Even as winter lingers in the Midwest, now is a great time to start planning to prepare your home for spring and warmer weather. 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.
2. Clean & Declutter Your Home & Garage
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! For more ideas on how to successfully declutter, check out this article from House Beautiful.
3. Check Your HVAC & Dryer Filters
Before you turn to your AC for relief from warm, humid weather, make sure it’s ready for action. Along with replacing your HVAC filters, test your AC to make sure cool air is flowing. Check your vents for any buildup of allergens/mold or debris and clean out if necessary. There should be no moisture in your basement or crawl spaces. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to have your HVAC serviced (about once a year if possible.)
Overloaded dryer filters or vents can cause house fires, so clean out any lint buildup from both your filter and vent. While you’re at it, make sure your fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors are all functional in case of emergency.
4. Prep Lawn, Garden, & Outdoor Spaces
We’ll soon be spending more time outside, so start prepping and planning your outdoor living spaces now.
- Trim shrubs and trees that have grown too close to your home
- Sharpen gardening/lawn care equipment
- Refuel or charge batteries of lawn care equipment
- Inspect your sprinklers and hoses for damage
- Repair any damage to decks, railings, and steps
- Get a jump on any large-scale outdoor spaces you’re planning (now is the time to call us about that seasons room you wanted!)
If you’re looking for outdoor living space inspiration, check out our recent blog on elevating your outdoor living spaces!
Woodstock Addition
5. 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.
6. 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.
Tower Lakes Bath Remodel
7. 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!
8. Incorporate Live Greenery
One of the easiest ways to freshen your home for spring is with locally bought 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 the Architectural Digest 2023 Indoor Houseplant Forecast.
St. Charles Sunroom
9. Opt For Natural Textures
Materials like wicker, jute, and rattan subtly provide a sense of comfort by adding a neutral texture to your home. Implement these beloved textures through decorative baskets, trays, light shades, or accent seating. Wood offers a naturally warm texture as well. Decorative wooden bowls, cutting boards, or trays will add a natural and cohesive feel to your decor.
While plush throws add a cozy accent during winter, it’s time to bring a lighter fabric to your seating! Thinner, lightly woven throws are a great way to combine texture and comfort in your living room and bedroom.
10. Refresh Color & Pattern
Making your home an extension of the patterns and colors that bring you joy remains key for a balanced home life. Update the textiles throughout your home to reflect the light, bright feeling that comes with the arrival of spring. You can go bold with print or stick to a neutral palette with details such as pillows, vases, artwork, and wallpaper. Follow your heart! Click here for a deeper dive into 2023-24 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.