Spring is a transitional season. We’re moving away from winter and into summer, but we’re not quite there yet. The days are becoming longer, and the garden is beginning to come alive again. These few months before summer begins are an ideal time to make adjustments to your home and garden. The improvements will not only take into account the change in temperature, but also the change in lifestyle.
Climate Control
Plan your climate control before the heatwave hits. Excessive heat can make it difficult to function, and it’s sometimes impossible to sleep. A reliable air conditioning system will keep you comfortable and sane during the summer months. Read all the details from Harsters Heating & Air Conditioning to give you an idea of options. There’s nothing better than coming back to a cool, air conditioned home on a hot and sticky day. Many systems offer more than just temperature control. They include air purifiers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers.
For rooms without air conditioning, think about setting up fans. Overhead fans are ideal for the bedroom. Set them to turn anticlockwise during the summer months. Free-standing fans are also useful. To ensure the circulating air is ice-cold, place a bowl of ice cubes in front of the fan.
Home Textiles
It’s time to take down the thick curtains and throw open the windows. Review home textiles such as curtains, blinds, and cushions. Arrange for your winter textiles to be cleaned and then store them for next winter. Bring out your summer accessories and allow your home to breathe.
Interior Design
When the first rays of sun shine through the window, they can reveal a multitude of issues. If your paintwork is a little tired, this is displayed in all its shabby glory. Marks on the wall and chips become more noticeable. If your home is in need of a lick of paint, spring is a great time to do this.
Decide on whether you are going to put up wallpaper or paint and pull together some samples and charts. Go through home magazines and blogs to find inspiration. If you don’t have the budget or time for a complete overhaul, then focus on feature walls and colorful accents. This will make the room appear cleaner and fresher, without going overboard.
Declutter (Don’t Forget the Garden)
Spring is a good time of year to declutter your home and garden. In the summer months, we open the windows and let the light and heat circulate. To make the most of this, ensure your home is free from clutter. Tidy everything away and make sure you repeat this process often.
When decluttering, focus on one room at a time. Set up three bags. One is for rubbish, one is for recycling, and one is for charity. Go through all of your possessions in that room and decide what you are going to keep. Anything that is no longer useful or required will go into one of the three piles. Be ruthless in your choices. There is no point in holding onto items that you are never going to use and are never going to look at.
As you’re going through this process, don’t forget the garden and shed. As the season progresses, it’s likely you’re going to be spending more time out there. And so you want it to look as beautiful as possible.
Get rid of any garden rubbish and dispose of it in the garden waste can. Sort through your shed, tossing out any broken tools or old paint cans, etc. Only keep what is useful. If you have a greenhouse, then tidy that too.
Spruce Up Your Garden
Once the garden waste is cleared, spend some time tidying up your garden. Mow the lawns and tidy the edges. Go through your plant beds and remove dead shrubs and weeds. Apply bark chips to prevent the weeds from growing back again.
Give the yard and patio area a good sweep. Pull up any weeds that are growing between the cracks. Use a pressure washer to clean thoroughly. Clean any garden furniture and get it ready for your guests. Remove anything that is broken and can’t be fixed.
If your lawn is a looking a little brown, apply some lawn food. If you have gaps in your flower beds, then take a trip to the garden center and pick out some new blooms. For smaller spaces fill pots and containers.
During the summer months, your garden will become an outdoor room. Treat it accordingly. Apply the same scrutiny you would apply to the rest of the home.
Take out your grill and BBQ and ensure it is all in working order. Give it a good clean to prepare it for the season.
Home Maintenance
The storms and bad weather of the winter months can cause damage to your home. Check the following carefully and make repairs where necessary.
- Check your fencing for broken panels. Mend or fix as appropriate. If your fence looks a little patchy with different colored wood from fixes, apply a darker coat of fence paint. This will create a more consistent finish.
- Walk around the outside of your home and check the walls for signs of wear. Water stains on the walls could indicate a problem such as a blocked gutter or drain.
- If paintwork is peeling on the exterior of your house, give it a lick of paint.
- Check gutters are clear.
- Check the roof for missing tiles and other signs of damage. A pair of binoculars should suffice for this. Always ask an expert if you notice a problem. The loft can also indicate if there is a problem such as a leak etc. Make sure you check there too.
- When you’re checking the roof, make sure you also look at the chimney. Look for cracks, changes in position and other damage. Vegetation growing out of the chimney could indicate a water problem.
Working through this checklist in the spring will ensure your home is ready for the summer months. When the sun comes out, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the results of your hard work.