Home Improvement : 11 Ways To Prepare And Clean Your Home For Spring – Jacob LePretre – Medium

Spring is one of the most wonderful times of the year, getting rid of the winter blues, short dark days and opening the door for warmer weather. But for most homeowners, you need to make sure you are prepared and covered for flood damage and other hazards which the spring time could potentially bring.

Getting your home in order before summer comes around is very important to not only keeping you organized and clean, it also helps you feel good and transition from cold to warm weather.

Certain things you should include in your spring cleaning include cleaning, organizing and prepping. The nice part about cleaning your home is that you are finally able to open your windows and allow a nice spring breeze to enter your home. Spring cleaning is more important than many people realize, setting the tone for the rest of the year.

Here are 11 ways to prepare and clean you home in the spring.

1. Clean Your Gutters And Clear Your Drains — With spring, comes rain. Whether that be from the melting snow or the constant showers. It is important to clean your gutters and clear your drains to allow everything to flow smoothly and efficiently. Clear your gutters of any leaves and debris and use your hose to clear out your downspout to ensure that nothing is clogged.

2. Replace Filters And Drier Vents — Water, vent and drier filters all gather dust and dirt throughout the year. It is recommended that you change these every four to six months, and the spring time is a great opportunity to get everything flowing clean and efficiently.

3. Clean Walls, Baseboards And Outlet Covers — A little cleaning can go a long way in your homes appearance and overall feel. By wiping down the baseboards, walls and outlet covers, your home will not only shine, it will be healthier for you by getting rid of any dust and dirt which might have gathered overtime.

4. Wash Your Windows — As with the walls and baseboards, clean windows can go a long way. Take the time to wipe and clean the outside and inside of your windows, getting rid of any hand prints, streaks and dirt, allowing the sunshine to flow into your home.

5. Clean Faucets And Shower Heads — Using a half and half vinegar and a water solution to soak your faucets and shower heads can make a huge difference in the amount of water that is being released along with ensuring how clean your water actually will be.

6. Test Smoke Alarms — Smoke alarms are so important but not as widely talked about as they used to be. Take the time to check all of your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, changing the batteries if need be. This is a simple task and can truly save you and your families life.

7. Organize You Spring And Summer Supplies — Organizing your spring and summer supplies is a great way to start off the changing seasons the right way. Getting out your clippers, lawnmower, sunscreen, beach towels, outdoor furniture and other equipment you might need or work with will help save you time later down the road, knowing where everything is and where the supplies you need are.

8. Prep Your Garden And Lawn — Prepping your lawn and garden for spring is important to the year round upkeep and health of your soil and lawn. Mowing the lawn early, adding fertilizer and raking your garden area before any plants are present are all recommended. Adding flowers and other plants in your front and back yard will also make your home look much more welcoming and happy.

9. Store Your Winter Supplies — As important as it is to get your spring and summer gear organized, you should also take the time to put away your winter supplies such as shovels, salt and ice scrapers. This will help you stay on top of all your equipment as well as find them when needed come winter time.

10. Clean Your Outdoor Furniture — This will vary depending on your yard, but cleaning your outdoor furniture is something you will want to do right away as odds are you will be using them right when the weather gets warm. Wiping down tables, properly cleaning cushions and organizing your setup are all great ways to prepare for the spring and summer.

11. Clean Your Grill — Once spring officially arrives and the weather is constantly nice and sunny, you will want to use your grill. Cleaning your grill after every use is the best way to maintain it but at the start and end of grilling season, a more deep clean should be done, assuring that any dust or dirt will no longer be present.

While there are many things to do throughout the year, spring cleaning and organizing in and around your home is so important. A clean house will also keep you healthier, both mentally and physically. Take the time to properly clean and prep your home for what might happen in the winter.

Rain is a common hazards and obstacle in the spring as well as any leftover snow will be melting. That mix causes lakes, ponds and rivers to rise which can be costly for homeowners, renters and people’s cars in those areas.

Floods and backed up sewers often cause headaches and force people to make insurance claims when these events happen.

17% of annual claims happen during the months of March to May, and 41% of all auto related claims happen during those months are due to flooding and water damage.

Knowing your coverage is so important all throughout the year but especially true during the changing of the seasons.

Water in your home can cause damage easily and quickly. FEMA even estimates that a single inch of water can cause up to $25,000 in damage in your home. Floors may need to be ripped out and replaced, doors can get ruined and any other belongings you might have such as a treadmill or gaming systems may be wrecked.

Having proper coverage is the best way to ensure that you and your home and belongings stay safe and protected. Most standard home insurance plans do not cover typical flood coverage, this is something many homeowners do not even realize. Only 12% of homeowners have a flood insurance plan.

But if you look at the numbers, the amount of damage that can happen in a short amount of time is huge compared to the little amounts you will pay for additional coverage.

Keep in mind that all insurance plans vary for everyone. Just because one plan works for you, doesn’t mean that it will work for everyone. Take the time to talk with insurance companies and find the best home insurance companies in your area, keeping you covered no matter what season it is.