Spring To Do List: Prepping Your Home for a Stress-Free Summer
As the days get longer and the temperatures start to rise, Spring is the perfect time to show your home a little love. After a long winter, a bit of maintenance can go a long way in making sure you’re ready to enjoy summer without stress. Here’s a handy checklist of things you can do around your house this spring to get everything in shape for the sunny season ahead:
1. Clean Out the Gutters
Winter storms can leave your gutters full of leaves, twigs and debris. Clean them out to prevent overflow and water damage when those spring rains come rolling in.
2. Service Your A/C Unit
You do not want to find out your air conditioning isn’t working on the first hot day of summer. Schedule a professional tune-up or if you’re handy, clean or replace the filter, check the thermostat and inspect for leaks.
3. Check Your Outdoor Lighting
Longer days mean more time outside! Walk around your property at dusk and test all outdoor lights…porch lights, motion sensors and landscape lighting. Replace any bulbs and check for exposed wiring or fixtures damaged by winter weather.
4. Wash and Inspect the Exterior
Give your home’s exterior a good rinse to remove dirt and grime. While you’re at it, look for cracks in the foundation, chipped paint or signs of pest activity. It’s better to catch these early than mid-summer when repairs can be more urgent (and expensive).
5. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Spring is a great time to check that all your detectors are working and have fresh batteries. Bonus points if you vacuum them to get rid of dust buildup!
6. Prep Your Lawn and Garden
Clear away dead plants, prune shrubs and start seeding or fertilizing your lawn. Now’s also the time to check your sprinkler system for any leaks or broken heads.
7. Inspect Your Electrical Panel
If you’ve got big summer plans…maybe a pool, hot tub or even just lots of backyard barbecues…it’s a good idea to make sure your electrical panel can handle the load. If breakers trip often or you hear buzzing, call a trusted electrician.
8. Clean Windows and Screens
Let the sunshine in! Wash windows inside and out, and repair or replace any torn screens. This will help you enjoy fresh air without bugs sneaking in.
9. Seal Windows and Doors
Even in summer, drafts can affect your energy bills. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps around windows and doors to keep the cool air in and the hot air out.
10. Get Your Deck or Patio Ready
Sweep away leaves, scrub surfaces and inspect for loose boards or nails. It’s also a great time to re-stain or reseal wood to protect it from the summer sun and rain.
Wrap-Up: A Little Work Now = A Lot More Relaxation Later
Checking items off your Spring to do List sets you up for a smoother, more enjoyable summer. Think of it as spring cleaning for your entire home, not just the closets. A few weekends of elbow grease now means more time for cookouts, vacations and poolside lounging later.