July Checklist for a Smooth-Running Home | scottsdale homes for sales

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July Checklist for a Smooth-Running Home
scottsdale homes for sales
July is a great time to tackle outdoor chores,
like pepping up that curb appeal before the
Fourth, and to lighten up your home, from clutter
to energy bills. With Independence Day right
around the corner here in the States, its also a
great time to show some patriotic spirit and give
back to your community by supporting local
businesses or donating items to charity. Here are
12 to-dos to consider putting on your list this
month.
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1. Keep tabs on irrigation systems and water
usage. Make sure your prized blooms dont wilt in
the heat by checking your irrigation system
regularly. If your area has limits on water
usage, be sure to set your timer accordingly. 2.
Extend the life of your driveway and paths.
Attend to small cracks and chips before they have
a chance to grow. 3. If you live in the U.S.,
honour Independence Day with Americana, folk art
and locally sourced goods. As you are out
shopping this month, make a point of seeking out
goods made in the USA. From vintage folk art at a
summer fair to locally grown tomatoes, there are
lots of things you can buy to support local
businesses and craftspeople. 4. Start a garden
journal. If you dont already keep one, consider
beginning a dedicated garden journal. Filled with
your notes on what you planted and how each plant
fared, this little notebook will be worth its
weight in gold when planting time comes again.
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5. Donate extra produce to a local food pantry.
Wondering what to do with that bumper crop of
zucchini or tomatoes, once your neighbors and
friends have had their fill? Ample Harvest is a
nonprofit organization, helps link gardeners with
local food pantries to feed those who are
struggling. Check the groups web site to find a
local food pantry that will accept your garden
surplus. 6. Increase shade in the garden. Cool
off and spend more time outside comfortably with
the addition of an umbrella, outdoor drapes or a
shade canopy. If you have young children,
consider setting up an extra umbrella or tent
over their sandbox or favourite play area to
avoid sunburns. 7. Cut summer energy costs. Keep
window shades and curtains tightly drawn during
the day to maintain a cooler temperature indoors
exposed windows will heat up your home like a
greenhouse. Be sure all window air conditioning
units are tightly fitted, with no cold air
escaping. For those with central air, setting
your thermostat to a higher temperature while you
are out during the day will help keep costs
down. 8. Go on a clutter-busting spree. Summer
is a great time to pare down belongings. Try
setting a timer for 15 minutes and see how many
things you can get rid of and if that felt too
easy, do it again!
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9. Paint something white. Evoke the whitewashed
ease of a summer cottage or beach house with a
coat of crisp white paint. Paint flea market
furniture, old hand-me-downs or (for the brave)
the walls and floor. 10. Clean fans and filters.
Keep your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans and
air conditioning units running efficiently by
cleaning and replacing filters regularly. 11.
Wash windows inside and out. Let that summer
sunshine in by giving windows a quick rinse with
glass cleaner or a vinegar solution, then
squeegee them dry. If you want to avoid using a
ladder outside, reach exterior windows with a
window-washing hose attachment or telescoping
window washer. 12.Boost your homes Fourth of
July curb appeal. Whether or not your house is on
the parade route, it feels good to freshen up
porch plantings, trim hedges and hang those flags.