Ultimate Guide to Get Your Home Ready for Spring
There are an endless number of tips to get your home ready for spring. I won’t share all of them here. But there are some things that you can do to save yourself a headache later.
Spring really is the best time to do a lot of these things. Either winter could have caused damage or you need to make sure everything is up and running when sweltering summer temperatures arrive. You’re probably also going to be doing some version of spring cleaning and it’s just easier to do them together.
First things first
Smoke alarms
Change the batteries in your smoke alarms. This is something I do when daylight savings time starts in the spring and because I’ve linked it with another event, it’s a lot easier to remember. (You’ll also want to change those batteries again when daylight savings time ends in the fall.) Safety first!
Air filters
If you’re only changing your air filters twice a year make sure you change them at the same time you change your smoke alarm batteries. It’s much easier to remember how long it’s been since you changed them when you’re on a set schedule. If you aren’t changing them at least twice a year you should be. The quality of the air you breathe is important and I know, filters can be pricey. But they’re a small price to pay for the health of you and your family.
Clean vents
You should be giving your vents a quick once-over fairly often to remove dust and debris that can get blown into the air. But make sure to clean them well each time you change the air filters. You want to start with as much of a clean slate as you can when it comes to your air. Clean the vents.
Repair door/window screens
While we’re talking about fresh air, let’s talk about window screens. Spring weather can be a great time to open up the windows and let the breeze flow through. But if you don’t want anything else coming in the house you’d better check your screens. Make sure to repair any ripped screens around the house so you can enjoy the fresh air when the time comes.
Check gutter and downspouts
If your house is as surrounded by trees as mine, you’re probably already doing this more than you’d like. But for good reason. If blockages keep rain from draining properly it can cause water to build up in places it shouldn’t and ultimately cause foundation issues. No one wants that, so as much of a pain as it might be to climb up that ladder, or pay for someone else to do it, make sure your gutters are clear before the rainy season sets in. You’ll thank yourself later.
Check your sprinkler system
Most people put their sprinkler systems on hold over the winter so it’s imperative to check it before you need it. Depending on your winter weather, it could have been submerged in snow or ice that could have wreaked havoc on exposed parts. Making sure that everything is in working order should be quick and easy, then you can rest assured that your sprinkler system will be there when you need it.
Check for signs of termites
Spring is most definitely termite season. It’s good to know what termites look like. Not knowing could cost you time in calling an exterminator and damage to your home. Check for any damage and if anything looks questionable, call a professional. Don’t wait.
Get rid of standing water in the yard
When things start warming up in the spring, hoards of mosquitoes are right around the corner. Make sure to eliminate any place where water can stand. Stagnate water is the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and the less water you have the better. Think of decorative items like pails and watering cans, outdoor containers, and tire swings. Drilling holes in the bottom of these items will help them drain so as not to hold water. Low lying areas of the yard where water tends to stand may also be an issue. Filing these places in with some dirt should help with runoff and pooling.
Clean patio furniture and grill
Get ready for those spring events! You don’t want to be running around last minute before your big barbecue trying to clean your outdoor furniture. Set a time to clean it (before you’ve planned any parties!) and stick to that timeline. Getting this one thing out of the way will help you be able to better plan your event AND have fun. Plus, you’ll no longer have to be afraid of an impromptu grill session with friends.
Clean out the fireplace
If you have a fireplace, chances are you’ve been using it all winter to help keep warm. Even here in Southeast Texas we use our fireplace at least a few times. You’ll want to make sure you clean out the fireplace after you’ve used it for the last time. You don’t want that leftover ashy smell wafting through while you’re trying to get fresh air through open windows. You’ll want to check it again in the fall before you start using it because who knows what can happen during the summer, but make sure you clean it in the spring. It would be best to do this before changing air filters and all that. Remember: clean slate.
Other things to do
There are a ton of other things you can do to get ready for spring.
Cleaning the dryer lint out of your dryer.
Resealing your wooden decks, fences, and driveways.
Check your roof for winter damage.
Mulch your garden beds.
Servicing your AC unit.
Get your free printable PDF of this list here: Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
I’m sure I could write a list of about 100 more things but these are the things I deem most important for my family. I hope you’re in the mood to get ready for spring because ready or not, here it comes!
And if you need to do a little spring cleaning while you’re at it make sure to check out this post.
Have a blessed week!
See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.”
Song of Solomon 2:11-13