Practical ideas for those who love to get their hands dirty (and on the dirt!)
Summer isn't just a time for relaxation: for many, it's the perfect time to take care of their homes and outdoor spaces, taking advantage of the longer days and warmer weather.
With a few tools, the right materials, and a little motivation, you can complete small jobs that make a big difference: they improve the livability of spaces, increase comfort... and often even the value of the home.
Here are 5 simple projects, accessible to everyone, perfect for those who want a useful as well as enjoyable summer.
1. Organize the irrigation of the garden or balcony
Level: Easy
Average time: 1–2 hours
If you're still watering by hand with a watering can, it's time to upgrade. An automated irrigation system—even a simple one—saves you time, water, and energy.
What you can do:
- Install a faucet timer with an automatic timer.
- Connect extendable tubes or microtubes to reach every plant.
- Add drippers or sprayers to customize the water output.
- If you have a vegetable garden, consider a pump with a tank for irrigation with rainwater.
💡 Tip: Choose quality materials that are resistant to UV rays and limescale to avoid constant replacements.
2. Install outdoor lighting with solar lamps
Level: Very easy
Average time: 30 min – 1 hour
One of the most effective (and quickest) solutions for improving the aesthetics and functionality of outdoor spaces is installing solar lights: zero wires, zero energy consumption, and a guaranteed wow effect.
Where to put them:
- Rechargeable lanterns on tables or walls
- String lights on gazebos, railings or pergolas
- Wall lights with twilight sensors near doors and gates
- Step lights along paths or garden edges
💡 Tip: Choose models with integrated LEDs and motion sensors for greater safety and savings.
3. Transform an outdoor corner into a relaxation area
Level: Medium
Average time: a weekend
Often, it doesn't take much to create a welcoming space for reading, dining, or relaxing. Choose a corner of your terrace, balcony, or garden and create your own little personal oasis.
What you need:
- Outdoor wooden or tile flooring
- Comfortable seats, benches or sturdy armchairs
- Light covers (umbrellas, sails, awnings)
- Some decorative lights, candles, a low table
💡 Tip: Complete the whole thing with some aromatic pots (basil, rosemary, lemongrass) for a fragrant and useful effect.
4. Organize and optimize your work area or garage
Level: Medium
Average time: 2–3 hours
Summer is also the perfect time to tidy up your garage, basement, or DIY area. It's not just about aesthetics: a tidy area is safer and more efficient.
What you can do:
- Install metal shelves and drawers to keep everything visible and accessible.
- Use pegboards to hang tools and keep your workbench tidy.
- Repair drawers, replace broken tools, check sockets and lights
💡 Tip: Take this opportunity to do a little inventory and get rid of the superfluous.
5. Declare war on insects before they start bothering you.
Level: Very easy
Average time: less than 1 hour
Mosquitoes, ants, cockroaches, and other unwelcome guests arrive promptly with the heat. It's best not to wait until they're besieged: acting immediately prevents the problem.
Effective solutions:
- Long-lasting traps and diffusers for indoor environments
- Barrier spray for balconies, windowsills and window frames
- Ant granules to scatter in the garden or near doors/garages
- Electric insecticides or foggers for large spaces and terraces
💡 Tip: Choose professional products, preferably those that combine immediate action and long-lasting results.
Start with yourself to feel better where you live.
Whether you have a large or small space, indoors or outdoors, there's no need to wait for big opportunities: with simple but targeted projects, you can improve the comfort, functionality, and enjoyment of the spaces you live in every day.
A do-it-yourself summer is a useful, satisfying and, why not, even relaxing summer.
