Spring has a way of making us look at our homes differently. After months of colder weather, closed windows, heavier fabrics and less time outdoors, the arrival of longer days and warmer temperatures creates the perfect opportunity for a reset.
You don’t necessarily need a major renovation or a large budget to make your home feel fresh again. A few well-chosen jobs can improve comfort, appearance and even the way you feel about your surroundings.
Here are seven worthwhile things to tackle inside and outside your home this Spring.
- Give Your Home a Proper Spring CleanStart with the jobs that often get missed during regular cleaning.
Inside, this might include washing windows, cleaning skirting boards, wiping down walls, dusting ceiling fans, cleaning light fittings and moving furniture to vacuum underneath.
Spring is also a good time to clean curtains, blinds, rugs and upholstery. Opening windows while you work can help fresh air circulate through rooms that may have been closed up during winter.
Outside, wash down outdoor furniture, clean windows, sweep verandahs and pressure clean paths, decks or paved areas where dirt and mould may have accumulated.
- Declutter and ReorganiseSpring cleaning is much easier when there is simply less stuff in the way.
Work through wardrobes, cupboards, drawers, the pantry, garage and storage areas. Ask yourself whether you still use, need or enjoy the things taking up space.
Clothing, furniture and household items in good condition can often be donated, sold or passed on.
Decluttering can also help you rediscover storage space you had forgotten you had.
- Refresh Your Outdoor Entertaining AreasAs the weather improves, outdoor spaces tend to become part of the living area again.
Clean your barbecue, inspect outdoor furniture and cushions, remove cobwebs and consider adding a few inexpensive touches such as outdoor cushions, pots, lanterns or plants.
If you have a deck, check whether it needs cleaning, oiling or resealing. Small maintenance jobs now can make the area much more enjoyable throughout Spring and Summer.
- Get the Garden Back Into ShapeSpring is one of the best times to give your garden some attention.
Remove weeds, prune dead growth, trim shrubs and tidy garden beds. Add mulch where required and check irrigation systems before the hotter months arrive.
You might also introduce some seasonal colour with flowering plants or establish a herb and vegetable garden.
Even a few freshly planted pots near the front door can completely change the appearance of an entrance.
- Bring Spring Colours and Textures InsideYou don’t need to replace everything in a room to change its feel.
Swap heavy winter throws and cushions for lighter fabrics and brighter or softer colours. Fresh bed linen, new towels, indoor plants or even a simple vase of flowers can make a surprising difference.
Consider moving furniture around as well. Sometimes simply changing the layout can make a familiar room feel new again.
- Check Your Home Maintenance ListSpring is a useful time to inspect your home before Summer.
Check gutters and downpipes, roof areas that are safely visible, outdoor taps, flyscreens, fences, gates and exterior paintwork.
Inside, test smoke alarms, replace batteries where required, clean air-conditioning filters and look for small repair jobs that have been ignored.
Fixing minor problems early can often prevent more expensive repairs later.
- Improve Your Home’s Street AppealFinally, step outside and look at your home as though you were visiting it for the first time.
Does the front garden need trimming? Could the lawn use some attention? Does the letterbox need repainting? Could the entrance benefit from new plants, better lighting or a freshly cleaned front door?
Small improvements to the front of your property can create an immediate sense of renewal.
A Fresh Start for the New Season
Spring is ultimately about fresh air, light and new beginnings.
Rather than trying to transform your entire home in one weekend, choose a few manageable projects and work through them gradually. Clean something, repair something, remove something you no longer need and add something that makes you smile.
By the time Summer arrives, your home can feel lighter, brighter and ready for the warmer months ahead.
If this article has inspired you to think about your unique situation and, more importantly, what you and your family are going through right now, please get in touch with your advice professional.
This information does not consider any person’s objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before making a decision, you should consider whether it is appropriate in light of your particular objectives, financial situation, or needs.
(Feedsy Exclusive)