Home Chores for the Summer

With the warmer weather comes more opportunities to do the outdoor chores you haven’t been able to do, or haven’t needed to do, because of winter. Whether it be you doing the chores yourself, or maybe taking advantage Summer vacation and assigning your kids more household chores, here are some summer chore ideas to keep your whole family busy and get the house in tip-top shape and ready to be used:

Mow the lawn:  Since you laid down your summer grass seed a few months ago (right?), it’s time to mow it and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Get that grass cut and take a blanket out on the lawn for a picnic with the family, or to lay in the sun and read a book. Don’t forget to make sure it’s getting adequate watering, though hopefully monsoons will hit soon and do that job for you!

Trim the yard plants: This is one chore that – done properly – can really make a difference in the appearance of both your front and back yard. Whether you just want your home to have a clean-cut look, or you’re throwing a backyard BBQ, trimming the bushes and trees in your yards make your house look amazing and show that you take pride in taking care of your home. This is also very beneficial for your plants, as it gets rid of dead or excess branches, and helps them to grow healthier.

Do some landscaping projects: Always wanted to add a gardening bead for flowers or fruits, or vegetables? Why not this summer? Or maybe you’d like to make an easy path to and from somewhere? Some large pavers surrounded by mulch is an easy and cheap way to accomplish this clean look. Another idea would be building your very own firepit to enjoy the summer night skies and family time over s’mores. There are dozens of tutorials online of how to do this well and how to do this on a budget!

Pull some weeds: This one seems like a no-brainer considering the weeds are EVERYWHERE, but it is also a chore that easily gets put off for “next weekend” almost every weekend. If you aren’t careful though, those weeds will seed and spread, making next years weeds even worse! So, put on your gloves and grab your hula hoe, and go get those weeds! This simple chore will make your home look so much better and well cared for!

Wash the car: Now that we’re in that middle season between winter rains and monsoons, it’s a good idea to get your car washed. Get off the dirt and grime from weather and use, and get your car looking shiny and new. There are plenty of car wash business in the Prescott and Prescott Valley area if you just don’t have the time, or you could do this yourself or with the kids as a fun way to cool off while also accomplishing some work.

Clean outdoor items: This could include outdoor furniture like benches, tables, or hammocks, or maybe toys you’ll be using this summer such as boats, ATVs, or campers. Either way, we’re sure they could use a good spruce up after a long winter of not being used. Dusting, getting rid of cobwebs, and just a general overall cleaning are probably in order here. This will make that outdoor furniture ready to use and enjoy in the warm weather and will also make you ready to take those summer vacations or day trips where you’ll be using your recreational toys.

Spraying the house for bugs: This chore is probably best left to the adults rather than the kids, but if you live in Arizona, you know it is a must! Now is the time where all those not so missed creepy crawlies start making their long legged and winged return. Spiders such as wolf, daddy long leg, and even black widows can be common. Aunts, centipedes, and scorpions also make the list of bugs trying to call your home their home. Spray both the inside and outside of your home, getting every edge, door jam, windowsill, and point of access you can think. Of course, the bugs will be inevitable, but this will drastically reduce the amount of them you see in your house.

Mouse traps: Lastly, don’t forget to set up your mouse traps (gasp!). Yes, we have mice here in Prescott, Arizona. Field mice, pack rats, and more… you better get used to it if you plan to stay here. For the occasional mouse, setting up a few traps should do the trick, however, if you are having a real problem with them, it might be a good idea to call the exterminator. Make sure to be checking those traps and replacing them as needed.