As snow, gloves and wool coats fade into distant memory, replaced by the joys of shorts, loafers and silk dresses, welcome summer into your apartment, not just your wardrobe.
- Get some blackout shades, or, if you can sew them yourself, more kudos to you! Blackout shades not only allow you to Netflix
all the seasons of Mad Men during the weekend, but they’re also a nifty way to save on you electrical bill. Draw them in when you leave for work in the morning or in any rooms you’re not using. By keeping the sun out, they very efficiently keep temperatures down in your home, cutting down on AC time. If you’re worried they cast a dreary gloom in your home, opt for some warm tones as deep reds, glowing oranges or vibrant greens in thick textures that will keep light out and boost the ambiance. - Invest in a quality blender, juicer and if you’re ready to splurge a margarita machine as well, to liven up parties at your community’s pool. Professional tumblers, glasses and a cocktail bible are also a must.
- Whatever new appliances or gadgets you buy, be sure to add them to your renters insurance. Summer months are a boon for wind and lightning damage, so be responsible and safeguard your belongings against potential damage.
- If you haven’t gotten around it yet, do a deep cleaning of your apartment. A fresh and clean home is essential to enjoy the balmy weather.
- Install mosquito nets, so you can throw your windows open during the night and cut down on AC time.
- Start an herb garden on your window sill and a hyper-local container garden on your balcony if you have the space. You’d be surprised how little space you need to grow tomatoes or cucumbers in your apartment.
- Buy potted plants to liven up your living room, bathroom and bedroom. If your apartment doesn’t get a lot of sunshine, there are many plants native to the rainforest that do well in little to no direct sunlight. If you lack the green thumb, get some cacti or succulents that need little to no attention, besides the very occasional watering. If even that’s too daunting, swing by your neighborhood farmer’s market and regularly buy locally-grown, fresh-cut flowers.
- Get new scented candles, incense sticks and air fresheners. Spiced pumpkin and cinnamon clash with the warm weather and long hours of sunshine.
- Pack away your quilts and blankets. Keep light afghans on hand for the late evenings you plan on spending on your patio or balcony.
- If you do have a sizeable patio in your home, consider picking up a porch swing or a couple of swinging chairs for a timeless enjoyment of the outdoors.
- A cool and eco-friendly feature to live up your apartment for the summer is to liberally strew solar lights around. Just leave them on a balcony or window sill with enough sunlight hours to charge them and put them wherever you need want them for the evening.
