Spring cleaning: 10 jobs to get your home ready for warmer weather

There’s something about the arrival of spring that makes you want to throw open the windows, get outside and give things a good clean.

For homeowners, it’s also a good time to tackle those maintenance jobs that can be easy to put off during the colder months. Looking after your home with regular maintenance can help prevent small problems from turning into bigger, more expensive ones.

Before you get stuck in, make yourself a spring cleaning checklist. You don’t have to tackle everything in one weekend — pick a few jobs at a time and work your way through the list.

Here are 10 things you might want to add.

1. Give your deck and outdoor areas some love

After a long Tasmanian winter, your deck or alfresco area may be looking a little worse for wear. Give it a good clean and check for signs of weathering, mould, loose boards or damaged timber.

If your deck needs it, a fresh coat of oil or stain can help protect the timber and give your outdoor space a freshen-up for the warmer months.

2. Give your home a proper spring clean

Spring is the perfect excuse for a thorough clean, room by room.

Move the furniture, clean those hard-to-reach spots and tackle the jobs you usually skip — like the oven, bathroom exhaust fans and windows.

You could also consider getting your carpets professionally cleaned or giving them a steam clean to get rid of built-up dirt and grime.

3. Get your garden ready for spring

Longer days mean more time outdoors, so give your garden some attention.

Mow the lawns, pull out the weeds, tidy garden beds and trim back anything that's got a little too enthusiastic over winter. If you're planning new plants, spring is also a good time to get things growing.

A little garden maintenance now can save you a bigger job later.

4. Freshen up your walls

If your walls are looking a little tired, spring is a good time for a refresh. Start with a good clean- wipe dirt and marks away with sugar soap. 

You don't need to repaint the whole house. A fresh coat of paint in one room, or even a feature wall, can give a space a completely different feel without the cost of a major renovation.

5. Check your home and contents insurance

Spring cleaning is a good reminder to check that your home and contents insurance still reflects what you own and the work you've done to your home.

Have you renovated, bought new appliances or furniture, or made other significant changes? It may be worth checking whether your current level of cover is still appropriate.

6. Clean out your gutters 

Gutters can collect plenty of leaves and debris over winter. If they're blocked, water can overflow and cause damage to your roof, walls or foundations.

Clear out leaves and debris and check that your downpipes are draining properly. If you're not comfortable getting up on a ladder, call in the professionals.

7. Get your cooling ready

Before you switch from heating to cooling, give your systems a little attention.

Clean filters on split systems and air conditioners, dust off ceiling fans and consider getting heating and cooling systems professionally serviced if they're due.

Keeping systems clean and well maintained can help them run efficiently when you need them.

8. Test your smoke alarms

Spring is a good time to check your smoke alarms are working properly.

Press the test button on each alarm and replace batteries if needed. If an alarm is old or faulty, check the manufacturer's recommendations about when it should be replaced.

It's a small job, but an important one.

9. Tackle the garage, shed or storage areas

If your garage or shed has become a dumping ground over winter, spring is your chance to reclaim it.

Sort through the things you no longer use, donate or dispose of what you can, and give everything else a proper home.

You might even find that tool you've been looking for since last spring.

10. Keep an eye out for pests

Warmer weather can bring unwanted visitors out of hiding.

Keep an eye out for signs of termites, ants, spiders and other pests, particularly around damp areas, timber and the outside of your home. If you spot something that looks suspicious, getting it checked early could save you from a much bigger problem later.

One job at a time

You don't need to spend your whole spring cleaning every corner of your home. A few small jobs now can help keep your home in good shape and may help you avoid bigger maintenance bills down the track.

So, make a list, put on some music and get stuck in. And don't forget to reward yourself when you're done.

Please note this information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances or objectives. You should consider this before acting on any of the information contained.