Hello
Friends,
To-Dos:
Your May Home Checklist
Laura Gaskill May 1, 2018
Laura Gaskill May 1, 2018
Get your house and
yard in order now, and you’ll be ready to enjoy the summer days ahead.
With Mother’s Day and Memorial Day coming up this month,
there is plenty of incentive to get those outdoor spaces ready for
entertaining. From scheduling house painting to organizing your outdoor cooking
tools, tick these 13 items off your to-do list so you can get to the good
stuff: hanging out around the grill, kicking back on the porch and savoring the
season. Let the countdown to summer begin!
Things to Check Off Your List in an Hour or Less
1. Check outdoor lighting. Make sure all outdoor lights are in working order, including porch lights, landscape lighting and motion-sensing security lights. Replace bulbs or schedule repairs as needed.
2. Give potted plants some TLC. If you have potted plants that stay indoors over winter, bring them out once the danger of frost has passed. To help your plants acclimatize, find a protected spot out of direct sun for the first several weeks outdoors.
1. Check outdoor lighting. Make sure all outdoor lights are in working order, including porch lights, landscape lighting and motion-sensing security lights. Replace bulbs or schedule repairs as needed.
2. Give potted plants some TLC. If you have potted plants that stay indoors over winter, bring them out once the danger of frost has passed. To help your plants acclimatize, find a protected spot out of direct sun for the first several weeks outdoors.
3. Inspect kitchen and bath fixtures. Keeping an eye on these areas can help prevent costly water
damage and repairs later on. Make a plan to re-grout or re-caulk around counters
and tile as needed. If you come across any slow leaks, have these repaired as
well.
4. Check safety devices. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month and replaced every 10 years — even if they still appear to be in working order. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries as needed. Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace it if necessary.
4. Check safety devices. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month and replaced every 10 years — even if they still appear to be in working order. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries as needed. Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace it if necessary.
Tackle These Tasks Over a Weekend
5. Get ready for grilling season. Giving your grill a deep cleaning before the start of the season will help it work more efficiently and prevent flare-ups. Clean the grates and interior with a grill brush and wash the exterior with warm, soapy water. Clean and organize your grilling tools (tongs, spatula, skewers) and pick up charcoal or propane if needed.
If you have a gas grill, be sure to check the fuel line for cracks and clean out any clogged burner holes.
5. Get ready for grilling season. Giving your grill a deep cleaning before the start of the season will help it work more efficiently and prevent flare-ups. Clean the grates and interior with a grill brush and wash the exterior with warm, soapy water. Clean and organize your grilling tools (tongs, spatula, skewers) and pick up charcoal or propane if needed.
If you have a gas grill, be sure to check the fuel line for cracks and clean out any clogged burner holes.
6. Maintain and repair
garden paths. Create neat edges,
pull weeds, fill in gravel paths with fresh gravel and replace or reposition
broken steppingstones.
7. Clean walls and touch up paint. Use a dusting attachment on your vacuum or an electrostatic
duster to remove dust from walls, paying special attention to corners and
baseboards. For a deeper clean, wipe down walls with warm, soapy water after
dusting. Rinse with clean water, using a lint-free cloth. Touch up paint as
needed on interior walls and trim.
8. Clean items on open shelves. Infrequently used items stored on open shelves can get pretty grimy over time. For items with a thin layer of dust, swipe with an electrostatic duster. If there is a thicker layer of dust, of if the items are in the kitchen (where cooking grease can be an issue), wash each piece in a tub of warm, soapy water. Rinse and allow everything to dry before replacing.
8. Clean items on open shelves. Infrequently used items stored on open shelves can get pretty grimy over time. For items with a thin layer of dust, swipe with an electrostatic duster. If there is a thicker layer of dust, of if the items are in the kitchen (where cooking grease can be an issue), wash each piece in a tub of warm, soapy water. Rinse and allow everything to dry before replacing.
9. Refresh bedrooms. Rotate the mattresses on all beds and flip over if
possible. Dust nightstands, lamps, headboards, blinds and decor. Swap heavy duvets
for lighter-weight bedding for the warmer months.
10. Thoroughly clean the laundry room. Run the washing machine with a specialty tub cleaner
(or with vinegar for a natural solution) on a hot water cycle. Wipe the rubber
rim inside the washer and dryer doors and remove lint from the dryer vent with
a vent brush or vacuum attachment. Clean counter tops, mop floors and restock
supplies.
Maintenance and Extras
to Budget for This Month
11. Paint or stain your home’s exterior. Longer days and generally milder weather make May a good month to schedule house painting. If your home has a wood-shingled exterior, replace any damaged shingles and have a fresh coat of stain applied if needed.
11. Paint or stain your home’s exterior. Longer days and generally milder weather make May a good month to schedule house painting. If your home has a wood-shingled exterior, replace any damaged shingles and have a fresh coat of stain applied if needed.
12. Put together a
picnic kit. This is the season for
alfresco feasts. Be ready for impromptu picnics by sorting through your outdoor
dining supplies at the start of the season and keeping a basket of essentials
within easy reach.
Your kit doesn’t need to be extensive to get the job done: a cheese knife, small cutting board, bottle opener and blanket, plus a few outdoor dishes and cups, should see you through many a picnic. Note any supplies you’re missing and restock your basket as needed.
Your kit doesn’t need to be extensive to get the job done: a cheese knife, small cutting board, bottle opener and blanket, plus a few outdoor dishes and cups, should see you through many a picnic. Note any supplies you’re missing and restock your basket as needed.
13. Add a relaxing porch feature. Make your porch an inviting place to relax and hang out with
the addition of a porch swing, rocking chairs or a glider. Too much sun? Crisp
white outdoor curtains can provide shade and look chic. Just add a tall glass
of iced tea or lemonade, and you’ll be ready to savor the season in style.
ERA Skyline Real Estate
3376 Harrison Blvd.
Ogden, UT 84403
No comments:
Post a Comment