Spring gets all of the attention. We don’t say Summer Cleaning or Fall Cleaning. It’s all about Spring Cleaning. But your home needs a little extra attention in other times of the year, too. Getting ready for each seasonal changes helps keep your home safe, comfortable, and looking great no matter what nature throws your way. If you take time to prepare, you can avoid bigger problems later, like leaks, cold drafts, or even expensive repairs. Severe weather prep happens all year long these days.
Planning ahead saves money, protects your stuff, and gives you peace of mind when the weather shifts. There are simple spring cleaning steps for severe weather prep you can take that make a big difference for winter snow or summer heat.
Check your heating and cooling systems
One of the first things you can do before the seasons change is make sure your heating and cooling systems are working properly. If your heater fails in the middle of a snowstorm or your air conditioner quits during a heatwave, you’ll be kicking yourself that you didn’t invest in a backup generator and could be left very uncomfortable. Regular maintenance can help you catch small problems before they turn into huge ones.
When starting spring cleaning and severe weather prep, it’s smart to schedule an HVAC repair service. They can check everything before the weather gets extreme because trained technicians can find issues that you might not notice. Yes, you can replace air filters regularly. But a pro can do more complicated tasks that can save you from needing costly emergency repairs later.
Seal windows and doors
Tiny gaps around windows and doors might not seem like a big deal, but they can let in cold air during winter and hot air during summer. If you notice any drafts, add weatherstripping or use caulk to seal those openings. This simple project can save a lot of energy and make your house feel much more comfortable.
For instance, putting up heavier curtains during the winter months can also help block drafts and keep warm air inside. If you take a little time to seal things up properly, you might even notice your heating and cooling bills go down because your home will not have to work as hard to stay at the right temperature. You can also add door sweeps to block drafts that sneak in underneath doors. Outlets and switches notoriously aren’t insulated, so if you notice they are cold in the winter, add some insulation.
Taking a weekend to handle these small fixes can help your home stay cozy during colder months and cooler during the heat of summer, giving you more comfort while saving money on your energy costs year-round.
Prepare your outdoor spaces
Getting your yard ready for the changing seasons is just as important as getting the inside of your home ready during spring cleaning. In the spring, it’s time to clean up any debris from the winter, clean outdoor furniture. Maybe add a new coat of paint, and hose off your deck or patio so it’s ready to enjoy during the warmer months. In the fall, it’s smart to rake up leaves, clean out gutters, and trim tree branches that could fall during a winter storm.
Making these outdoor home improvements helps keep your property looking good. It also prevents small problems from turning into bigger ones. For example, fixing a loose fence panel or post now can stop the whole fence from falling over during a windy storm later. Taking care of the outside is a big part of keeping your home strong all year round. Then you don’t have to rush to do severe weather prep when it’s about to strike.
Update safety equipment around your home
Another smart spring cleaning task is checking all the safety equipment in your home. Most homeowners know to check that smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are working properly. Test each device and replace any old batteries, even if the alarms have not started chirping yet. (Oh that chirp that always seems to go off in the middle of the night!)
When you change the clocks for daylight saving time, it’s a good habit to check your alarms. You should also go over your family’s escape plan, make sure flashlights have working batteries, and check that first-aid kits are fully stocked and don’t have expired items. And for severe weather prep, check that backup generator, emergency go-bags, and pantry food and water. You need to be well-stocked in case an emergency happens. Working safety equipment can give you and your family peace of mind. It can also help you respond quickly if something unexpected happens.
You might not think much about these things when everything feels normal. However, they become really important during a storm, fire, or power outage. A little time spent on safety and severe weather prep now can make a huge difference when you need it most.
Inspect your roof and gutters
Your roof is the largest part that protects your home from rain, snow, and wind, so when you are doing spring cleaning you should check it closely when seasons change. Look for missing shingles, cracked tiles, or signs that parts of the roof are wearing out. You might not always notice small leaks right away, but they can cause serious damage over time or suddenly when severe weather happens.
For example, a few broken shingles in the fall can lead to leaks during winter storms. By spring you could have mold or wood rot that costs a lot to fix. It’s also smart to clean out your gutters and downspouts before heavy rains or snowfall. Clogged gutters can cause water to spill over and soak into the sides of your house, which can lead to more problems like basement flooding or foundation problems. Keeping your roof and gutters in good shape helps you avoid expensive repairs and keeps your home dry and safe.
It’s always easier to fix small issues now instead of dealing with a huge problem later. So try to make this a regular part of your spring cleaning checklist every year.
Protect your plumbing
When the weather gets cold, pipes can freeze and burst, which can cause serious damage to your home. You can protect your plumbing by adding insulation to pipes that run through unheated areas like basements or garages. It’s also a good idea to know where your main water shut-off valve is located in case a pipe does leak or burst.
For instance, before winter hits, you should disconnect garden hoses. Drain outdoor faucets so water doesn’t freeze and cause cracks. (If your hose does get stuck, check out this how-to.)
Preparing your plumbing early can save you a lot of money and stress later because fixing water damage is never cheap or easy. Being careful now helps you avoid big headaches in the future.
Deep clean and declutter your living spaces
Seasonal changes are the perfect time to do a deep clean and get rid of clutter around your home because fresh spaces always feel better. Dust and dirt can build up faster than you realize, especially when windows stay closed in colder months, so cleaning now helps you breathe easier and stay healthier. You should vacuum carpets, wipe down baseboards, clean behind furniture, and wash windows to let in more light. Invest in an air cleaner to keep the indoor air quality as healthy as possible for your family.
Also, go through closets and donate clothes you no longer wear to free up space and make getting dressed in the morning much easier. The same goes for the kitchen, garage, and bathroom cabinets where half-used items and old supplies might be hiding. Decluttering makes it easier to find what you need and keeps your home feeling organized and peaceful. Adding sensible storage can also improve the efficiency of your everyday.
When you stay ahead of the mess, it’s a lot easier to enjoy being at home no matter what season you’re in. Spring cleaning, severe weather prep, and organizing also gives you a chance to spot any small repairs that need attention before they turn into bigger problems later.
Don’t put off spring cleaning and severe weather prep…
Preparing your home for seasonal changes might seem like a lot. But small steps can make a big difference over time. Paying attention to heating, sealing gaps, outdoor care, and plumbing can help you protect your home and enjoy every season without major worries. A little work now leads to a safer and happier home later.
