9 Simple Projects to Get Your Home Ready for Spring

There is nothing more satisfying than that first spot of sunshine after a long, gray winter. Not only does it lift the spirits, but it also offers a much-needed burst of energy as homeowners emerge from hibernation. Abandoned house and yard projects from the previous year feel not only attainable but (dare we say it?) enjoyable. Before you know it, you have a list longer than the 100 days of winter you just survived.

Allow us to simplify. Follow these 9 simple projects to maximize your time while sprucing up your house for spring, then you can save some of that sunshine for yourself.

Tackle the Green Spaces

This one is always a favorite place to start. What feels more spring-y than weeding a garden? Grab your rake and get to work removing dead leaves and foliage, being careful not to damage any roots or stalks of still-sleeping perennials. Once that is complete, break up the ground around existing plants, mixing in composted material or fertilizer to help balance the soil and get it ready for seeding or transplants.

Plan & Replant

Once your garden areas are cleared, sit down and make a plan for replanting. Calculate how many plants you will need to fill the available spaces, taking into account the amount of sunlight or shade in each area to make sure each variety is given what it needs. Check out our list of easy to grow options that might make next spring even simpler! If your sights are set on a vegetable garden, take a peek at The Farmer’s Almanac Companion Planting Guide to confirm the plants you are planning on actually want to partner. This is also a great resource to assist in planting schedules based on the calendar year and your climate zone.

Power Wash Everything

Once the green spaces are taken care of, it’s time to get the buildings in order. Break out that power washer from the back of your garage, and don’t stop until every bit of last year has been washed away. Clean off the house, tool shed, pole barn, boat, RV, sidewalks, driveway, kid’s playset, and every lawn ornament. Anything that can be power washed should be washed until it sparkles. You’ll appreciate all your hard work when you get to the next project.

Brush On a New Coat of Paint

Once every surface is clean, you can finally see which ones are in need of a new coat of paint. It is remarkable how much value-add comes from a good paint job, especially on a home’s exterior. Pay close attention to any additional structures on the property, as well, as coordinating color schemes and timely refreshes keeps everything cohesive.

Clean Out the Gutters

It is essential to clean out the gutters before all those spring showers arrive. This is also the time to ensure that downspouts are clear and in alignment with where run-off is intended to go. It may also prove beneficial to research alternative options like rain barrels and/or rain chains to help collect water for your green spaces and bring added sustainability.

Make Those Windows Shine

Now that it’s sunny again, don’t you want to be able to actually see outside? The harsh winter weather, along with spring’s pollen bloom, have likely riddled your windows with a thick film. Now is the time to wipe it all away. Grab the paper towel or an old, holey t-shirt and get to scrubbing. Not a fan of store-bought chemicals? It is easy to make your own solution at home. Bob Vila recommends this homemade window cleaning solution for a streak-free shine that only requires three ingredients.

Tidy Up the Driveway

Whether you are working with asphalt, concrete, gravel, or sand, chances are your driveway might need a little love after a long winter. A reseal always freshens up curb appeal, but for those with gravel or dirt drives (especially those requiring snowplowing) you may need to bring in fresh material from time to time for patching projects. Potholes and dips can form over time, decreasing both the form and function of your home’s driveway, so these fixes should be handled every couple of years to prevent the need for larger, more costly remedies.

Fix Any Visibly Broken Items

The winter can be harder on our homes than we realize. Spring is the time to get back outside and take a good look around, so before tossing your to-do list in the trash, make sure you aren’t missing anything obvious like a busted mailbox or missing house number. Outdoor lights and electrical outlets should be looked over annually, as well as the roof to verify it survived any ice dams or heavy snow.

Add Something Fresh

Now for the fun part! To top off your list of projects, give yourself a little treat at the end by adding something new (or new-to-you) to your home. Once the heavy lifting and deep cleaning is done, throw a little style around. Invest in that porch swing you’ve always wanted or replace outdoor furniture cushions. Add hooks and hanging baskets to the porch or affix window boxes along the back of the house to beautify your yard. Whatever you choose to signal the completion of spring cleaning, remember to keep it simple so you have enough time remaining to play in the long-awaited sunshine.