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The first day of summer is almost here, and memories of the long, cruel winter have all but left our collective consciousness. Since June is prime time to fire up the grill and soak up some rays, the first order of business is to make sure your outdoor space is comfortable and beautiful: Consider installing new sprinklers and a fire pit, and adding some budget-friendly summer style to the front porch, deck, or patio. If you need more room to accommodate bikes, mowers, and garden equipment, now’s also a good time to order or build a storage shed.
Inside the house there’s also plenty to do, including dumping and decluttering stuff that has outlived its useful life. Washing window screens, too, will give you better views of your blooming garden.
1. Install a Smarter Sprinkler
The key to a lush summer lawn is water: water early, water deeply, water often. Consider automating this landscaping chore by installing a timed sprinkler system. Today’s smart sprinkler systems can even adapt their watering schedule to the rain forecast. That means you’ll pay only for the water your lawn needs, and not a drop more. The Rachio 3: 8 Zone Smart Sprinkler Controller can be managed via smartphone app and is Alexa compatible.
2. Wash Window Screens
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Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila -
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob VIla -
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
It’s the season for open windows but if your screens are grubby and dusty, even a light summer breeze could bring dirty air into your house. Keep the air clean (and the views through your windows clear) by giving your window screens a good washing. To do so, first remove the screens from the windows, then lay them on the driveway or patio and rinse them with a garden hose. Scrub seriously dirty screens gently with a solution of mild dish soap and water. Rinse them clean and let them air dry. Clean the window tracks, before reinstalling the screens.
3. Install a Backyard Shed
Maybe you need some extra storage for lawn and garden gear, or perhaps you yearn for a structure that can serve as an unconventional hangout or home office. Whatever your needs, a simple storage shed will fit the bill. A prefab model is a breeze to install in an afternoon, or you can build your own shed using a set of simple shed plans.
4. Get Rid of Old Paint
It’s always a good idea to keep leftover paint on hand in case you need to touch up scratches and chips. If, however, you’re holding on to old paint that no longer matches the hues on your walls, or is too dry and lumpy to use, it’s time to toss it. Resist the urge to stack old paint cans at the curb with the regular trash. Paint contains toxic chemicals and must be disposed of at proper facilities. Contact your local sanitation department for disposal information.
5. Clean the Mattress
Be honest: When was the last time you cleaned your mattress? If you can’t remember, you are overdue for a refresh in order to eliminate dust mites and deodorize your sleeping quarters. Remove the mattress protector or mattress pad, and use a vacuum attachment to clear away crumbs, pet hair, and more from the cushion top. Then sprinkle the surface with baking soda to deodorize it. Let the powder sit for at least a couple of hours before vacuuming it away. Open the windows in the bedroom, too, to air out your sleeping quarters as you work.
6. Hang New House Numbers
Stylish address numbers are an important component of a home’s curb appeal, but their main function is one of practicality and safety. In an emergency, first responders rely on house numbers to locate your home, so be sure your digits are big, bold, and can be seen from the street. These modern floating numbers from Reavor are 5 inches high, rustproof, and will make your location easy to identify in an emergency.
7. Get Your Generator Ready for Storm Season
The official start of hurricane season is June 1, so this month is a great time to make sure that your generator is ready to use in the event of an emergency. Though each generator manufacturer’s maintenance instructions will vary, it’s a good idea to drain old fuel from the tank and replace it with a fresh batch, check (and possibly change) the oil and filter, inspect wiring for damage, and make sure the generator starts up without an issue. Be sure to consult your machine’s manual for specific guidance. Don’t forget to fill a jerry can with a few gallons of gas.
8. Set Up an Outdoor Fire Area
There’s nothing quite like gathering the family around a backyard fire on a warm summer night. If you don’t already have one, building a fire pit is a simple undertaking. Be sure to consult experts at your local home center or masonry retailer when choosing stones or bricks for the fire pit, because not all materials can withstand high heat. If you would you rather buy an ambient fireplace than build one, browse our tested guide to the best smokeless fire pits and our researched reviews of the best outdoor chimneys.
9. Pare Down
Keep your dwelling quarters bright and breezy by decluttering the junk that’s been weighing you down. Pick one or two easily achievable goals, like arranging a disorderly box of photographs into a photo album, or carting last summer’s reading materials to a used-book shop or donation center.
10. Dress Up the Porch
A classic porch swing, an outdoor rug, planters and hanging baskets—even draperies and a chandelier—can transform an ordinary space into an extraordinary one. You don’t have to spend a ton, either: Buy a set of La Jolie Muse hanging planters and a 6-pack of annuals from your local home center and you’re halfway to an appealing entry.
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