Spring Into Action: Simple Ways to Improve Areas You Use Everyday

Refresh, organize, and prepare your home with these essential tips for a seamless transition from winter to spring.

Spring is a time of renewal – embrace it by refreshing and organizing your home and preparing for the rejuvenating season ahead.

Think of it as a fresh start, a chance to shed your winter coat (and store it appropriately) while you welcome spring with open arms – and an even more welcoming, well-prepared home.

So get that garage door open and let’s dive into our 8 practical tips to prepare for the sunnier days ahead!

1. Garage

As the hub for tools, gear, and seasonal items, it’s easy for your garage to become cluttered during the winter months. Use this as an opportunity to clear the chaos and make your garage work for you before yardwork, landscaping, and your partner have you working for them:

• Create a Functional Space: Add hooks, baskets, or shelves in your garage for tools, lawn supplies, and outdoor toys. Having everything in its place makes yard work more efficient.
  
  
• Store Seasonal Items: Pack away holiday decor and winter gear in labeled storage bins or vacuum-sealed bags to save space.

Marie Kondo, of Netflix’s ‘Tidying Up with Marie Kondo’ fame, recommends clear containers as they allow you to easily see what's inside and maintain a tidy space by visually identifying items without needing to rummage through containers; essentially, making it easier to find what you need and declutter by seeing everything at a glance.

2. Concrete

Take a stroll around your yard and assess what winter left behind. Notice anything new? Maybe some fallen branches here, lawn damage there, and… Where in the world did those cracks come from?! Likely, freeze-thaw cycles, which are also responsible for the “sudden” or extreme sunken spots.

• Lift Settled Slabs: Spot uneven concrete? Don’t wait! Concrete leveling methods like foam lifting or stone slurry grout leveling can fix it without the mess of replacement. Request a free onsite estimate today!
  
  
• Caulk Cracks:  Freezing and thawing can cause concrete to shift and crack. Get cracks caulked to help prevent erosion and future settling.
  
  
• Clean Dingy Surfaces: Rent a pressure washer or hire professional concrete cleaning services to remove built-up grime for a fresh look.
  
  
• Seal to Protect Your Investment: Sealing concrete helps it last as long as possible by creating a protective barrier against water, salt, and stains. Plus, you didn’t just clean your entire concrete surface to let it get dirty again, did you?

Pro Tip: The weather doesn’t have to play nice for concrete leveling. These repairs can be done even in cold weather!

3. Landscaping

Whether you're planting a new garden, refreshing your lawn, or tidying up the edges, a little planning and maintenance can go a long way in creating a picturesque outdoor space:

• Add Soil Around Concrete: Soil around your concrete can settle over time. Add fresh soil to the edges of the slabs to help prevent erosion and settling by directing water further from the concrete.
  
  
• Map Out Your Garden: Make a plan for this year’s vegetables and flowers before visiting the nursery – your wallet will thank you!
  
  
• Prepare Garden Gear: Stock up on garden gloves, pruning shears, seed starting supplies, and plant food. Organize these in a waterproof container for easy access.

Pro Tip: Need help getting a green thumb? Find your local cooperative extension service for gardening classes and resources to help get your garden off the ground – and thriving, too!

4. Home Exterior

Spring offers the perfect opportunity to inspect and refresh key elements of your home’s exterior so it’s prepared for the seasons ahead:

• Roof, Siding & Gutters: Look for signs of winter wear and schedule repairs before spring rains make things worse. If you’re already on your way to grab the ladder, be safe!
  
• Drainage Awareness: Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and direct water away from your foundation with downspout extensions.
  
  
• Outdoor Fixtures: Test garden hoses, faucets, and lights to make sure they’re ready for action.
  
  
• Wash Windows: Use a streak-free glass cleaner or a vinegar-water solution to clean the inside and outside of your windows. Don’t forget to tackle tracks and frames to remove grime and improve functionality.
  
  

5. Entryways

With unpredictable weather comes muddy paws and muddy shoes. Your entryway space can quickly become cluttered or messy. A few proactive updates will not only keep things organized but also ensure your home stays clean and ready to welcome guests:

• Swap Out Winter Gear: The space in entryways can already act as a funnel without the clutter of season-specific attire occupying hooks. Create a winter container and give it an accessible, but out-of-the-way home in the garage!
  
  
• Rainy Day Prep: Create a grab-and-go station by the entryway for umbrellas, raincoats, and waterproof boots. A shoe rack or tray is perfect for keeping wet shoes off clean floors.
  
  
• Mats and Rugs: Keep doormats at every entrance to trap mud and moisture. Invest in weatherproof mats for outdoor use and machine-washable rugs indoors. Keep a basket of cleaning towels nearby.
  
  

6. Living Spaces

Your living spaces are the perfect place to reflect the season’s fresh and vibrant energy. As you transition from winter’s cozy vibes, take the time to refresh your home’s interior:

• Deep Clean & Declutter: Dust those forgotten corners, wash heavy fabrics, and sort through unused winter items for donation. Don’t forget to replace your air filter!
  
  
• Cleaning Kit: To help make that deep clean a breeze, assemble a caddy with microfiber cloths, glass cleaner, dusting spray, and multi-surface wipes.
  
  
• Decor Refresh: Swap holiday decor for pastel tones, floral prints, and earthy accents. Personally, I’ll be replacing those cinnamon candles with breezy, floral-scented ones!
  
  

7. Basement

Your basement is more than just extra storage space – it plays a critical role in supporting your home. With spring showers on the horizon, take proactive steps to prevent water damage and prepare for fluctuating temperatures:

• Grade Soil Away From Foundation: Soil settles over time and allows water to pool near your home. Add fresh soil and grade it so that it directs water away from the foundation.
  
  
• Sump Pump Check: Test your sump pump to ensure it’s operational before the rain starts pouring. Back it up with a battery-powered option if you’re in a flood-prone area.
  
  
• HVAC Prep: Schedule a service to ensure your heating and cooling systems can handle spring’s mood swings.

Pro Tip: Cleaning gutters regularly can help prevent basement leaks. Overflowing water can dump right next to the foundation and seep into the basement when it rains.

8. Backyard

Dream up the ultimate outdoor entertainment space and create an inviting backyard to host spring gatherings:

• Lighting: Hang string lights, lanterns, or solar-powered path lights to add ambiance to your yard or patio.
  
  
• Comfort: Arrange weatherproof cushions and an outdoor rug to cozy up your seating area. Add side tables for drinks and snacks.
  
  
• Cooking Prep: Clean your grill thoroughly and stock up on charcoal, propane, or wood for your first spring BBQ – the last thing you want is a house full of hungry guests while you make a last-minute trip to get the necessary materials.
  
  
• Bug Protection: Plan to purchase citronella candles, bug zappers, or mosquito-repellent plants like lavender and marigold to keep pests at bay.

Spring Forward With a Fresh Start

It’s never too late to have your home refreshed and ready to bloom. Whether it’s addressing winter’s effects on your concrete or planning for outdoor fun, these steps will help you leave the cold behind and embrace the warmth of spring ahead. 🌷

Ready to tackle uneven concrete or learn more home care tips? Visit Concrete Academy for expert advice, or request a free estimate with a member of the A-1 Concrete Leveling team near you to learn more about repair and maintenance and solutions tailored to your needs.