I’m a native San Franciscan, and as such, I am a huge baby about heat and humidity. Growing up, summer weather didn’t usually hit SF until October, when we’d have a couple weeks of 75 degree weather and then things would go back to normal. Now, with climate change and all that jazz, we’re having a full blown summer heat wave in June. JUNE! It’s preposterous.

Look, I hate being sweaty. I hate having to wear a dress when the wind speed is up to like, 20 mph or something. And I absolutely hate coming home to an apartment that feels like the oven was left on all day (it wasn’t – I checked).

I had to make some changes to my living space this year to officially welcome summer in all it’s horrible glory. Storage for unnecessary blankets, plants for fresher air, and another very special purchase you’ll have to read to the end to find out about!

SUMMER STORAGE

There are countless things around your apartment that just won’t be of any use to you in the summer heat. I’m talking extra blankets, heavy sheets, and thick sweaters. Instead of letting these things take up space in tiny closets or cupboards, why not DIY a chest that holds it all out of the way? I inherited a wooden chest from my mother that doubles as my coffee table AND summer storage. Win-win!

ENTER THE GREENERY

Plants are arguably a great addition to any home, any time of the year, but they’re especially beneficial during the hot summer months. Our photosynthesizing friends can keep hot, stale air from feeling (or smelling) bad and simply liven up any room! I’m a notorious plant killer, so I stuck with succulents and other hard-to-kill plants in my apartment. It’s also always nice to keep flowers on your bedside table or coffee table!

BEST PURCHASE YOU’LL EVER MAKE

Okay, this might seem obvious, but if you don’t have AC – get a fan! And not just any fan that’s going to blow the same hot air on your face over and over. Invest in a cooling, oscillating fan that will actually cool your room down. It doesn’t even have to be much of an investment – find a vina with a Costco membership and you can get a high-quality oscillating fan for cheap! Amazon will also be your best friend. There are tons of options available and trust me – it really does make a difference.

How do you get your living space summer-ready? Share any tips to beat the heat in the comments below!