Prepare your home for summertime

Are you already wearing flip flops after work and on weekends? 

Have you purchased the much needed sunblock, yet?

If you answered 'yes' to either of these questions, it probably means that you are getting ready for summer.

With that in mind, the staff here at Guerrero Law has chosen its top 5 suggestions as to what you can do to get your home summer-ready:

1. Make room for popsicles and freezies 

(perhaps the most important summer rule!)

This is the perfect opportunity to go through your freezer and throw out anything that is about a year old (we all know that we easily stock up and forget what we have in the dark depths of the freezer!).

Empty the contents of the freezer and let it defrost completely. You may have to chip away at the bigger chunks to help them melt faster. Then clean it.

While you're at it, you don't want to neglect your refrigerator. Give it a little love by vacuuming the back where the grill and coils are. If you still have your manual, we suggest double checking the company's suggestions as to how to clean it properly.

Now you have hopefully made more room for all those popsicles, freezies, ice cream, and if there is still space burger patties.

2.  Revive your outdoor space

First and foremost, ensure that all barbecuing related equipment is in order. Clean the BBQ, check that your propane tank is full, or alternatively, that you have enough charcoal and lighter fluid. Take inventory of your grilling tools. Do you have enough steel skewers, spatulas, tongs and of course, that contraption which allows you to cook the chicken upright soaked in beer?

While out there, check that your outdoor entertaining area has not been damaged throughout the winter. You will have to give your deck a very thorough scrubbing and it may even require resealing. Wash the outdoor furniture and pillows, as well as the umbrellas. Often ignored, are the light fixtures outside. Do not forget to wash those too.

Now you are ready to stock up on food in your newly spacious freezer so that friends and family can use your newly washed furniture and barbecue.

3. Freshen your airflow

If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen- in fact, instead, you can turn on your air conditioner, but make sure to change the filter first. 

On days where you can manage without the AC, why not open the windows and let fresh air flow through the house?

Did you know that a great way to improve the air quality in your home is to add air-cleaning plants like snake plants, spider plants, English ivy and small-leafed rubber plants?

Spider plant

English Ivy

4. Go from dark to light

Take the time to replace "winter items" with lighter, brighter and airier items.

For example, change your cool-weather bedding for lighter, warm-weather bedding. You could also spend some time packing away winter clothes and storing them to make room for your summer clothes. This is the perfect opportunity to discard pieces that you thought you would use and didn't, give them to charity, because you will probably never wear it!

5. Reduce your utility bills

Yes, we suggested using your AC, however, whenever possible, we try not to. Blocking out the sunlight with curtains or blinds is a great way to reduce the amount of heat entering your home.

Check that your hose(s) are not leaking. You pay for all that extra water lost in a leak and that is a shame.

Dry your clothes outside. Hang a clothes line or take a rack out after doing the laundry and let the sun work its magic. (However, it is recommended that you check the by-laws of your city as we have been told that Mississauga does not allow you to hang your clothes on a line, even in your own backyard!)