Lets face it now that New Years and Valentines Day have passed we don’t have a lot to look forward to for the next couple of months.  There isn’t a better way to spend the last couple months of this frigid winter than decorating and getting your house ready for spring.  Not only will it result in your house looking excellent, but it also can be a major mood booster for those who cannot wait for winter to be over.  If nothing else it will at least pass the time until we can smell the fresh spring air again!

Here are five home care ideas to get your house ready for spring:

1. Clear Your Gutters

Now this doesn’t sound that interesting, but there are many benefits of cleaning your gutters before the spring comes. The first and most important being that it can save you a ton of money on repair costs. Inspect your downspouts and gutters before you think the first rain of the season will arrive. Make sure they are free of leaves, branches, and other waste that might cause problems later. Clogging usually happens in the elbow of the drainage system, luckily it is relatively easy to remove. Take it off and inspect for clogging, and once you do this you are well on your way to being spring-ready.

2.  Freshen Up Your Outdoor Furniture

Nothing gets you feeling like there is something to look forward to than shopping, right? A great thing to shop for right now is new outdoor furniture. You avoid the high prices of spring time and also have more time to make your selection. Plus, there is no rush to hurry and get furniture before you invite everybody over for a cookout!  If you are sticking to a tighter budget this spring you can always paint your existing furniture and buy some new cushions. You’ll be surprised how much it will look and feel like new again.

3. Repair Your Walkway

Both snow and ice can wreak havoc on your sidewalks.   After this brutal winter we are having you better be prepared for so some damage to your walkway.  Now that warmer weather will be approaching take the time to fill the cracks in your walkway. It would also be a good idea to replace loose or crumbling bricks.  Finish the job by renting a power washer or purchasing a chemical treatment to take care of those stains in the asphalt, concrete, or stone.

4. Declutter

Over winter months people tend to become bigger “pack rats” than usual.  We just don’t feel like going all the way outside to throw out an over-sized stuffed animal we just had to get at the fair.  Nothing feels better then getting rid of the many things you don’t need before the spring.  It’s like a huge weight has been lifted.  So go through your closets, cabinets, and drawers to get rid of all the things you don’t use.  The general rule is: if you haven’t used it in the last year you can probably toss it.  Let’s face it, there are going to be things you want to keep that are taking up valuable space. There is an easy solution for those type of items.  Go buy a label maker and put your excess things in boxes or bins in the basement.  Putting the boxes on shelves will them off the floor and keep your basement looking neat and organized.

5. Reinvent Your Front Door

These winter months have not been easy on your door. It has been frozen, faded, and banged around leaving it looking somewhat lackluster.  Polish your hinges and doorknob with a product such as Nevr-Dull Wadding polish.  It will bring your fixtures back to life. Adding color to your front door is also a good way to brighten up your home.  With all this snow, you haven’t been seeing anything but white and grey for a long time.  Painting or staining your door with a color that really pops could be just what the doctor ordered. Make sure whatever color you choose also complements your trim and siding, otherwise it will stand out for the wrong reasons.  Lastly put out a welcome mat and make sure your door bell works it will soon be time for those spring visitors!