As the weather starts to warm up outside, I can’t help thinking about all of the fun summer activities that I get to enjoy again. The thought of playing soccer in 70 degree weather, floating down a lazy river, and sitting out in the warm sun fills me with anticipation. However, with the change in temperature, there is still work to be done. Whether your area just passed through a harsh or a mild winter, there is always some de-winterizing to do on your home.

Start With The Inside

When the weather starts to warm up, start by taking down the window and door insulation so you can get ready for the summer breeze. Next, prepare your home for spring cleaning by putting your winter clothes in your closet and by packing away your winter toys in either your garage or your extra storage unit. If you’re not sure about how to store some items, look into placing some storage racks on the walls to save space and hold everything as well.

Move to the Garage

After the winter season, the constant low temperatures, mud, and snow can take a beating on your garage. Start looking for damage to your garage by pulling everything outside onto the driveway so you can do a proper inspection. Take advantage of this time to throw away trash or donate old items you don’t need. Once your garage is cleared, look for cracks in the concrete, damage to the walls or paint, and make sure your water heater and lights are working as well. If you want to make your garage look new again and fix any damage, put a fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling in your garage and place a water and chemical resistant epoxy floor down to fix cracks and protect your garage for the future.

Finish With the Outside

Once you have finished inside, start inspecting the outside of your home and any outside furniture you may have. You should begin by looking for cracks in the concrete of your driveway or walkways and repair those as soon as possible to prevent further damage with the upcoming change in temperature. Next, clear out the gutters and downspouts to help save you on future repair costs. After the gutters, inspect the outer walls and doors of your home for damage and either repaint or repair as necessary. To finish, sweep the outside porch, clean off the cobwebs, and give your outside furniture a fresh coat of paint to make your patio ready for lounging in the summer time.

After you de-winterize your home, you’ll be one step ahead of everyone else once spring cleaning comes around!