your Home
Blackout blinds help in two ways in the summer. Firstly, it may seem counterintuitive, but keep your blinds closed through the day, particularly when the sun is at its highest. Blackout blinds are designed to keep out light, and by blocking the light, you’re also preventing the heat from entering the room.Â
On a still day with no wind having your windows open will do little to cool the room anyway, so by keeping your blinds shut, you’re stopping the room from being heated up by the sun.
Secondly, as explained, blackout blinds are made to block light. The sun rises much earlier in the summer, so as well as helping to keep your room cool, blackout blinds will mean you’re not woken up too early by the light.
2. Invest in A New Fan- Prepare Your Home
The best time to buy a quiet fan for sleeping is in the winter. Shops aren’t stupid, and they know everyone will look for fans as the weather starts to rise in spring and summer. That’s why it’s best to get one in the cooler months when stock is plentiful, and prices are a little lower.
There is a wide range of fans on the market so try to assess which would be best for you. Do you mainly suffer from the heat in one room, like the bedroom, and so would be happy with a static ceiling fan? These fans can be bigger as they are attached to the ceiling and won’t get in the way.
If you want to cool multiple rooms, you could buy one or more upright fans that you can move from room to room as needed. Finally, if space is an issue, in a flat, for example, you could consider a slimline tower model that can be put away when not in use.
If a heatwave hits and you find the fan is still not keeping you cool enough, you can give it a boost. Fill up a big bowl with cold water and ice and put it in front of the fan. It will circulate ice-cold air around the room and bring the temperature down.
3. Do a Thorough Spring Clean
Over the winter, dust and dirt can build up in your home. You don’t open the windows as much, meaning the air doesn’t circulate well. If you dry clothes your clothes inside too, this can create a humid atmosphere which is an ideal breeding ground for mould.
Start by decluttering your home and getting rid of things you don’t need. If they’re in good condition, you could donate them at a charity shop or even sell them online for a little extra cash.Â
Once your house is spick and span, then thoroughly dust and vacuum it to remove all the dust that has built up. If you don’t do this, when summer arrives and you open the windows, dust will blow around. It is also an ideal breeding ground for dust mites. It could stir up allergies and be a particular problem if you suffer from hay fever or asthma.
Finally, check around your windows, behind furniture, and in the bathroom for any mould build-up. Mould can cause breathing problems, skin rashes, runny eyes and a sore throat. You can buy a specialist mould cleaner at most supermarkets.Â
If there’s a lot of mould to clean up, make sure you keep the room well ventilated, and if necessary, get a filtration mask from a DIY shop, so you aren’t breathing mould spores in. When you’re done, be sure you throw away the cloth or sponge you used.
4. Check Your Gutters and Drainpipes for Damage
Your gutters can become blocked with moss and leaves over autumn and winter, meaning water isn’t able to flow down the drainpipes. This can lead to water leaking into your home, causing damp. If you have a high enough ladder, then you can clean these out yourself. However, if you’re not happy being up so high, then you can get a professional to do this for you.
High winds and the drainpipes freezing, and thawing can also cause damage. Check that the drainpipes are firmly attached and not showing signs of being cracked. If they are, then it’s best to get them repaired as soon as possible.
5. Spruce Up Your Garden
When the weather gets warmer, you’ll want to spend more time outside enjoying the sunshine. First, start with a safety check. Make sure any fences are in a good state of repair and not in danger of falling over. Check any sheds or outbuildings for loose boards and bricks too. Finally, step back and look at the roof. Look for any loose tiles that need to be replaced.
Get your garden ready to enjoy by weeding all the flowerbeds and mowing the grass. If you want to add a splash of colour, you can plant some new flowers and shrubs.
If you have garden furniture you’ve packed away for winter, then clean it up, ready to put back out in the garden. Make sure it’s in a good state of repair and hasn’t gotten damp. Leave any seat cushions hung over your washing line on a dry day to air out.
If you have a barbecue, make sure it’s been oiled and isn’t rusty. If your home is too hot when the temperature rises, then the barbecue will be a big asset. Cooking outside will prevent the oven and your hob from heating up your home even more. That way, you can still enjoy meant fish and other hot meals without suffering from the heat when you’re back inside.
Conclusion
A little prep before the weather gets warm means there will be no nasty surprises when summer arrives. Make sure your home is clean and in good repair, and you’ll be ready to relax and enjoy the heat.
