We’re ready for warmer weather and fresh flowers, but is your home ready for spring? If not, you’re not alone. The past few years have been trial after trial, and with so many people transitioning to permanent work from home, spring cleaning and home care may seem like a daunting task.
That’s why our team is breaking down some simple to-dos for your home this spring. Plus, we’re pairing them with fun things to do in and around the Portland area — so you can reward yourself for all your hard work as you go!
In the Home
Since it’s still early in the year and the weather is unpredictable, start off with some spring cleaning that you can do inside the home. Decluttering, prepping your HVAC system for warmer weather, and dusting are all easy tasks to check off early so you can enjoy the spring to the fullest.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance
If you’re waiting to schedule your pre-season maintenance for your AC, remember: So is everyone else. The sooner you call, the sooner you’ll get an appointment, and you can check one more task off your list. Annual maintenance ensures that everything inside your system is working as it should be, so your home stays comfortable with little to no effort on your part.
Declutter
When’s the last time you went through your possessions, and Marie Kondo’d? Decluttering is a great way to reduce the amount of surface area for dust to collect. Have everyone go through their rooms and sort things into donate, keep, and store piles. As a good rule of thumb, if you haven’t used the item within the past year, you can probably get rid of or store it!
Dust and Change the Air Filter
Dusting all surfaces in your home may seem like an impossible task, but there are many ways to get the work done. Split rooms up and tackle two or three per day to make the workload seem more manageable. If your family has a competitive streak, come up with a scoring system and challenge everyone to a dusting competition. Incentivize the game to make it really fun — whoever leaves the fewest dust bunnies behind wins and gets to pick what you have for dinner that night!
Changing the air filter should occur every 30 to 90 days in the typical household. Be sure to check your air filter every few months to make sure it isn’t getting blocked up with dust, dirt, and other debris. Completing these two tasks will set your home up for a year filled with pure, fresh air devoid of pollen and other contaminants.
Clean the Lint Trap
How often do you clean the lint trap? Removing lint from the lint trap before or after every load is the best way to keep your system working efficiently and prevent dangerous housefires. Make sure the lint trap is empty, then take a soft-bristled toothbrush and lightly scrub the grate to remove built-up lint.
Change Lightbulbs
Now is a great time to go through the house and make sure all the lightbulbs are working properly and haven’t burnt out. If you do have some bulbs that require replacement, take this opportunity to upgrade your lighting to energy-efficient LED bulbs!
Caring for Your Home’s Exterior
Once the skies start to clear up, it’s time to start thinking about the exterior of your home! Our homes do so much work to take care of us, and it’s only fair we pay it back as much as possible. Keep these tasks in mind as you plan some TLC for your home:
Plant Some Flowers
Early spring is the perfect time to get your flowers beds prepped and ready for gardening. Rake away fallen leaves and pine needles and add mulch to your soil to give it an extra boost of nutrients before planting. Plan out what kind of plants you want to grow this season, and wait until the last frost of the season before you start planting.
Clean Out Your Gutters
Did you know your gutters can affect your plumbing? With all the rain and trees in our area, having clear gutters is especially important. Grab a bucket and a ladder, and make sure to clear all the mud, leaves, and other debris from your gutter to ensure the water has a path to and through the downspout. If you hate this part of the season, consider investing in a leaf-proof gutter installation to cut your work back next season.
Refresh Your Deck
Spring is the perfect time to get your patio or deck prepped for summer evening gatherings with friends and family. If you have a wooden deck, simply grab a stiff brush and a bucket of warm, soapy water to clean away any stains or grime. For concrete, you can use laundry detergent to remove oil stains or other hard-to-remove spots, then use a power washer to blast away build-up.
Fun Things to Do in Portland this Spring
Between caring for our homes, ourselves, and our families, there are so many things that need our attention. Make sure to celebrate the start of another season and reward yourself for making it through another winter with these fun activities:
Stop and Smell the Roses
The International Rose Test Garden is always a favorite among tourists and locals alike, but there are many gardens in our area to check out! If you’re looking for a little zen in your life, visit the Portland Japanese Garden for some meditation and reflection. Head out to Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden towards late April to experience the peak bloom and the annual garden show!
Check Out a Local Brewery
There are so many breweries in the area and more popping up every season! If you’ve been hibernating this winter, spring is the perfect time to get out and check out some new local beers. There are even kid-friendly places, so you can bring everyone together for some fun and food.
Explore a Museum
Put yourself in the shoes of astronomers at the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry! Kids and adults alike can reignite their love of learning. Plus, with numerous indoor spaces, you don’t have to plan for a sunny day to enjoy the science!
Hit the Slopes at Mount Hood
Inspired by Chloe Kim and Shawn White? Grab your board and hit the slopes one more time during March and April for some great powder before the end of the season.
Have a Whale of a Time
If you live in Oregon, whale watching is something you have to check off your bucket list. Whether you’re a new transplant or a tried and true Portland native, going out for a day at sea can be a memorable experience for all.
There are so many things to do, places to see, and hikes to hike this spring! For all your home care services, contact A-TEMP Heating, Cooling & Electrical. We’ll make everything comfortable at home so you can spend less time troubleshooting the AC and more time making memories with the family.