Spring is in the air, and before we know it, summer will be here. As temperatures rise and the days get longer, it’s a great idea to tackle some home and garden jobs. Springing into action now will ensure you’re ready for warmer climes. In this guide, we’ll outline some household jobs to begin now to make the most of the summer holidays.
Spring cleaning
It’s impossible to write a list of household jobs to undertake in spring without including a deep clean. Cleaning your home is essential for good health and hygiene, but it can also make an incredible difference to your mental well-being. Clutter-free, fresh, bright living spaces can help to lower stress levels and maximize your enjoyment of your home.
To embark upon a spring clean, the first place to start is a thorough clearout. Before you begin polishing and vacuuming, it’s an excellent idea to seize the opportunity to clear out your clutter and get rid of anything you don’t want or need. Go through each room, including attics and garages. Raid boxes and crates, sift through drawers and cupboards and create a series of piles. Place items you want to keep on one, things you’d like to sell on another, stuff to donate on another and anything you want to chuck away on the final pile. Once you’ve decided what you’re hanging onto, the next job is to find a home for every item. If you’re short on storage, upgrading storage is an effective way to save time and energy on keeping your home neat and tidy. Maximize vertical storage and wall space if you don’t have floor space available, and use hacks, such as over-the-door racks, furniture with hidden drawers and cupboards and hanging rails and shelves.
After decluttering and tidying your home, you can start cleaning. Work through a list of jobs, including brushing and vacuuming, wiping surfaces and mopping floors. Use targeted products for bathrooms and kitchens. Clean your windows, dust corners and skirting boards and clear out your kitchen units, cupboards and pantry shelves. Throw any food that is out of date away and organize your shelves and drawers. Once you’ve finished inside, move outside. Dust and wash down your outdoor furniture, brush patios and driveways and remove any debris. Clear the gutters and make sure pathways, decks and terraces are clean.
Prepping your backyard
Spring is an ideal time of year to prep your backyard and give it some TLC. Many of us tend to neglect our gardens during the winter when it’s cold and wet and there’s not much in the way of color and vibrancy. As it warms up and the sun appears more frequently, bulbs bloom and flowers start to appear, making gardening a much more appealing activity.
Preparing your garden now will help you create a beautiful al fresco space for the summer and ensure you can enjoy the long, hot days ahead. Key jobs include mowing the lawn, planting, removing weeds, clearing beds, patios and pathways, trimming hedges and bushes and inspecting your trees. It’s beneficial to seek expert advice if you notice signs of decay, you have several broken or damaged branches, or your trees have grown quickly and are taking over your garden. Always consult a tree removal expert before attempting DIY trimming or removal. Any form of tree surgery should be carried out by experienced professionals who have access to specialist equipment and tools. Clearing and trimming trees can help you maximize natural light and usable space.
The next job for your backyard is adding color and interest. There are many ways to design a more inviting and attractive space, particularly during the warmer months when it’s easier to grow plants and flowers. Planting is a brilliant way to breathe new life into drab, uninspiring gardens. You can plant trees and flowers in beds or use planters, such as troughs, buckets, baskets and contemporary containers. Choose flowers and containers that complement the vibe and theme of your garden. Wildflowers are ideal for rustic, charming cottage-style gardens while potted trees work well in modern backyards. Another excellent option is to use accessories to give your garden style and personality. Examples include soft furnishings, planters, outdoor lights and LED candles, vases, ornaments and tableware.
Creating a seating area is a fantastic way to make the most of al fresco living areas throughout the year. You can choose from benches, picnic tables, formal dining sets, couches, hammocks, floor cushions and bean bags, depending on your style preferences, the type of zone you want to create and your budget. During the spring and summer, opt for lightweight, natural materials and neutral or bright colors. When it gets cool, add coziness with heavier fabrics, soft lighting and warming colors. You can also use patio heaters, a fire pit, blankets and throws to stay toasty.
Painting
Painting your home is a simple, affordable way to embrace and channel new interior design trends or freshen up the exterior of the property. If you’re painting the walls, browse color charts, test different shades in natural light and prepare the surface in advance. Wipe the walls, sand them and then apply a coat of primer. Cover your furniture or move everything out of the room to prevent splashes and stains. Use a roller to apply paint to large areas and brushes to tackle smaller and more intricate areas. Allow time for the first coat to dry before adding more paint. If you’re covering a darker color, you may need several layers.
If you’re adding new colors, you can choose between painting some or all of the walls or creating a statement wall. If you have a small space, it’s best to stick to light tones. If you have white or neutral walls, you can inject splashes of color with accessories, appliances, furniture or wall art. Many of us gravitate towards fresh, crisp tones during spring and summer. Popular choices include mint, pistachio, sage, white, cream, pastel blue, pale pink, lemon and beige tones.
Painting the outside of your home may be a bigger and more complex task than covering the walls inside the house. If you’re taking on this job yourself, prepare the surfaces and make sure you have the right paint. You’ll need outdoor paint, which can withstand the elements. It’s also essential to ensure you have the right tools and equipment. If you’re not confident in your abilities, you’re short on time, or you don’t fancy clambering up ladders, contact local businesses that specialize in exterior painting. It’s wise to research online and ask around for recommendations. Compare quotes and read reviews before you decide who to hire. A fresh coat of paint can make a big difference to the appearance of your home, adding curb appeal.
Maximizing natural light
During the winter, it’s natural to want to stay in and get cozy. We tend to opt for heavy materials, rich, warming colors and soft, romantic lighting. As spring gets into full swing and summer approaches, it’s a great idea to freshen up your home and maximize natural light. Take full advantage of the sunshine. Switch the lights off and let light flood your home. Open the curtains and blinds wide, angle your furniture to face windows and doors, hang mirrors on the walls and choose light colors for your walls and floors. Keep clutter to a minimum and use storage solutions to maintain a tidy home with minimal effort.
Adding plants
Adding plants to your home makes living spaces feel more vibrant in an instant. It can also be beneficial for your mental well-being and it creates a beautiful focal point. There is a vast range of houseplants available to suit every space. From bijou bathrooms to chic, contemporary kitchens and cool home offices, you can use plants to enhance aesthetic appeal, lift your mood and improve air quality. Studies show that plants can boost productivity and lower cortisol levels, which reduces stress. Popular examples of indoor plants include aloe vera, yuccas, snake plants, spider plants, peace lilies, and ferns. If you’re a novice indoor gardener, always follow the instructions when you buy plants from a garden center. In most cases, all you need to do is choose the right spot and water your plant regularly. Some prefer direct sunlight while others need shade. Watering frequency may vary. Check which plants are suitable if you have pets. Some, such as the lily, tulip, lily of the valley, oleander and castor bean, are toxic to cats and dogs.
Spring is finally here. After a long winter, many of us are feeling energized and uplifted by blue skies, sunshine and the promise of longer, warmer days on the horizon. If you’ve got a spring in your step, it’s a brilliant time to tackle household jobs. From spring cleaning and freshening up the paintwork inside and outside your home to preparing your backyard and embracing spring/summer interior design trends, you can use your energy and enthusiasm to make your home look and feel fabulous.
