As the days are getting a little longer and the sun a little warmer, most people are thinking fondly of warm summer days. You can make sure that your home and garden are summer-ready with this handy chore list.
Spring-clean your home
Spring’s a great time to make a fresh start, kicking off with a deep clean. Start by decluttering as much as you can. Recycle, give away, or sell anything that you don’t need or love. Give the same treatment to your wardrobe, getting rid of items that don’t fit, or you just don’t wear any more so that you have space to see what you do wear. With the clutter gone, you’ll be left with the space to get cleaning. Give your windows a good wash – or hire a window cleaner to do the job professionally. Air, vacuum, and flip your mattress (if you can). Give skirting boards and light fixtures a wipe down, and strip curtains and upholstery for a wash. Get a carpet cleaner to give your rugs and carpets a new lease of life.
Spruce up the garden
With the inside sparkling, it’s time to turn your attention to your garden. You may have carried out basic maintenance over the winter months, or your garden may have been neglected. Regardless, there will be plenty of work to do! Start by clearing up dead leaves and debris from the winter, before tackling the weeds. If you’re not sure what is weed and what’s a plant, get a gardener to get you started. Prune back shrubs and trees to encourage healthy growth, and plant vegetables and flowers for the oncoming months. Give garden furniture a good clean and do any repairs. Scrub down patios and decking; a jet wash can be useful.
Assess the exterior
Your home may have taken a battering from the winter storms, so make sure that you give your exterior some TLC. Clean your gutters and check them for damage and leaks. Wash down the walls and, if the paintwork is looking tired, repaint and repair as necessary. Take a good look at the roof to see if you have any loose or damaged tiles that could lead to problems down the line, and check your outdoor lights and security systems, replacing bulbs as you go.
Give your car and driveway a onceover
Fluctuating temperatures and gritty roads take their toll on vehicles. As the sun starts to shine, but frosty nights are still likely, make sure that you check your tyre pressures, top up your washer fluids, and keep de-icer in the car, just in case.
It’s remarkable the difference that a little spring spruce up can make to your home, your garden, and your sense of wellbeing. If taking care of your home feels a little overwhelming, take a look at the range of trusted, rated traders on Trust A Trader and don’t be afraid to ask for professional help. For more tips, follow us on Twitter or Facebook.