Each year, as the grass starts to turn green again and the flowers start to show in the garden, we want to start opening the windows and spending more time on our patios. But before we spring into the new season, it’s important to take care of some tasks around the house. Decluttering and dusting are common places to start, but take a look at this list of to-dos that you might not have on your checklist.
Empty Closets and Store Winter Clothes
As the seasons change, so does our wardrobe. This is the perfect chance to empty the closets, get rid of things you haven’t worn in the last year or don’t fit anymore and sort into winter v.s. spring and summer clothes. You can sell or donate clothes that are still in good condition. Organize all your warm weather pieces back in your closet and store the winter stuff properly.
Clean Upholstered Furnishings
Dust can be one of the biggest irritants, and soft goods can hold it in. Take cushions outside and gently beat them by hand to remove dust. Use a vacuum's upholstery and crevice tools to clean under seat cushions. Some pieces can also be tossed in the washing machine for a deep clean.
Wash Window Screens and Clean Window Treatments
Open windows to let the fresh air in is better when the screens are clean. Use warm water and mild dish soap, scrub each screen with a brush and rinse thoroughly. As for the window treatments, many draperies and curtains are machine washable. Wipe wooden or vinyl blinds with a damp cloth.
Properly Dispose of Old Medicine and Toiletries
It’s really easy to let the clutter build up in drawers and cabinets around the house. A great place to start is to check all of your medicine and toiletries. Get rid of any medication that is expired and throw away or donate toiletries you haven’t or won’t use.
Get Your Air Conditioning System Ready
This one is especially important since we live in Texas and know the heat will be here before we know it. While you can do this yourself, it’s much easier to hire an HVAC professional to come out for a seasonal service and clean it up.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Don’t forget about paying attention to the outside of the house. Leaving gutters and downspouts packed with leaves and pine straw not only looks messy, but it can also cause leaks, moisture and mildew problems, and rotting wood. Check for rust and loose joints on top of the cleaning to ensure a longer life for your gutters.
