As summer unfolds, it's crucial to stay on top of home and yard maintenance to ensure a beautiful and functional outdoor space. July can be a busy month with summer vacations, celebrations, and family activities, but dedicating time to these tasks can prevent future headaches and keep your home in top shape.
Prepare for Summer Storms and Emergencies
If you live in an area prone to summer storms or floods, preparation is key. Spend a weekend creating a whole-home inventory to streamline insurance claims in case of damage. Ensure your family has an emergency plan and a stocked kit to handle unexpected weather.
Cost-Effective Home Maintenance
To manage summer cooling costs, service your air conditioning units early in the season. Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs and improve efficiency. Additionally, practice smart water conservation in your yard by watering plants by hand and using mulch to retain soil moisture.
Exterior Home Improvement Projects
July is an ideal time to tackle exterior home improvement projects such as roofing, siding, painting, patio upgrades, and landscaping. These tasks may require professional assistance, so refer to our guides on making smart hiring decisions and budgeting for projects to ensure success.
Family Involvement in Maintenance
Longer daylight hours and summer schedules present a perfect opportunity to involve children in home maintenance. Engaging kids in tasks like setting up a sprinkler system, repairing fences, washing windows, or weeding teaches valuable skills. Use child-friendly versions of adult tools and ensure safety with special glasses or swimming goggles.
Best Weekend Projects for July
Water Conservation: Hand-water plants and add mulch to garden beds.
Air Conditioning Service: Schedule maintenance before technicians become too busy.
Siding Check: Inspect and repair, replace, or repaint as needed.
Mosquito Control: Eliminate stagnant water to reduce breeding grounds.
Composting: Set up a compost area for nutrient-rich soil for fall planting.
Fertilizing and Planting: Make organic fertilizer, plant fall annuals, and sow vegetable seeds.
Closet Organization: Donate winter clothes and tidy up storage spaces.
Emergency Car Kit: Prepare a summer-specific kit for roadside emergencies.
Grilling and BBQ Safety Tips
Outdoor grilling is a favorite summer activity, but it also brings fire risks. Follow these safety tips to keep your grilling area secure:
Always grill outside, away from the house.
Open the grill lid before igniting.
Never leave the grill unattended.
Maintain a 3-foot clearance around the grill, especially away from children.
Keep the grill clean and free of grease buildup.
Dispose of cooled coals in a metal, lidded container.
Tip of the Month: Organize School Work
With school out, now is the time to sort through your children's school projects and memories:
Save the best projects in labeled, clear plastic containers.
Display artwork and achievements on walls.
Donate used backpacks and clothing.
Clean and store lunch boxes.
Organize the family’s command center for efficient daily management.
By keeping up with these essential summer yard care and home maintenance tasks, you can enjoy a safe, beautiful, and functional home all season long.
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