We are just as excited as you are that Spring has finally arrived!  Spring time is full of so many wonderful things such as longer periods of daylight, the blooming of plants and trees, and of course there’s Spring repair and cleaning.  Now you may cringe at those two words but as you know, protecting and repairing your home keeps it looking beautiful and in great shape.

And we’re here to make your life easier!  Firstly, we have an outdoor checklist to help keep you on track.  Secondly, we have some tips and strategies to make the cleaning process more streamlined and manageable. So let’s get started!

Outdoor Springtime Checklist

• Tour house and exterior grounds.  Make a list of any needed maintenance.
• Sweep porches and walkways
• Wash siding, thresholds, and exterior doors.  It may simply work with a garden hose and a deck brush.  For the best results, we recommend power washing.
• Clean or replace welcome mat.
• Inspect, clean, and repair outdoor furniture.
• Inspect light fixtures: wash covers and check for damaged wires and connections.
• Clear away any dead foliage and weeds from beds and lawn.
• Inspect the roof for winter damage: leaks, missing or broken shingles or tiles.  If you don’t have access, we recommend contacting your local roofer for inspection.
• Scrape, prime, and paint any peeling spots on trim or woodwork.  You’ll not only be making a difference cosmetically but also protecting the wood from damage due to changing temperatures and moisture.
• Identify any rotting wood trim or siding and have it removed and replaced before it becomes a bigger issue.
• Begin your landscaping projects while it’s cooler and the soil is damp and pliable.  Trees, plants, and shrubs make a huge difference in adding curb appeal.
• Lastly, remember to have fun doing it.  The outside of your home is there to protect you year round so it’s always a good idea to inspect, repair, and clean your biggest asset.

2. Assemble a team–  If your family is willing and able, get them to work with you as a team.  And there’s always your friends.

3. Gather your supplies – Spend the week before spring cleaning begins gathering up the supplies you’ll need. 

4. Plan ahead for time-consuming tasks– If you’re planning any time-consuming tasks, set aside extra time outside of your actual spring cleaning schedule.

5. Focus on one task at a time – Simply put.

6. Recognize your progress – A large list is daunting but once you begin to see things crossed out you’ll feel you’re making a dent.

7. Be realistic – hard work takes time, but know that the satisfaction from a job well done is around the corner.

8. Take breaks – You’re not a machine, and everyone deserves a break.

9. Prepare snacks and meals ahead of time – Refuel without creating even more work for yourself.  Think of easily put-together meals.

10. Get ready to jam – Remember to have fun, so make that I-tunes playlist or break out those vinyl records.  Music keeps you moving!