Unfortunately, a parade and BBQ are not likely on your schedule for this Memorial Day. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the outdoors. This weekend is the perfect time to get your home and family organized and prepared for those long lazy days of summer.
Here’s our round-up of things to do now so you are ready for fun in the sun:
POOL OR BEACH
Umbrellas & Beach/Pool Chairs – Can you find them easily? Were they stored neatly over the winter? If not, consider creating a zone in your garage for all pool/beach items. When you do find them check the condition of your umbrella and beach chairs – are they clean, functioning? If not, consider replacing.
Sunblock – This important item tends to sink to the bottom of the beach bag and is hard to find. Then, you buy more fearing you won’t have it when you need it. We recommend a Scout brand waterproof, zippered pouch for inside your beach bag to protect from spills and also make finding it easier. Keep in mind that Sunblock loses its effectiveness so it’s important you replenish each year. With lots of half-empty bottles floating around you don’t want to be fooled into thinking you are protected when using old lotion!
Sun hats, sunglasses, rash guards, water shoes – kids grow out of all these items so check for fit and replace now. Seasonal outdoor recreation items sometimes sell out so you want to plan ahead to have maximum choice.
Beach Toys and Floaties – Check the condition of your stash. The plastic doesn’t always hold up – shovels break, handles fall off buckets, floaties get holes.. Consider using a mesh bag to corral your toys. This bag will also naturally limit the amount you keep so you can edit more easily.
Coolers – take stock of your coolers and edit out the ones that don’t function for your needs. Storing them all together on a lower shelf in your garage will make it easy to find and select the one that works for your activity.
PATIO OR DECK
Patio Furniture – Has it been outside all winter? If so, it will need a good cleaning – a soapy rag and hose should do the trick for most. Cushions may benefit from a damp rag or a quick vacuum to remove dust and dirt. Side note: We always recommend storing cushions inside over the winter, so they’re ready to break out when it’s time for some fun in the sun.
Grilling – We’ve organized our share of grilling tools so we know that finding a good storage location for all those long tools can be a challenge. Take some time to consolidate your outdoor tools and see what you have. It’s common to find multiples. Pick your favorites and discard the duplicates. Then, decide where they should live. Look for a space near where you access the grill. A drawer or bin in a closet/pantry will do nicely and will help avoid the emergency buying when you can’t find what you need.
Whether you use a charcoal or gas grill you will need to check your supplies of propane or coals and lighter fluid. Having a back up propane tank has saved more than one party at my house!
Heat Lamp – Best Father’s day gift ever! Here in the northeast as the seasons change it still gets cool in the evenings. Having a heat lamp at the ready will take the chill off. Before buying consider where you will store this off-season. The footprint is not large but they are tall.
Fire Pit/Chiminea – outdoor gas or wood fire pits are all the rage these days so having supplies like a gas lighter, fire starter wood, and paper will allow you to enjoy them at a moment’s notice. Take stock of your supplies at the beginning of the season so you are ready for impromptu entertaining. A decorative basket is a nice way to corral these items and have them accessible.
Mosquito Repellent and/or Tiki Torches – A must-have in my neck of the woods! Fun in the sun just isn’t the same with mosquitoes around. Can you find your citronella candles (or whatever repellant you use) and refill oil for the tiki torches? Grouping these items together in a bin during the off-season makes it easy to check your supply and grab them at the first opportunity for outside dining. If you are considering a service to spray your yard to reduce mosquitos now is the time to sign up. Add that to your To-Do list.
Planters and flower beds – Now is also the perfect time to plant your flower pots and urns. Many garden centers are open so you can make it an event to go and select your seasonal flowers. Consider a color-scheme that matches your furniture cushions and tableware.
Blue skies, warm weather, and better days are ahead. Your future self will be happy you took the time now to prepare so you can enjoy every possible minute of fun in the sun later.
Here’s to a wonderful holiday weekend wherever you are.
Happy Memorial Day!