August is here already and summer is almost over! Here are some helpful August tips on how to enjoy the last days of summer, prepare for back to school, maintenance checks in your home, fall organizing, cleaning tips, self tips and more!
It is a great time to stretch out these last days of summer and fit in a couple more home projects, cherish simple indulgences, and prepare your house for fall. Here are some August tips!
Taking the entire family’s sports, work, and school schedules plus appointments all in one spot will keep everyone organized. Even keep a file folder in a kitchen drawer with all the appointments and schedules and add it to a Family Wall Calendar each month. Organization is key!
Wash and Put Away All Summer Items
Once you and your family have finished the last time at the beach/lake, it is time to clean and dry all the water toys and place them in the garage or shed till next year. Remember to discard any broken items. Also, remember to shop for end-of-season sales for any new toys for the lake/beach or even new beach towels.
Declutter/Organize Kitchen
Clear kitchen countertops, insides of cupboards, refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher. Organize the pantry for Fall.
It is time to prepare for the busy fall schedules, you need to declutter the kitchen and clean all your appliances. Don’t forget to discard any expired food and shop to restock what is needed in your cupboards.
Clean Flooring
Summer was fun but now it is time to follow our August tips. Your family has gone in and out of your house this season and the summer dirt can really build up. Dust mites are a common allergy, therefore you should complete deep floor and carpet cleaning every 3 months.
Vacuuming with a HEPA filter on a regular basis will help drastically. Steam clean all flooring in your house to kill any bacteria (if required you can hire a professional) this will leave your floors smelling fresh and dust-free.
Sort Closets
It is a great time to go through all your closets and get rid of any items that do not fit anymore or that are worn out. Remember to donate any items that your can. Assess all the clothes your family requires for the fall and winter and of course back to school.
Write down all the items you need before you go to the store, so you don’t overspend. Organize and wipe down all closets. Fold and hang up all clothes and remove all clutter.
Time for School Supplies
Check out what school supplies you have left from last year and discard anything that is broken. Again, make a list of what to shop for. Establish a clean homework area in the house and a spot for your child’s backpacks.
Organize Photos
Make sure to back up all your digital photos to cloud-based storage and you can also make a book of recent photos. Print off a few family photos and display on a desk or hang them on the wall.
Fall is Coming
Fall is almost here. Time to get a new fall wreath for your door (or be crafty and make one!). Shop for some cozy blankets or fall pillows and refresh your home style.
Roof and Siding Repairs
Summer storms can not only clog gutters but can damage the roof. Look at your roof and siding for anything loose that needs to be fixed or replaced. Also check for any flashing around the roof exhausts, chimney, or vents.
It will also be a good time to replace your roof if it is ready for a new one. The time is now to make these repairs before the cold and snow arrives.
Eliminate Pests
The end of summer usually brings an increase in flying pests which can become a problem. Mosquitoes are more active, but wasps can be way more aggressive. Remove any outstanding water around the yard.
You can use bug zappers and citronella candles to help with mosquitoes. If you have a wasp problem, you must discover where they are coming from. When you find the nest apply a wasp treatment by the opening and reapply every 2 days until they are gone.
If you feel you need to use a pesticide, choose a low-risk product to start and use following the directions. An option is also to hire a pest control company.
Garage Organization
In the summer a garage is used quite often with bikes, skateboards, garden tools and so much more! Install shelves, hooks, and cabinets to organize all these summer items till next year. Vacuum or sweep the floor and get rid of any items that are broken and donate anything you do not need anymore.
Complete Outdoor Projects
Before the cooler weather comes, this is the month to tackle any unfinished project. Maybe touch up your mailbox with some fresh paint. Wash your front door and give it a repaint, it will create great curb appeal and look fresh! Contact your favorite contractor to complete any outdoor renovations you want to be completed.
Bathroom Exhaust Fans Maintenance
An important part of home maintenance is cleaning your bathroom exhaust fan. The bathroom fan assists in getting rid of odors and extra moisture/humidity.
