Staying Cool in the Houston Heat: A Comprehensive Guide to Home, Office, and Life Organization
In the thick of Houston’s sweltering summer heat, finding relief often seems elusive. As a professional organizer, I’ve found that cooling your environment, and yourself, goes hand-in-hand with thoughtful organization. So, let’s delve into some comprehensive strategies to keep your home, office, and life organized and cool this summer.
Home Organization
- Declutter Your Space
A cluttered space not only feels chaotic but also traps heat, making rooms hotter than necessary. Start your journey to a cooler home by decluttering. First, create four categories: keep, donate, discard, and store.
- Keep: Only keep items that you frequently use or have significant sentimental value.
- Donate: If you haven’t used an item in a year, but it’s still in good condition, consider donating it.
- Discard: Broken or damaged items that can’t be repaired should be discarded.
- Store: Seasonal items or things used infrequently can be stored away.
Once you’ve categorized, organize the items you’re keeping in an efficient, accessible manner. Use clear bins for stored items, so you can easily see what’s inside, and consider investing in some quality shelving units or storage furniture.
This can be an overwhelming project for many people though, especially those juggling work and family. Starting small helps, as does enlisting the help of a Houston professional organizer, such as myself and my team at Just Organized by Taya, to not only do much off the physical ‘grunt work’ but also to devise a plan to help you keep your home clutter free not just for the rest of the summer but all year round.
- Make Smarter Use of Window Treatments
In Houston’s summer, the sun’s rays can quickly turn your home into a greenhouse. Combat this by investing in window treatments like blackout curtains, shades, or blinds. These block out the sunlight and significantly lower the temperature inside your home. Opt for light-colored treatments that reflect heat away from your home. Don’t forget to close these treatments during peak sunlight hours.
- Organize Your Kitchen
The kitchen is a major heat source in any home. A well-organized kitchen can help minimize this heat. Start by decluttering your fridge and pantry. Overfilled refrigerators work harder, producing more heat and using more energy. Keep your fridge organized so you can quickly grab what you need without letting out too much cool air. For specific help and advice on fridge organization check out my advice posts here, here and here.
Consider the placement of your appliances as well. For instance, your fridge and oven shouldn’t be adjacent, as the oven’s heat can cause the refrigerator to work harder.
- Use Your Outdoor Space
Take advantage of the cooler mornings and evenings by spending more time outdoors during these times. Organize a comfortable, shaded sitting area in your yard or patio where you can relax, dine, or entertain. Use outdoor storage solutions like deck boxes to store cushions, toys, or tools, keeping your outdoor space tidy and inviting.
Office Organization
- Digitize Documents
Paper clutter not only takes up physical space but can also make your office feel hotter. Embrace the digital age by scanning and storing your documents digitally. This reduces clutter and also provides a more efficient, searchable system for accessing your documents.
- Optimize Your Office Layout
Consider the location of your desk and other office furniture. Try to position your workspace away from direct sunlight and close to air conditioning vents if possible (but not so close that you freeze). If you can’t avoid the sunlight, invest in a good blind or shade to reduce the impact.
- Keep Hydration Handy
Dehydration can affect your productivity and overall well-being. To say the least. Dehydration is the biggest culprit when it comes to the tragic heat related deaths you hear about every year.
Keep a water bottle at your desk to remind yourself to hydrate regularly. Consider investing in an insulated bottle to keep your water cool throughout the day and even one of the smart water bottles like this one which will actively remind you to drink enough!
- Schedule Your Days Wisely
Plan your work day around the heat. Schedule tasks that require more concentration or physical effort for cooler parts of the day. Consider implementing flexible working hours or remote work policies during the hottest months.
Life Organization
- Create a Summer Routine
Routines provide structure and efficiency. During summer, adjust your routine to the season. Try getting up earlier when it’s cooler to do outdoor tasks or exercise. Schedule indoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
- Organize Your Closet for Summer
Summer obviously requires a different wardrobe than winter. Organize your clothes seasonally, keeping your summer clothes easily accessible. Store away heavy winter clothes. Focus on light, breathable fabrics that can help you stay cool and ensure that your closet is not cluttered up with things you will never wear! For more closet organization advice check out my recent blogs here and here.
- Get into Meal Planning
When the mercury starts to rise in the thermometer, the last thing anyone wants is a hot, heavy meal. The solution? Enter the world of formal meal planning with a focus on fresh, cool foods and innovative cooking methods to help you stay cool during the sweltering Houston summer.
The hot summer months are the perfect time to explore the world of fresh fruits, vegetables, and light proteins. Start by planning meals around refreshing salads loaded with nutritious ingredients like spinach, tomatoes, cucumber, radishes, and lean proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas. Explore a variety of salad recipes to keep your palate interested – think Greek salads, Asian-inspired salads, or hearty grain salads like quinoa or bulgur wheat.
Chilled soups are another great option. Gazpacho, a Spanish classic made with ripe tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers, is a delightful option that can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. A chilled cucumber or avocado soup can also be a refreshing starter or light meal.
Don’t forget to include plenty of hydrating fruits in your meal planning. Watermelon, oranges, and strawberries make a wonderful fruit salad, a refreshing snack, or a sweet, light dessert.
Explore Outdoor Grilling
As Houstonians, we know how to handle heat, and outdoor grilling is a fantastic way to keep cooking heat out of the home. Fire up the grill for lean proteins like chicken, fish, or tofu, and don’t forget that grilling can do wonders for vegetables too. Corn on the cob, zucchini, bell peppers, and even romaine lettuce can be tossed on the grill for a smoky, delicious side dish. Skewers with a mix of proteins and vegetables are also a fun and easy meal to prepare.
- Keep Cool on the Go
Summer in Houston requires a bit of planning even when you leave the house. Prepare a summer car kit with essential items such as a reusable water bottle, a handheld fan, sunscreen, a sun hat, and an umbrella. If you’re often out and about, consider a cooler bag with ice packs for cold drinks and snacks.
While the summer heat in Houston can be challenging, it’s not insurmountable. With some strategic organization and planning, you can keep your home, office, and life cool and comfortable all summer long. And if you need help with your summer organization projects, we’re just an email or phone call away, and always ready to help.
Working with Taya and her team is easy. You can book an appointment easily on her website, or contact her directly at 832-271-7608
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