Spring Cleaning Tips and Home Maintenance Ideas

Declutter and Deep Clean Inside

Go through each room and identify items you no longer need. This could include old clothes, unused electronics, and outdated decor. Consider donating or recycling these items instead of simply throwing them away.

Once you've decluttered, it's time to get serious about cleaning. Begin at the top of each room and work your way down. This way, any dust or debris will naturally fall to areas you haven't cleaned yet.

Spring is the perfect time to give your appliances some extra attention:

Refrigerator: Remove all items from your fridge and wipe down the shelves and drawers. Clean the exterior, including the appliance's top, back, and refrigerator coils.

Oven and Stove: Use a heavy-duty cleaner to remove baked-on grime. Don't forget the oven door and stove burners.

Microwave: A mixture of water and vinegar heated in a microwave-safe bowl will help loosen microwave grime, making it easier to wipe away.

Spring is also a good time to clean your dryer vent. Clogged dryer vents are one of the leading causes of home fires. Consider hiring a professional if you're unsure how to clean your dryer vent safely.

Wash Windows

Fresh, clean windows can make your home feel brand new. Don't neglect the window tracks and screens. Consider hiring a window cleaner if your windows are up high.

Test Your Fire Alarms

Test all fire alarms and replace batteries if needed. It's recommended to change these batteries twice a year.

Tidy Outdoors

Outdoor areas can gather a lot of debris during winter. To make these areas enjoyable and safer, use a broom to sweep off leaves, dirt, and other debris from walkways, patios, and decks. Take the time to declutter your yard. Clear out old plant debris, broken lawn ornaments and furniture, and any other clutter that has accumulated over the winter.

Clean Gutters

Debris-filled gutters can cause water damage to your home. After cleaning your gutters or having them professionally cleaned, check that water is flowing properly.

Inspect the Roof

Springtime can offer good weather to inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles, which could lead to leaks. If you're uncomfortable doing this yourself, hire a professional to check it out.

Check for Foundation and Driveway Cracks

Cracks can develop during winter due to freeze-thaw cycles in some areas. Inspect your home's foundation and driveway. Repair any cracks to help prevent further damage and maintain structural integrity.

Maintain Your HVAC System and Water Heater

Schedule a professional inspection for your HVAC system and water heater. Regular maintenance can help prevent breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your equipment.

Dirty air filters can decrease the efficiency of your HVAC system and lower the quality of your indoor air. Replace the filters in your HVAC system to improve air quality and help extend the life of your system.

Trim Trees and Shrubs

Overgrown vegetation can obscure your home's beauty and pose a risk during storms. Trim back any overhanging branches or overgrown shrubs to keep your property looking good and safe.

Prepare Your Lawnmower

Before the growing season starts, make sure your lawnmower is ready to go. Check the blades to ensure they're sharp, and top off the oil and gas if needed.

Review Your Home Insurance Coverage

Spring is a good time to look at your homeowners insurance policy. Ensure it provides the right coverage for your needs, especially in light of any home improvements or new purchases you've made. It's also a good time to review other relevant insurance policies, like flood insurance or insurance for high-value items.

Take Updated Pictures and Videos of Your Home

When it comes to obtaining a homeowners insurance policy, up-to-date documentation can be key. Taking photos and videos of your home can significantly help support any claims in the event of a loss.

Take clear, detailed photographs of every room, including valuable items. Remember to photograph exterior structures like garages, sheds, fences, and landscaping features. Conduct a thorough video walkthrough of your home. Narrate the video, pointing out valuable items and any unique features.