Spring is around the corner and it’s a great time to get a jump on the cleaning goals you’ll need to reach to get your home ready for the warmer months ahead. If you’re planning on listing your home in the spring, it’s even more essential that you get started now to be ready in the coming months.

Here are 5 of the more cumbersome, perhaps more labor-intensive projects to focus on now, which will help you to focus on smaller, lighter, more enjoyable spring cleaning tasks in the weeks ahead.

Window Dressings – Drapes, Curtains, Blinds, and Shades

We recommend starting with the window dressings. If you have blinds and shades which remain up year-round, a quick dusting and light wipe down removes all the winter dust which has built up over the last few months. If you have drapes and curtains to switch out, make sure your spring set is laundered and ready, either in the washing machine or at the cleaners. Then when you make the switch, you’ll know you’re starting fresh.

Windows

Let the light shine in! Cleaning the windows can be truly labor-intensive and time-consuming, but once it’s accomplished, you’ll be amazed at how much more light makes it through to your living quarters. Use a streak-free solution or a homemade recipe, like equal parts hot water and white vinegar, ideally on a cloudy day, and get out the dirt and grime from winter to start fresh this spring.

Outdoor Cushions

This is an easy one to overlook and a pain to have unfinished. If beautiful spring weather comes by surprise, you’ll want to take advantage of it by heading out to your deck or porch and soaking up the sun. Don’t weigh yourself down on a beautiful day by planning to clean the cushions first! Take care of cleaning and/or washing the cushions or seat covers now. Then tuck them away in a closet so they’re ready on that first day of warm weather.

Prep the Grill

Some of us use the grill year-round, while others have it stored until the springtime beckons. Either way, this is a great time to get the grill ready for warmer weather and more frequent use. Investigate to see if it needs any repairs or parts – repair shops aren’t yet bogged down with work orders – so this is the best time to get moving. Thoroughly clean the grill racks and other components and purchase a new cover if you find the one you have is torn. Help avoid the disappointment of an unusable grill when the first nice day for outdoor dining arrives and you’re stuck by the stove.

Yardwork

It’s also time to begin prepping the yard, and starting now will ensure you’re ready for the spring planting season. Start small – remove fallen branches and twigs from the garden beds and lawn and rake away any remaining leaves. Get rid of any weeds that are already peeking through while they’re still small and manageable. Finally, take an inventory of your yard tools, and begin switching out your winter gear for summer gear in the garage, so you have what you need at your fingertips when the garden inspo bug strikes!

Taking these first steps now makes spring cleaning less time-consuming and overwhelming before the nice weather has you less motivated to succeed. Give you and your family more time to enjoy the warm weather and change of seasons by getting a jump on the biggest tasks now.

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