Spring is almost here and it’s time to start thinking about getting your home in tip top shape and out of those winter blues. We all know about spring cleaning basics, such as dusting, cleaning carpets, etc., but there are lots of other things you can do to help your home run more efficiently and look better.
Declutter and donate
Spring is a great time of year to go through closets and storage spaces to get rid of things you don’t need or want. If the items are still in good shape, consider donating them so that someone else can enjoy them. Even if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of a yard sale, there are many consignment and thrift stores in the area, or you might consider donating to shelters, the Salvation Army, or Goodwill. Especially after the holidays, we tend to accumulate more than we need, so now is also a great time to go through and donate gifts that you may never wear or use so they don’t just end up in the back of a closet.
Check gutters, roof and siding
As soon as the air gets a little warmer, it’s a good time to evaluate shingles on your roof to see if any are missing or damaged. If you do find areas that need repair, hire a professional to help out, but make sure you check references. Hire someone you trust. After all of the rain this year, it’s also a good time to check your gutters to make sure they are free of debris and allowing water to flow freely. Check the siding of your home for any areas that may need repair. If everything looks fine, pressure washing your siding will freshen it up and can help make your home look new again.
Paint
After pressure washing the exterior of your home, you may realize that it’s time to freshen up your exterior paint. Maybe just the trim needs to be painted, or maybe the whole house. If the whole house needs a coat, and you don’t love the color, now is a great time to change it up and give your home new life with a new color. While thinking about the exterior is important, make sure you don’t neglect the interior. Spring is perfect for updating the interior paint and/or colors in your home, too. If you’re not sure about what colors to use, talk with a designer or local paint professional for some help.
Clean up outdoors, landscaping
After all of the heavy rain we’ve been getting this winter, your yard will be in need of some TLC when warmer weather gets here. Check the backfill around your home, make sure landscaping against your home is at the correct height and sloped away from the structure. This will help prevent issues with your foundation, including your basement or crawlspace. If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of work your yard needs, look into hiring a local landscaping business. The hardest part of most jobs is getting started, so they can help take that stress away. In addition to your yard, be sure to clean up other outdoor living areas, such as patios, decks, and pools. This will ensure those areas are ready for your use both now and all throughout the summer months. If you don’t have any outdoor living areas but have always wanted one, call a local design/build firm to help visualize and create the space for you.
Service HVAC units
One of the big things we recommend homeowners do in the spring is have their HVAC units serviced. Not only is changing the filter regularly important, but now is also the time to have a service company come out to evaluate and clean your unit before summer months take their toll. Regular maintenance on both inside and outside units will help them run smoothly and efficiently, which in turn can help extend the lives of the units.
If the thought of spring cleaning and home maintenance overwhelms you, use this column as a starting guide. If you aren’t able or don’t have the time to do the work yourself, there are lots of local experts in the area who can help you out. Remember, getting your home is shape now will help you enjoy it longer and will allow you more time to get out and enjoy the warmer weather come summer!
