With the warmer temperatures and all the colorful trees and flowers blooming, April can be energizing and bring a feeling of renewal.  It’s also a good month to kick-start your home’s spring cleaning maintenance tasks, both inside and out.  Put on your favorite music, throw open the windows, roll up your sleeves and get started with these cleaning and maintenance tips.

Streamline your space. Go through each room to get rid of clutter. Remove winter throws to visually lighten the space for spring. Sell unused items at a yard sale or donate them to charity.

Organize towels, linens and bedding. Take inventory and get rid of old, worn-out items. Pack away thick winter blankets you won’t need during warmer months.

Schedule your air conditioning tune-up. Have your air conditioning maintenance done now before the hot summer months arrive.

Clean your air ducts and dryer vent. Keep your HVAC system running smoothly and improve your home’s air quality by having a professional clean your home’s air ducts.  Eliminate dust mites and other allergens in the air by also changing your HVAC filters regularly.  Have your dryer vent cleaned at the same time, to increase your dryer’s efficiency and help reduce the risk of fire due to lint build-up.

Test sprinklers and irrigation system.  Check to be sure your irrigation system is running well.  Schedule any maintenance needed, so that your yard and garden will be ready for summer’s heat.

Repair cracked or peeling paint. Inspect the outside trim of your home, especially around doors and windows.  A coat of paint not only can make your home look tidy, it also will provide a protective barrier from the elements.

If you’re planning to sell your home this spring, you’ll want it to look its best. Talk to your real estate agent about any improvements or suggestions they may have that will make your home show-ready