Home improvement expert Barbara K shows us how to prepare our homes for spring.

2014 seemed liked the winter that would never end in many parts of our beautiful country so it’s probably hard to believe that spring has begun! Being the optimist that I am- I’ve already packed away most of my long sleeve tops and winter gear and filled my drawers with summer tanks and shorts.  I’m also getting a jump on things by getting projects done now, so I can relax and go to the beach guilt-free when the thermometer does edge upward. Here’s my springtime checklist to get your home ready for the season.

1. Scrub-a-dub-dub

It isn’t called “spring cleaning” for nothing! Dust bunnies, cobwebs, grime and dirt have all got to go.

2. Glasswork

Wash your windows: Nothing brings in light like washing away winter film.

3. Filter it out

Clean or replace filters in cooling units. This is an easy DIY project that can be done in a day. Bring your old filters to your local home center to match what you have. You can also enlist your HVAC contractor– labor rates will vary depending on where you live.

4. Cleaning agents

Spring is the perfect time to get your carpets, rugs and upholstery cleaned. You can do it yourself or call in the professionals.

5. Waste not

While you’re giving your floors and walls the clean sweep, you might as well empty your closets, drawers and cabinets. Get two bins, one marked “keep” and the other marked “get rid of” and go to it! Be cold, be heartless, and be unforgiving. And don’t forget to get a receipt when you donate your stuff to Goodwill or the Salvation Army.

 6. Curtain Call

Replace the shower-curtain liner in your bathroom. Mold and mildew can build up and exacerbate allergies and asthma.

 7. Let it Breathe

Open your windows, even if you think it’s a bit chilly outside. Just one hour of fresh airflow creates circulation and improves your home’s air quality (yup, even in the city).

 8. Mirror, mirror

Hang large mirrors instead of artwork to your living room or bedroom. Large mirrors bring sparkle and light into rooms and give them a chic, modern look. Here’s a tip: to do this project on your own, trace the mirrors with construction or newspaper. Hang on wall to set proper location before doing any heavy lifting yourself.

9. Reset the Stage

See if you can come up with a new seating plan or home-office arrangement to give rooms a fresh look. Call a friend, put socks on the legs of heavy pieces to avoid scratching the floor and get moving!

10. Plant the seeds

Now is the time to make an early visit to the local nursery or home center for fresh herbs.  Plant them in a bowl or urn and place them near a sunny window for fresh foliage and healthy flavoring for your food. Later, if you have a place for them, you can pop them in an outdoor bed.

11. In a Fix

Are there any indoor home-improvement projects you started over the past few months but haven’t yet completed? Now is the time to finish them up; reserve a weekend for doing so. Your attention will soon be turned to the out of doors, and if you don’t get projects like painting your bedroom, refinishing a chair or replacing staining your deck, they will be staring you in the face come September.

12. Take It Outside

If you live in the ‘burbs or in a townhouse, now is the time to clean gutters of leaves left over from last fall.  Also, check to see if the trim on the exterior of your house needs to be replaces or secured with a total repainting or just a touch-up. If so, book professional painters early, as they get extremely busy come late spring into summer.