With warmer weather quickly approaching, now is a great time to start planning to prepare your home for spring and summer. From seasonal maintenance to simple décor refreshes, here are ten checklist items to help prepare your home for spring.
1. Door & Window Maintenance
You’ll likely start cracking your windows and doors open more often as temperatures rise, and it’s important to keep moisture and pests out of your home. Re-install screens and replace any tears or holes in them. Be sure to apply new caulk to peeling areas around weather stripping or existing caulk, and lubricate door and window hinges/tracks if needed. To maximize natural lighting, clean your windows inside and out.
2. Clean & Declutter
After spending the majority of our time inside for months, it’s important to give your home and garage a deep clean and declutter to minimize allergens, bacteria, and disorganization as spring weather approaches. Not to mention there are many mental health benefits to having a clean, organized home!
3. HVAC Maintenance
Before you turn to your AC for relief from warm, humid weather, make sure it’s ready for action. There should be no moisture in your basement or crawl spaces, so invest in a dehumidifier if needed. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to have your HVAC serviced (about once a year if possible). Replace your HVAC filters, and test your AC to make sure cool air is flowing.
4. Landscaping Prep
We’ll soon be spending more time outside, so start prepping and planning your outdoor living spaces now.
- Sharpen gardening/lawn care equipment
- Trim shrubs and trees that have grown too close to your home
- Refuel or charge batteries of lawn care equipment
- Plant seedlings/plan landscaping updates and mulch if needed
- Clean grills and outdoor cooking equipment
- Inspect your sprinklers and hoses for damage
For more ideas on how to successfully declutter, check out this article from House Beautiful. If you’re looking for outdoor living space inspiration, learn how to elevate your outdoor living spaces here!
5. Refresh Outdoor Spaces:
Before warm weather truly arrives for the season, make sure your outdoor living spaces are ready for enjoyment before you need them.
- Repair any damage to decks, railings, and steps
- Sweep or power wash decks, patios, and walkways if needed
- Clean patio furniture and cushions so they are ready for use when you need them
- Get a jump on any large-scale outdoor spaces you’re planning (Early spring is the time to call us about that seasons room you wanted!)
6. Siding & Foundation Check
Carefully inspect the exterior of your home to catch any potential issues that could cause damage down the line with increased rain and warm weather. Check your foundation for any cracks, touch up any exterior paint damage, and check your brick and siding for any damage. Schedule repairs as needed, before anything grows into a bigger problem for your home.
7. Roof & Gutter Maintenance
Rainfall increases during the Spring season, and your roof is a main line of protection against snow and rainfall. Before spring and summer storms begin, check your gutters and clear them of debris for proper drainage. If you notice any missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks, have a professional repair them.
8. Encourage Natural Light
Natural light is more important in your home than many people realize. A proven accessory to having a more productive, happier, and healthier home, natural light should flood your home as much as possible. Sunlight is a crucial source of Vitamin D, and we all suffer a loss of it during the winter months.
Update heavy drapery with lighter linens or sheers to highlight the views beyond. Be sure your windows and screens are thoroughly cleaned to maximize the light coming through your windows!
9. Clean Filters & Purifiers
Overloaded dryer filters or vents can cause house fires, so clean out any lint buildup from both your filter and vent. Check your vents for any buildup of allergens or debris and clean out if necessary. While you’re at it, make sure your fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors are all functional in case of emergency.
If you are prone to any allergies in spring (or if you have pets), consider installing an air purifier to increase indoor air quality. If you already have an air purifier, check to see if the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced.
10. Incorporate Live Greenery
One of the easiest ways to freshen your home for spring is with fresh flowers throughout your home. Simple, fresh greens are a popular go-to at the moment, but don’t be afraid to add your favorite pop of color to your bouquet. Place fresh greens on your kitchen island, shelves, mantle, coffee table, or wherever you will see them the most.
For a longer-term option, there are plenty of gorgeous houseplant varieties to choose from! If you’re looking for ideas, check out Gardenista’s 2024 Top Houseplant Trends.
Our team can help you create the outdoor living oasis your home has been missing. From design and material selections to permitting and construction, we handle it all. We’ll take care of the details, and soon enough you’ll have an elevated outdoor living space to enjoy for many years to come. Schedule your complimentary consultation now to get started.