Ultimate homeowner spring cleaning checklist

Key insights

• Whether you plan to sell or to stay in your home for years to come, our spring homeowner checklist will help you prepare for the upcoming sunny months.
• After the snow melts, consider hiring someone to check your air conditioning unit, gutters, eaves and roof for any winter damage.
• Spruce up the exterior of your home by power-washing your siding, fixing up your driveway cracks and updating your landscaping.

As the sun begins to shine and the cold is replaced by milder weather, you know it’s time to start your spring cleaning and home maintenance routine. To ensure your home is ready for the warmer months ahead, follow this spring homeowner checklist that covers everything from maximizing your energy savings to updating your landscaping with the latest trends.

Keep in mind that high energy bills tend to sneak up on you as your air conditioning usage increases throughout these warmer months. But, you can creatively decrease your energy bills with these tips.

Check your systems and energy usage

Before that first 90-degree day hits, you’ll want to check in on your air conditioning unit. Hire a professional to make sure everything is in working order. Alternatively, you can DIY your air conditioning maintenance with these five steps, courtesy of Bob Vila:

1. Check the hose connections for leaks.
2. Ensure drain pans are draining freely.
3. Vacuum dust and debris from the unit and its base.
4. Be sure to change your HVAC filter every 1-3 months.

Keep in mind that your energy bills will increase if you liberally use your air conditioner all season long. To decrease your summer energy bills, follow these creative tips.

Clean up your gutters, eaves and roof

While it’s ideal to clean your gutters before winter arrives, it’s common for debris to reaccumulate over the winter. Grab your gloves, a bucket, a ladder and a friend (to stabilize that ladder and keep you safe!) if you want to do the dirty work yourself. Of course, you can also hire a professional to do the job.

Spring is also a great time to have your roof inspected and repaired. If you suspect winter snowstorms may have damaged shingles or seals on your roof, now’s the time to set up an appointment with an expert.

Freshen up your landscaping

Is yellowed grass bringing you down? In just a few short weeks, you can bring it back to life again! Follow these simple lawn care tips to save your lawn from the effects of our harsh midwestern winters:

• Rake the lawn to aerate the soil after the ground fully dries out.
• Spread lawn seed in patchy areas.
• Sprinkle water on the seeds weekly until they sprout.
• Aerate the soil three times once new grass appears.

Once your lawn is in tip-top shape, you can spruce up your landscaping with these DIY ideas for beginner gardeners.

Pressure wash your home’s exterior

Spring cleaning may have you decluttering your home on the inside, but it’s also time to get rid of grime on the exterior of your home. Pressure washing the siding of your home will help it shine after a winter of accumulating dirt, grime and other stains. Hire professionals to do the job, or save money by renting a pressure washer from your local hardware store and trying it out yourself. Remember to:

• Start in a less-noticeable area until you can get the hang of it.
• Try a wide-spray pattern to ensure a consistent outcome.
• Steer clear of windows and hand-wash them another day. (You can also use a low setting, but it may not be worth the risk.)

Pay attention to your garage

Once the outside of your home is ready to go, spend some time organizing your garage. This may be especially necessary if you have extra tools lying around from your spring yard work. Here are some quick tips to approaching garage organization:

• Sort items by category, such as sports, gardening, cleaning, etc.
• Pick all belongings up off the ground and rehome them in labeled bins.
• Invest in shelving or extra storage containers to create more space. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist often have great deals on secondhand shelving!

Plus, if you’re planning to sell anytime soon, an organized garage with plenty of storage options is in demand among today's buyers.

Considering selling?

If you hope to sell in the spring, following this spring homeowner checklist will help you build curb appeal that will draw in local, motivated buyers once you put that sign in the ground.

For customized advice on how to renovate your home or price it to sell, reach out to Edina Realty or your REALTOR® today.