Daylight savings time begins on March 12th and the first day of spring is officially March 20th, so this month marks that great transition from winter to spring. You may already be experiencing the first signs of spring like bulbs blooming, first blossoms on the trees and the inevitable spring allergies.
Use this month to prep for your outdoor work, like getting out the outdoor tools and cleaning them off (here’s how). You’ll want to tune up your lawnmower and service any other outdoor equipment that helps you in the yard. Some regions find this is a great month to hire a pressure washing company and remove moss from walkways. As you walk around your home outside, take a look at the structure and see what needs taking care of. Your roof should be clear of moss, branches, and leaves, so should your gutters. The siding may need to be cleaned or painted so if you need to get quotes from any professionals, this is the month to get them out to your house.
Although many of us are anxious to get out into the yard this month, there are still plenty of important projects to get done on the inside too. Transition months like March are perfect for reorganizing closets and putting away winter items and getting out the summer gear. The Southern States can expect the start of tornado season (March – May) and these homeowners will want to make sure their emergency kits are ready and their home inventory up to date with their insurance company. Roofs and gutters are the first defense for keeping the home dry and free from mold, so be sure to regularly remove snow and make sure the gutters and downspouts are clear for the spring thaw. If spring storms or flooding is expected in your area, prepare your home for potential floods.
March 20-26 is Fix A Leak Week, sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA encourages all homeowners to take a look around their home and look for obvious leaks in toilets, showers, faucets or sprinkler systems. It’s estimated that 10% of homes in the U.S. have leaks that waste as much as 90 gallons or more each day. Fortunately, many of these leaks are easy to fix. Read our printer-friendly tips for the most common water-wasting areas within the home and how to save water and money. If you’ve been meaning to replace your toilets or faucets, look for the WaterSense label.
March Home Maintenance Tasks
- Perform monthly smoke alarm test. Holding down the button tests the actual sound, but a more accurate test is to mimic the alarm’s ability to detect smoke. Read more about smoke alarms.
- Start cleaning up flower beds and apply any nutrients or mulch (learn how to make your own fertilizer)
- Locate and remove early signs of bird nests or pests
- Inspect the basement or attic for signs of water damage
- Are you getting ready to grill? Check out our tips for getting your grill clean and ready for BBQ season
- This may be your last month to get Mason bees for your yard. Read more about these prolific pollinators that don’t sting!
- Start your spring cleaning by washing the windows and tackling the places inside that contribute to allergens (like under the bed). Check out these easy spring cleaning tips.
