Summer is coming soon to the southern hemisphere, which means longer days and warmer weather are not far away.
The months of December to February are also the perfect time to freshen up your home, entertain guests, and relax in the backyard after a long day of work.
But before you can do all of that, you’ll need to get your home summer-ready to make the most of this season.
Here are eight tips you can employ to help you do just that.
1. Declutter and deep clean
Nothing quite prepares you for the summer months more than a good declutter and deep clean.
You’ll get a real sense of the transition when you dust off those ceiling fans, give your windows a sparkling shine and thoroughly air out your home.
At the same time, you should embrace the new season as a new beginning by taking the time to declutter your space. A great way to do this is to store away or donate items that you won’t be using over the summer, such as heavy blankets or winter decor.
Undoubtedly, the tidier and more spacious your areas are, the more relaxing and enjoyable an environment you will have to enjoy during the warmest months of the year.
2. Refresh your outdoor spaces
In addition to preparing the inside of your home for summer, you should also pay attention to your outdoor spaces.
Your backyard or patio can be a brilliant space to relax in during the summer, so it’s worth making a few tweaks to maximise their appeal.
A good starting point is to clean and organise your outdoor furniture. It’s also worth adding some colourful cushions, string lights, and maybe even a cute outdoor rug to set the mood.
Don’t forget to plant some summer flowers like marigolds or petunias to add a pop of colour and really create an al fresco area you will want to spend much of your summer time in.
3. Brighten up your home decor
Summer is the perfect time to add some bright, summery touches to the interior of your home. Doing this will give it a new lease on life and positivity that you can take into the new season.
A new set of vibrant throw pillows, fresh flowers in vases, or even some fun, seasonal artwork can make a big difference to the overall look and feel of your property.
They can also be instant mood lifters, transforming your space into a cheerful summer retreat where you’ll love to relax.
Need more ideas? Here are some excellent ways to freshen up your home decor for the summer months.
4. Air conditioning
If you don’t already have an air conditioning system, the lead up to summer is an excellent time to have one installed.
Companies like Alliance Climate Control can do this for you quickly and efficiently. They also offer several different makes and models to suit various needs.
For those who already have air conditioning, it’s worth having routine maintenance performed on it by a professional to ensure it runs as effectively as possible.
If you would rather do it yourself, make sure you replace or clean the filters and check for any leaks.
5. Break out your summer wardrobe
Most of us have completely different wardrobes for the winter and summer months. So, when the weather starts to get warmer, it’s the perfect time to make the change.
It’s a good idea to store away heavy coats, sweaters, and boots that you won’t wear and bring out light dresses, shorts, and sandals.
If you do this, you’ll instantly have a new wardrobe of pieces that not only look good but are also perfectly suited for warmer weather.
6. Clean your BBQ
Summer in Australia is synonymous with barbecues and outdoor dining, so take the opportunity to get your grill in tip-top shape.
It’s worth taking the time to give it a thorough, deep clean. You should also make a point of checking the propane levels or stocking up on charcoal, as appropriate.
Ultimately, having a clean, ready-to-go grill means you’ll be all set for those impromptu summer barbecues.
7. Plan for entertaining
Speaking of entertaining, summer is definitely the season Down Under for hosting friends and family. Therefore, you should invest the time to make sure your home is ready to accommodate visitors.
Make sure you stock up on essentials like outdoor tableware, extra seating, and maybe even a few lawn games.
If you have the space, you should also consider setting up a fire pit area for after-dinner marshmallows.
8. Protect your home from insects
Unfortunately, while the summer brings warmth, it also brings insects, which can be a real nuisance.
To keep them out, check your window screens for any tears and seal up any gaps around doors and windows.
For outdoor entertaining, you should also consider adding citronella candles to your outdoor spaces or try natural repellents like lavender or eucalyptus essential oils, as this will make your experience less intrusive and more pleasurable.
There’s always so much to look forward to in the summer, and with these tips you’ll be ready for outdoor entertaining and ways to prepare your home for the season.