By SHERI STAFFORD
Contributing Writer

In one week from today, the long-awaited first day of spring arrives. Signs of spring including chirping birds, blossoming foliage, warming temperatures, and the shining sun, are perfect motivators to get thinking about spring cleaning. Creating a to-do list for jobs inside and outside your home will help make spring cleaning a breeze!
As you once again venture outdoors, it is time to evaluate the devastating effects winter has had on the outside of your home. Siding, gutters, and windows may appear dingy and dirty. A simple cleaning may return your home to the sparkle it once had.

Snow is beautiful, clean, and bright white, but when it starts to melt and mixes with dirt, it makes nasty slush. Dirty, gray slush gets stuck to the bottom of automobiles and ends up on the garage floor. Spring is the perfect time to clean out the garage, get rid of garage clutter, and organize. Write down each step necessary to get your garage in order and tackle each task one at a time.

Water freezing and thawing during winter can cause havoc to your driveway and other concrete walkways. Spring is a good time to assess the cracks and unevenness and make necessary repairs. Professionals are out there to help transform your driveways and make them last, which can save you money in the long run. Spring is also a good time to start on outdoor projects that have been put off. Add a new patio or walkway, make a garden, or update your landscaping. Work done in the spring usually means less watering than if completed in the summer. Most lawn applications need to be applied in the spring. Early maintenance can improve the health of your lawn all summer long.
Once you complete your outdoor to-do list, it is time to return to the inside, especially on rainy spring days.
Inside, furnaces and fireplaces have kept your home warm during the cold months. Consider having them inspected and cleaned. Hot weather will be here soon, so make sure you’re A/C is ready to run.

Pack away the boots and trade them in for flip-flops! Dirt and salt dragged in from outside are the perfect excuses to have your carpeting cleaned. There are many at-home cleaning devices that will get the job done, or hire a professional.

Say goodbye to the winter wardrobe. Donate what you didn’t wear, and have wool coats dry cleaned. To keep clothing fresh and dust free until next winter, pack in totes or cover hanging items with a garment bag and tissue paper over the shoulders.

Tackling spring cleaning can seem overwhelming, but setting goals and accomplishing tasks from your to-do list will make it more pleasant and doable. And don’t forget, there are many local businesses that are out there to help you.

Once you’ve completed your spring cleaning, you and your home will be refreshed. You can enjoy the spring flowers, read a book, fly a kite, ride a bike, take a walk, and enjoy.
See our professionals that can help you with your spring projects. Click Here for List