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Lauren Caggiano
Lauren Caggiano is a Fort Wayne-based copywriter and editor with a nerdy passion for AP Style. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, thrift shopping, fitness and travel. Learn more on her website: www.lovewriteon.com.
What are your Memorial Day weekend plans? In addition to fun at the lake, camping or whatever outside activity you may enjoy, the holiday weekend is also an opportune time for getting some projects done in and outside the home. Following are a few suggestions to get your home summer ready:
Get your garden in order.
Old Man Winter was brutal this year, which means many in the Midwest are behind on their gardening. It’s not too late to get the garden going, even if you’re just starting out. Are raised beds calling your name? Check out this DIY tutorial to make it happen.
Upgrade appliances.
Memorial Day sales can mean big savings on dishwashers, washing machines, dryers and the like. Check flyers you receive in the mail and store websites for details on upcoming sales. Our blog post has some tips, too!
Organize your linens.
Could your beach towels use a good wash? They might be a little musty from last summer. Freshen things up just in time for lake and pool weather. Adding a dash of vinegar to the wash will soften them up. Fold and place them in your closet so you’re ready for water action.
Get your patio ready for entertaining.
No patio furniture? No problem! You may find a great deal on a set at your local home improvement store. Don’t forget to check Facebook Marketplace and thrift stores for second-hand finds. Garage sales are abundant during this weekend, too.
If you already have furniture, it’s always a good idea to take a wet washcloth and mild detergent and give the pieces a good cleaning. You may want to machine wash or dry clean cushion covers (if applicable) and/or vacuum the fabric to remove any trapped dirt or allergens. Voila….good as new!
Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
This tip could save your life. You should make a point to test these devices at least twice a year. A fresh set of batteries is a small cost when your family’s safety is concerned. Here’s how it’s done.
Clean your windows.
This task can make your house look like a million bucks. Not a pro with window washing? Try this hack from Family Handyman. Try washing windows with a squeegee and you’ll never go back to a spray bottle and paper towels.
Paint.
A quick coat of paint, whether interior or exterior, is one of the easiest ways to give your home some TLC without breaking the bank. Depending on the size of the space and how much prep work is needed, painting can take as little as one to two days. Generally speaking, you’ll want to budget $50 on average per 12-foot by 12-foot room for paint and supplies.
Refresh interior doors.
Interior doors are a telltale sign of your home’s age— and that’s not always a good thing. There’s historic…and then there’s dated. Consider swapping a tired looking door for a fresh option. Updating the trim around the door casing can add instant pizzazz, too. A full door with casing can cost $90 to $250 apiece.
Change furnace filter.
When was the last time you changed your furnace filter? It’s best practice to replace it monthly during the spring and summer months when allergens are at their height. A clean filter ensures your HVAC system works at maximum efficiency; filtering the air from pollutants and keeping the air moving at the required speed. This 5-minute task can leave your family breathing a little easier.
Once you’ve checked off one (or several) of the projects above, you can sit back and enjoy the rest of your Memorial Day weekend feeling accomplished! There’s no better way to start off your summer than that!