Bushes and Plant Clean Up
In the winter, dead tree limbs and tree branches can be a danger in the cold months. The ice and weight of the snow can cause the limbs to break off. So, while it is dry and warmer, it is a great time to remove the overhanging branches and dead limbs. It is also a good time to tidy up your perennials so they are healthy plants, it will make your yard more attractive, and you will have a greater understanding of your plants’ health next summer.
Outdoor Stone Surfaces Cleaning
In the summer months, your stone walkways and patios can accumulate dust and grim. August is a wonderful time to clean all your stone surfaces. Start by sweeping/wiping any dust or debris from the stone and then clean using a gentle neutral-pH cleaner with a soft cloth. You are then recommended to add a coat of water-based penetrating sealer that will protect the tiles from stains in the colder months.
Time for an Electrical Safety Check-Up
August is a great month to get an electrical safety check-up throughout your home. Contact a professional for any questions or issues to be fixed.
Basement and Crawl Spaces Inspections
Having moisture in your basement and crawl spaces can cause some big problems. Inspect your entire basement and crawl space and if you come across any moisture then check for leaking pipes, slow drips, or water seeping in. Bring in a professional to fix any issues you come across.
Maintain Your Furnace
The end of summer is a great time to prepare your furnace for the colder months. Before winter arrives, it is time to make sure your furnace is in good condition and see if any repairs need to be done by a professional. It is also a good idea to have a professional inspect your furnace at least one time a year.
Refresh the Driveway
One of our great August tips is to pressure wash your driveway to remove all the dirt and grime. You can complete this task yourself if you have the correct equipment. Having a clean driveway will refresh your curb appeal as well!
Washing Machine Connections
Many loads of dirty, sweaty laundry have been cleaned in the washing machine this summer. Make sure to check all water supply hoses and their connection to the machine are in good condition. If your hoses are worn you can replace them.
Clear the Gutters
August is a great month to ensure your gutters are not clogged from the summer thunderstorms. Check that your gutters are cleaned out and properly working and directing the water away from your home.
Clean the Deck
In the spring if you did not clean and seal your deck you should do it in August before fall and winter arrive. The deck will be exposed to bad weather and snow and thus you will want it protected. It is a good time to check for any loose fittings, nails, or curled board and fix them.
Replacement of Weather-Stripping
One of the August tips is to apply or replace any old weather-stripping on all external doors. Ensure the doors are well-sealed and insulated so your home is more energy-efficient and cozy this winter.
Windows Inspection and Cleaning
It is time to clean the windows on the outside of your home. Also, check for any damage like wrecked screens or missing caulking. Remember to clean away all the old caulking and apply a fresh bead to seal it up and prevent warm air from escaping your home.
Share Your Garden Harvest
Do you have a huge number of tomatoes or other summer vegetables in your yard or garden? Take a basket and give it to your neighbor so they do not go to waste.
Time to Preserve
Keep the spirit of summer alive and preserve some of your favorite spreads and jams or even pickle some pickles or beans! It is a great way to use your vegetable gardens or fruit tree leftovers.
Enjoy August Weather
Very soon it will get cooler, and more time will be spent indoors. So, take these last days/weeks to relax outside on your deck or go for a picnic at your favourite outdoor spot! Go enjoy the outdoor festivals or markets.
Time for Fitness
The lazy days of summer are coming to an end. Time to check out the new seasons at your gym/fitness provider. Set a goal for yourself such as a 2km walk or jog. By setting goals, you are committing to your health and well-being.
Last Time to Fire it Up
The last of the August tips is celebrating the end of summer. It is sad that summer is coming to an end. Time to host an end-of-summer outdoor gathering with a bonfire, marshmallows, hot chocolate, and some good laughs with friends!
August is an enjoyable month before the school year and cooler weather comes. Make sure you follow our August Tips and take care of these home maintenance tasks and personal activities to help you be ready for the fall.
