Many of us spend the winter months looking forward to summer, but are soon hit with the reality of warm, uncomfortable nights, or lengthy chores that can keep you away from the summer sun. If you want to ensure you’re ready for the future warmer months, read our top tips on how to prepare your home for summer.

Brighten Up Your Home

Winter accessories can create a warm environment that amplifies the heat during summer. We, therefore, recommend updating your rooms with brighter, lighter accessories. For instance, remove fire logs, rugs and blankets and replace with colorful flowers and lightweight mats.

Increase the Airflow

Make summer a breeze by increasing your home’s airflow. For instance, you could buy ceiling fans to create a stylish, cool space that’s ideal for summer. Turn them counterclockwise, so the blades are tilted upward, which will push air downward to create a stronger draft throughout the room. You can also replace your air conditioning filter, or request an AC maintenance to ensure you are maximizing the unit’s airflow.

Wash Your Windows

A dark room can feel claustrophobic, especially during the summer months when the air already feels a little tight. Welcome the summer sun by thoroughly washing your windows, both inside and out. This will allow as much natural light as possible to enter your home, which will create a brighter, lighter space. We also recommend removing your winter drapes, which can trap heat within the home, and instead replace them with a light, airy option that encourages natural sunlight.

Clean the Grill

Many homeowners will want to cook outside to avoid standing in a boiling hot kitchen. Ensure your BBQ is ready for some outdoor grilling with a thorough deep clean. Simply disconnect the gas before disassembling the barbeque from roof to tray, following the manufacturer’s instructions. You should then clean it with soapy water, using a hard-wire brush to tackle the grill.

If there is a tough build-up, we suggest using a barbecue or oven cleaner to restore it to its former glory. You should then wipe the grates with a thin layer of vegetable oil to prevent rusting, which will allow you to create tasty meats and vegetables on a clean BBQ.

Clean Your Backyard

As you will more than likely spend a lot of time outdoors during the summer, make sure to clean your patio and outdoor furniture in advance. Tackle a dirty patio with warm, soapy water and a scrubbing brush, and add outdoor lighting to create a welcoming space for both you and your guests.

Stock Up on Summertime Essentials

Be summer ready by stocking up on the season’s essentials, so you will only experience happy memories during the warmer months. For instance, fill your medicine cabinet with insect repellent and sun block. Don’t forget picnic blankets, lightweight linens and beach towels in your linen closet. You could even stock your garage with some summertime games, such as croquet, volleyball nets and balls or a badminton set.