It’s that time of year again where the spring flowers are in full bloom, the trees are getting their leaves back, and suddenly the breeze starts to warm up and the sun feels nice against your skin. All of these lovely indicators are signs that summer is literally just around the corner now. It won’t be long until the kids finish up their school year, summer vacations begin, and you get the chance to get outdoors and enjoy the nature that surrounds you.
With the change in season brings a list of things you’ll need to do in order to prepare for the warmer temperatures and long summer days. Rather than waiting for summer to hit, why not take the time now to prepare so that you’re ready? Here’s a look at just a few of the things you’ll want to get organised in the coming weeks.
Dig Out the Summer Clothing
If you’re like the majority of people, you tend to push the out-of-season clothing to the back of the wardrobe, or even in storage bins to tuck away. There’s just no point in keeping everything front and centre if you aren’t currently using it. Well this is the time to go ahead and dig out all that summer clothing. This is a relatively quick and easy job for parents, but when it comes to the kids’ summer clothing, it tends to be a longer process since last year’s clothing won’t necessarily fit this year.
A great approach is to make three piles. One pile is the items you’ll be keeping, one is to throw out, and one is to donate or give away. Go through each piece individually, and have the kids try on things you are unsure about. Once you see what you’ve got left and are keeping, then it’s a good idea to create a list of all the items you need to pick up.
Don’t forget to also go through your summer footwear collection, making sure everyone’s got a pair of supportive and comfortable sandals.
Stock Up On SPF and Bug Spray
Because summer typically means a lot of time spent outdoors, you’ll also need to think about sun safety. This means stocking up on SPF for the whole family. Because sunscreen can get pretty pricey, especially if you need enough for the whole family, be sure to look for a Boots voucher that can save you money. Boots is of course a beauty, health, and pharmacy store, which means you can find all kinds of essentials there.
Now as far as what level of SPF you should buy, the NHS recommends a factor of at least 15. A few other sun safety tips include making sure your sunscreen hasn’t expired, wearing sunglasses and a sunhat for added protection, and reapplying sunscreen after 90 minutes in the sun or after swimming. And remember that the sun is the strongest between 11am and 3pm.
While you’re stocking up on SPF, it’s also a good idea to pick up bug spray. Insect repellents that use DEET are typically the most effective type of protection when it comes to mosquito bites.
Make Summer Holiday Plans in Advance
Because summer is a very busy travel period, especially here in Europe, it’s a good idea to think about your summer holiday plans as early as possible. Making reservations well in advance doesn’t just guarantee you’ll get to stay in your first-choice destination and have a seat on your first-choice transportation method (air, ship, or rail), but it can also save you money. Typically, the further in advance you book, the cheaper the rate will be.
Swimming Lessons for All
If you plan on doing any swimming over summer, this can also be a fabulous time to book swimming lessons for the kids and even the adults if needed. Even if everyone knows how to swim, a refresher lesson can still be helpful. It just helps everyone to be a bit more prepared and safety conscious when it comes to the water.
Outfit Everyone with Life Jackets
For those who want an added layer of protection for the kids at the beach or pool, a life jacket is an excellent idea. This is also extremely important if you plan on doing any boating over the summer months.
A couple of tips for shopping for a life jacket – fit is everything. If it doesn’t fit correctly, it can’t perform its job. A life jacket should fit snugly but at the same time shouldn’t be too tight. They are sold in three categories which are child, youth, and adult, and most feature adjustable straps to make them fit perfectly. It’s also suggested that you try the life jacket on in person before making a purchase.
Prepare Your House for Hotter Temperatures
You will also want to prepare your house to handle the hotter temperatures. This means checking that any fans you own, either portable or ceiling style fans, are working properly. If your home is newer and has central air conditioning, now is the time to turn it on and ensure it is running smoothly.
If you have a lot of windows in your home that see sunlight, then you may also want to hang window treatments. This can block out a lot of that heat and prevent the cool air from indoors escaping to the outdoors. Blackout curtains are the best option, as they act as insulation and completely block out the sun.
It may also be a great time to switch out everyone’s bedding for cooler, natural fabrics like lightweight cotton and bamboo. Both of these fabrics are extremely soft to the touch, are feather light, and allow your body to breathe.
It’s Time to Embrace Summer
Taking the time to follow these tips now and get everyone organised before the summer heat begins means you’ll be able to dive right in and start enjoying summer the moment it arrives. It’s all about forward thinking and a little planning on your part.
