10 Things to Do Now for an Easier, Happier Summer

Set yourself up for a blissful season of backyard barbecues, beach days, ice cream cones and the hiss of sprinklers by ticking these 10 items off your to-do list in advance. From putting your watering on autopilot to gathering your favorite summery recipes in one place, these tasks will free up some time in the days ahead, so you can focus on fun.

1. Set up an irrigation system. Spend more time enjoying your yard and less time fussing with hoses and sprinklers by setting up a good irrigation system now. Use an automatic timer to set a schedule, and you won’t need to fuss much at all — just be sure to check regularly that the system is working, and water potted plants by hand.



2. Install a few outdoor hooks for towels and swimsuits. Wall hooks are handy outside, whether or not you have an outdoor shower. Use them to hang beach towels to dry before bringing them indoors — once the towels are dry, you can shake the sand off (instead of letting it clog up your washer).


3. Put a hamper near the entry. If your kids, your housemates or you can’t seem to keep sandy suits and dirty socks from landing on the entry floor, roll with it and keep a hamper there.

4. Make grab-and-go totes for summer activities. Gather essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, beach towels and hats, and keep them in a big tote near the door, and you’ll always be ready for an impromptu trip to the beach. Simplify picnic prep by keeping a basket full of essentials — a blanket, napkins, cutlery, a sharp knife, a small bread board, a corkscrew and a few nonperishable snacks — ready to go, then all you’ll need to do is raid the fridge for a few fresh items.


5. Gather favorite seasonal recipes. Look through your cookbooks, notes and online bookmarks, and make a master list of go-to favorite summertime recipes. Think of easy grilled dinners, potluck favorites, cold drinks, salads and veggie dishes that highlight farm-fresh produce — the next time you’re stumped about what to make, just pull out your list!


6. Put slipcovers (or throws) on your furniture. Whether you use real slipcovers or just cover your sofa and armchairs with pretty throws, having something washable on the main pieces of furniture makes life easier in a season of outdoor (that is, messy) fun.


7. Roll up heavy rugs. Have rugs cleaned before storing them to keep them in good shape. Leave floors bare for summer or lay out a few inexpensive natural-fiber rugs for a beach-house feel.

8. Invest in a few smart cleaning tools. A stick vacuum or sweeper and Swiffer-style dry mop stashed in a hall closet can make it easier to keep floors clean and sand free when hauling out the big vacuum seems like too much trouble. Finish other cleaning chores more quickly by storing a stack of microfiber cloths or disposable cleaning cloths where you will use them.


9. Lighten up clothes and linens. Don’t let bulky sweaters and heavy duvets take up precious closet space — put away out-of-season clothes and bedding, and bring the summery pieces front and center. If you need fresh linens, consider going with all white for summer. It’s a crisp and clean look, and you won’t have to worry about finding a matching set in the laundry.


10. Keep extra towels on hand. Whether it’s unexpected overnight guests or a second trip to the beach or lake in a weekend, there always seems to be a need for more towels in the summer. Stock up when you spot some on sale, and keep a stash in the linen closet.

Tell us: What are you doing to prepare for summer?

More:
15 Ways to Get Your Home in a Summer Mood
20 Ideas for Easygoing Summer Parties

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