The arrival of the spring season brings a whole new set of tasks, chores, and other maintenance responsibilities around the home. From routine cleanings to lawn treatment and more, check out these eight tips to prepare your home for the April showers (and May flowers).
1. Clean Your Gutters
The end of winter and start of spring means that it’s time to get on your ladder and clean out your gutters.
As temperatures drop, it’s common for trees and other plants to lose their leaves. Depending on where you live and the tree coverage in your area, there’s a good chance that your gutters are full of dead leaves and pollen. If left alone, clogged gutters can cause leaks and other water damage (which could lead to costly repairs).
Working on a ladder can be dangerous. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, approximately 500,000 people are treated for ladder-related injuries annually. Thankfully, plenty of companies provide gutter-cleaning services in major cities around the country that can lend a hand.
Additionally, some solutions can mitigate buildup in your gutters. These include gutter screens and guards as well as regular maintenance. However, experts recommend that homeowners clean their gutters “at least every few years.”
2. Check Your Sprinkler System
Warmer temps and sunnier days mean thirstier grass. If you have busted sprinkler heads or they’re not facing your lawn, you could end up with dead and patchy grass.
One easy way to make sure your sprinklers are all working is to run your system. Keep an eye on each of the sprinkler heads to ensure not only that water is coming out but that they’re spraying water in the right direction.
3. Tune Up Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system is bound to work harder as the days get hotter. Having a professional tune up your system before the summer can help ensure your air conditioning runs more efficiently (and help decrease energy bills).
Likewise, this regular maintenance work can help extend the life of your AC unit. HVAC professionals can spot potential problems and proactively fix them before they cause a major issue.
4. Change Your Air Filters
Remember to change your air filters either during or after your HVAC tune-up.
Doing so can keep your home’s air clean, particularly during pollen- and allergen-heavy seasons like spring. Plus, like HVAC tune-ups, changing your air filter can help improve temperature control and energy efficiency while lowering the likelihood of a repair to your system.
Watch this easy tutorial to learn how to change your HVAC unit’s air filters.
5. Wash and Wipe Down Outdoor Furniture
Want to make the most of your outdoor spaces? Make sure your furniture is clean and ready to use!
If you keep your chairs and cushions covered during the winter, you may just need to wipe everything down before it’s ready to use. However, if you leave your furniture unprotected during the colder months, there’s a good chance they’re covered in leaves, dirt, or pollen.
Some patio cushions are easily washable, so review the instructions before launching into your routine (Better Homes & Gardens has a great, simple cleaning tutorial if you aren’t sure where to start). Likewise, you may need to sweep your patio free of dead leaves and other debris that accumulates when left unattended.
6. Declutter Your Home
A new season offers a fresh opportunity to declutter your home. This could include everything from organizing items that are left on the countertops and rearranging furniture to better suit your needs to gathering unused clothes and donating them to your charity of choice.
No matter how you approach this step, it’s sure to pay off by providing peace of mind — and can even help improve your mood and relieve anxiety.
Unsure where to start? Country Living offers a handy, nine-step guide to decluttering your home which includes sorting items into piles, creating a system, and getting rid of items quickly. Read the full guide here.
7. Tidy Up Your Garden and Landscaping
Spring is a great time to update your home’s landscaping, which can include installing sod and planting new trees, perennials, and shrubs. If you have a landscaping project in mind — even if it’s simply pruning your bushes and weeding your garden — do it in the spring!
The warmer the weather gets, the more difficult it becomes for plants to take root. Why? The soil is drier and sunlight is stronger, meaning younger plants may struggle to survive if not properly watered and treated. And while it’s not impossible to plant a successful garden in the summer, spring typically offers cooler temperatures, so you can spend more time outdoors getting everything just right.
If you’re looking for extra inspiration before you get started, Martha Stewart’s website compiled 12 essential tips for spring gardening. This comprehensive guide is exactly what you need to tackle this spring prep step.
8. Fertilize and Treat Your Grass
Think about fertilizer as vitamins for your lawn. Grass needs the essential nutrients found in high-quality fertilizers to grow strong and stay healthy.
Start fertilizing in spring or just before to ensure that your grass reaches its full potential through the rest of the year.
