Spring is right around the corner, and while we’re waiting for warmer weather to arrive, ask yourself: is your home spring-time ready? If you’re not sure, here are some simple steps to prepare your home for the warmer weather!

1: Clean Out Those Gutters

There’s no better time than just before spring’s arrival to make sure your gutters are clear and ready to go! So grab your work gloves, hop on up a ladder, and get down to business. If that doesn’t sound like your kind of thing, you can always hire a professional. The important part is that the work gets done, no matter who does it.

2: Replace Old Filters

Filters are never the first thought on anyone’s mind but they do still need to be replaced. Generally, you should replace them twice a year or more, depending on the type of filters you use. Check and replace the refrigerator water filter, range hood filter, and charcoal filter on the bottom of the microwave.

3: Clean Out the Dryer Vent

One of the unseen dangers in a home is a clogged dryer vent. It seems innocuous but it can quickly cause a fire if you’re not careful. The process to clean it is simple, luckily. Also, check the flapper at the roof vent, if accessible. Sometimes lint build-up can cause partial blockages.

4: Declutter the Garage, Attic, or Basement

These are spaces in the house that we’re all guilty of setting random items down and forgetting. If you’re not careful, those items can quickly turn into entirely overwhelming heaps of clutter. Stay on top of things by decluttering these spaces as needed before spring. You’ll feel better once the job is done.

5: Get Your Garden Prepared

A great part of the seasons changing is that you can get out and garden again. Get your garden prepared for flowers, produce, or other plants by buying all the supplies you need and making sure your soil is ready for planting. If an outdoor garden is too much effort, a nice house plant or indoor herb garden can really make your home feel fresher.

6: Check the Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms can only help protect you and your family if they are in full working order. To get ready for Spring, check the batteries in all of the smoke alarms and CO detectors in your home. It won’t take you very long but you’ll be glad you did if a worst-case scenario ever happens.

7: Wash Off Outdoor Furniture

Spring brings warmer weather and that means more time spent outdoors. To have a comfortable, clean place to relax outside, bring out your outdoor furniture and give it a quick wash so you’re ready to go.

8: Change Up the Decor

It can get dull looking at the same decor year-round so Spring is a great time to break out some different, exciting decorations. Change up your curtains, buy new throw pillows or blankets, or even repaint some old furniture to give it a new life. Even small changes can help get you excited for the new season.

9: Purge the Refrigerator

Are there leftovers that got lost at the back of the bottom shelf slowly turning green? Condiments that are long expired? Now is the time to do a full review of the contents of your refrigerator and throw out the items that have simply gone bad. By the end, you’ll have a fresher, more spacious refrigerator ready to hold all the fun Spring ingredients you’re going to buy.

10: Wash Your Window Screens

If you took out your window screens for the fall and winter, you’ll probably have to clean them off before you can put them back on your windows. Even if they stayed up, they could probably still use a quick cleanup. A rag or sponge and some soapy water should remove any dust or buildup so you have perfectly clean, clear window screens for spring. While you are at it, give those windows a quick wash too.