How to Make a Strong Outdoor To-Do List for Your New Home

Have you just moved? Is this your first time owning a home? Does it seem like your to-do list is ruining the fun part of being a homeowner? As exciting as it is to finally have a place to call your own, it can also be overwhelming. Don’t stress - summer is a great time of year to tackle many items on your list thanks to warm weather and longer daylight hours.

How do you tackle your new home to-do list?

Create a home improvement budget.

First things first: create (and stick to!) a budget. How much money do you have this year to improve your home? Set it aside and have a specific number in mind.

Prioritize the to-do list.

Organize your to-do list and list the items by priority, with must-haves first, then nice-to-haves, and finally your dream features. When creating this list, I also recommend breaking each project down into subcategories of what you can and cannot accomplish on your own. Do you need contractors to help? Designers? This gives you a better idea of next steps, total budget, and time commitments. Write down your estimated cost and time for each item.

Figure out what can get done this summer and what needs to wait.

While summer is a great time to be outside, some things you need to get done before the weather cools off. Take for example sealing your driveway (if you have one) or checking for wear and tear on your gates and fencing. These are much more pleasant and successful when it’s warm outside. Move these items up on your list if needed.

Be realistic about your space and budget.

Be honest about what can be accomplished on your property. Do you have a tiny yard but want a pool? It may not be in the cards for you in the near future, so what can you do with that space now? Think about which items are safety-related and which are pure luxury. Of course, having a quiet place to drink your morning coffee is important for your mental health, but don’t skip outdoor lights for other projects that are not as pressing.

Choose the right materials and contractors.

Before you go on a shopping spree, research the best plants and materials for your particular space. What’s local and would grow well in your yard? What matches the maintenance you can realistically provide? Where will you shop and who will you contact for quotes?

Schedule time for projects and fun.

Let's not forget that summer isn't just about being productive. It's also the perfect time to relax and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. So, while it's important to tackle all the tasks on your to-do list, don't forget to take some time for yourself and enjoy the simple pleasures of summer. Summer is truly a magical time of year, and with a little bit of planning, you can make it one of your most relaxing and most productive yet!

Does this seem overwhelming? Reach out to me and we can organize your list together.