Image from Pixabay
In this article:
Summer is here, and life should be as easy as a nap in the hammock if you’ve tended to the house chores year-round. But if some of the spring tasks got left behind, include them on the shorter list of summer maintenance to catch up. You’ll thank yourself later.
Many military families experience a summer PCS transition, including buying, selling, or renting a home. We’ve added checklist items to help prepare rental homes and stage for a home sale.
Kitchen
It’s easy to embrace summertime get-togethers if the kitchen is set up for easy meal prep.
- Not all homes have enough sun for herb gardens. Small pots of useful ingredients like basil and oregano do just fine on kitchen window sills.
- Fresh produce takes up a lot of space in the refrigerator. A quick purge and shelf adjustments accommodate large items like melons. Check the humidity levels on produce drawers for optimum freshness.
- To avoid heating the kitchen from the oven during the dog days of summer, clean the interior walls and plate of the microwave. Upgrade to an energy-efficient model for simple summer meals.
Bathrooms
There isn’t a season that a bathroom gets more use. Continue regular upkeep.
- Inspect tile and grout for crumbling and dislocation.
- Humidity and moisture grow unsightly mold and mildew problems, especially in the summer. Service or repair fans in the bathroom to prevent water damage. Prepare a space to hang wet bathing suits and towels to air dry.
- Unpack beach towels from storage for pool or beach use to protect everyday bath linens from destruction.
- The first aid kit should include sunscreen and bug repellent for hours spent outside.
Living Room
Relaxing in the cool air of the house’s common areas is probably where you’ll end up most summer days, so maximize the lower temps.
- Portable fans have their place in heavily trafficked rooms. Clean the grime and place them strategically to get the most from your air conditioning dollars.
- Depending on the sun’s intensity through the windows, open and close coverings during the day as the sun moves to keep the room cool.
Need help finding your living room style?
Bedrooms
Summer’s low-key routine is the perfect time for bedroom organization.
- Put away and repair any winter wear.
- Take note of clothes that were unused or too small and donate them.
- Inventory needs for back to school or a wardrobe suited for cooler weather.
Basement or Utility Room
Not only do these areas house the guts of the home, but they also provide shelter from summer storms.
- Purchase or make a storm preparedness kit with plenty of water for the entire family.
- Replace air filters and have air ducts professionally cleaned.
- In humid areas, utilize a dehumidifier to keep damp spaces free of mold and mildew.
General Interior
Routine maintenance inside the house keeps the summertime chores to a minimum.
- Reverse the direction of ceiling fans if switched in the winter to circulate cool air efficiently.
- Test for radon because the cooling system is constantly running. Testing is recommended every six months.
- Summer sun shows hard to see dirt like hidden cobwebs in high corners.
- The abundance of natural light also reveals stains on furniture. Call in the professionals for the best results.
General Exterior
Most of the necessary outside summer chores relate to the property and the house's structure.
- Mosquito control allows for more time spent outside.
- Verify outside window seals are intact. Repair with silicone caulking proven for weather resistance.
- Have well water tested for contaminants.
- Inspect siding and trim for damage or deterioration. Then repair, replace, or refinish.
- Pressure wash exterior siding to remove mold or algae.
- Repair driveway, sidewalks, or stairs as needed.
- Grab an assortment of brushes and put fresh coats of weather-resistant paint on all surfaces: fences, decks, and trim.
- Concrete paint is a great way to refresh stained and weathered porches and walkways.
- It’s necessary to keep an eye out for wear and tear on any backyard play equipment.
- Termites cause an expensive and expansive amount of damage, so watch for signs of infestation.
- Read owner’s manuals for the best way to clean and maintain the cooking surfaces for both gas and charcoal grills.
Home Staging
Deep spring cleaning should have covered most of the difficult staging housework if you're planning to sell or rent your home, so keep up with the clean state of affairs. Additionally:
- Purge all clutter. Summer is synonymous with yard sales.
- Pack away and store most personal effects to ensure buyers can "see" themselves in your home.
- Neutralize any wall paint that will turn off buyers.
- Update accessories like couch pillows for a luxurious effect.
- Consider hiring a professional home stager to maximize financial returns.
If selling the house isn’t in your plan for the summer, take a breather from intense home maintenance. A steady pace of upkeep over the warm months will leave weekends free for travel and lounging.
By Dawn M. Smith
back to top