Time to spruce up the house and yard

No matter what else is going on in the world, we can all feel a little bit better when winter turns to spring. Longer days, more sunshine, warmer weather, flowers starting to bloom and a sense of renewal all around us.

For many of us, it’s a time to get the home and yard organized after a few months of hibernation. And this year you’re likely spending more time around the house than usual. So why not make the most of staying close to home by tackling all those chores that may have been overlooked during the winter months.

Not only does giving your home and yard a good once over keep your hands and mind busy, but you’ll also feel a true sense of accomplishment as you cross tasks off your list.

The following are suggestions for tackling different areas of your house and yard. Don’t worry if you don’t get to them all or if it takes two months to finish them. Do what you can, when you can, and feel good about it. 

KITCHEN

• Deep clean oven and racks; clean burners and knobs
• Clean out and wipe down cupboards
• Discard old spices and other staples that have been hanging around too long
• Give trashcan a thorough cleansing
• Run the dishwasher’s cleaning cycle
• Disinfect in, under and on top of fridge 

BEDROOM

• Vacuum/wash floors and wipe walls and corners of ceiling
• Rotate mattress and wash all the bedding not just cases and covers
• Dust lampshades (inside and outside)
• Go through closet and switch out seasonal clothes
• Thoroughly dust all surfaces, including closet

BATHROOM

• Replace dirty shower curtain liner; wash decorative shower curtain
• Empty and clean medicine cabinet; take any old medication back to pharmacy
• Scrub down toothbrush holder, soap dish/dispensers
• Soak bathmat in warm water and white vinegar and throw it in washing machine

LIVINGROOM/TV ROOM

• Vacuum couches and fabric chairs with handheld upholstery attachment
• Wash or vacuum curtains and dust blinds
• Disinfect remote controls for TV, stereo system, etc.

BASEMENT/LAUNDRY ROOM

• Clean dehumidifier (use manufacturer’s instructions)
• Look for mildew on floors or walls, wipe with bleach
• Run washing machine’s cleaning cycle, remove and clean lint plate
• Change air filters

GENERAL

• Inspect fire extinguishers and alarms; replace batteries
• Dust or wipe down ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Wash windows and screens
• Wipe down baseboards, door and window frames, other woodwork
• Disinfect light switches, phones and doorknobs
• Wash or beat rugs
• Throw pet toys in washing machine on gentle cycle
• Wash cleaning supplies (broom, toilet brush, mop, and dusters)

OUTSIDE

• Pick up branches, plant debris, litter, dog waste
• Rake up twigs, pinecones, leaves
• Inspect, clean and oil tools
• Prune dead branches from shrubs and trees and trim others, but not too late in the season as to interfere with buds
• Tidy any sheds or outbuildings
• Start reviving the garden and plant early veggies

Approach one item at a time and before you know it, you’ll be done and dusted.

For other home ideas or information on any aspects of buying and selling real estate in the Comox Valley, please feel free to contact me, visit my website or check out my Facebook page.