They say April showers bring May flowers, and it also brings the checklist you’ve been putting off but need to address before your fair-weather activities ramp up. Read up on how to get your home in order before your schedule fills up, and settle into the upcoming warm weather with peace of mind!
1. Inspect your sidewalks and driveway
Repeated freezing, thawing, and application of ice melt can wreak havoc on your walkways. Take this chance to thoroughly inspect all surfaces and make note of any cracks or holes that need filled. There are many patching options to choose from, depending on the material of the existing walkways.
2. Wash your garbage and recycling cans
Often an overlooked item on the chores list, your trash cans need to be cleaned too. Take all your bins outside (don’t forget the bathroom!) and spray them down with the cleaning solution of your choice. Let sit for a few minutes before tackling with a scrub brush to remove any stubborn residue, and rinse out with your garden hose. Leave sitting outside and upside-down to dry completely.
3. Check the batteries & change the filters
With smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and HVAC filters being more “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” than other home systems, it’s easy to overlook maintenance for them. Test all batteries and replace your air filters to ensure all your systems are in good working condition and are performing efficiently.
4. Cut down on clutter
Take a weekend to go through every room of your house and gather items you no longer use, like, or need and sort into three piles — sell, donate, and trash. Make sure to actually drop off your donations that weekend, to avoid driving around town with them in your trunk until June. If you have a lot of things to sell, set a date for a garage sale. Bonus tip: team up with your neighbors or friends to host a large sale, order some pizzas, fill the cooler with ice, and make the most out of spending your weekend sitting in your driveway. Anything that’s left over at the end of the sale can be dropped off at your local donation center.
5. Spruce up the front porch.
Fill a bucket with warm water and a mild solution (a teaspoon of powdered Tide to a gallon of hot water works wonders!), grab some clean rags, and don your rubber gloves. Starting from the top and working your way down, clear the cobwebs from the corners, wipe down your front door, and your front windows. Add a new doormat to welcome springtime into your life.
Take this opportunity to also wipe down your outdoor furniture and launder any cushions, if you haven’t already. Future-you will thank you!
6. Wash windows
We’ve all been craving that sunshine, so let it in by removing dirt and grime from your windows. There are countless ways to tackle this task, but our favorite is this tutorial by GoCLeanCo. Pressed for time? A simple glass cleaner, window squeegee, and clean rag will get the job done.
7. Inspect & clean your screens
Dust and pollen tend to build up on your window and door screens, earning it a place on this spring cleaning list. For a quick cleaning, run a vacuum with a dusting attachment over the entire surface of your screens. For a deeper clean, check out another tutorial by GoCleanCo that is super satisfying to watch and will make you want to wash every screen in your house. Have any tears or snags? Make sure to keep the creepy-crawlies out with a screen patch kit.
8. Tidy your garage
The garage tends to become a catch-all during the winter months. Take advantage of the warm(ish) weather to remove everything from the space, sweep the entire floor, and install new wall-mounted storage if needed. Go through all the contents and dispose of anything you don’t need anymore, and organize what’s left over into categories that make sense to you and your lifestyle.
If you’re planning to add new storage, make sure to order your system soon to have in time for your garage clean-out. Build your new system with OrganizedLiving.com and bring your product list to your local Kenyon Noble to place your order today!
9. Order new outdoor furniture
If you’re in the market for outdoor furniture, now is the time to place any special orders to ensure you have it in time for the warm weather. Sick of buying flimsy plastic chairs every year? Consider a new weatherproof option like Polywood outdoor furniture, made from recycled plastics and boasting a 20-year warranty. Choose from a wide selection of styles, from adirondacks for your balcony to full dining sets to host all summer long — Polywood has what you’re looking for! Pre-order today at the Bozeman location.
10. Clean gutters and downspouts.
Clogged gutters can cause a whole mess of problems for you down the road, and it’s easy to overlook during the winter months. Take a few minutes to clean them out and get everything draining properly. Afraid of heights? Get on the schedule with your local handyman and avoid any roofing or siding damage down the road.
While do-it-yourself projects can be fun and fulfilling, there is always a potential for personal injury or property damage. We strongly suggest that any project beyond your abilities be left to licensed professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk, and we assume no responsibility or liability for the contents of this article.