Clean Out Your Gutters
Before spring rains, make sure the weight of snow and ice hasn’t cracked or detached your gutters, then clear any debris that may cause clogs.
Trim Broken Branches
Snow and ice storms can make weak branches bend and break. Prune injured limbs to help trees heal.
Elevate Potted Plants
Place containers on stands to let air circulate below and reduce the chance of rot on wood decks and porches.
Wash Away Salt Damage
Passing cars can spray road salt onto plants, damaging roots and browning leaves. When the weather warms, hose off affected plants and soak the soil to dilute salt buildup.
Check Your Basement
Dampness can cause mold, rot, and other issues, so look for signs of moisture, cracks, or leaks in basement walls. A dehumidifier can help with mild moisture problems, but if they persist, consult a pro.
Tune Up Your Fridge
Use a fridge thermometer (about $5) to ensure that it’s running at safe temps—35 to 38 degrees F—then clean the drain pan to prevent mildew growth.
Replace Batteries
After turning clocks forward on March 9, remember to replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Dust Lightbulbs
Wiping them with a microfiber cloth can increase your home’s brightness by up to 20 percent.
Replace Felt Furniture Pads
They protect your floors but break down over time. If any of your pads look worn, take time this month to replace them.
Make Stairs Safer
Add reflective tape to make steps in a garage or an unfinished basement easier to see.
Recalibrate the Oven
Use a stand-alone oven thermometer to check the temp, then reset the oven’s thermostat, following the manual’s instructions.
Schedule Fireplace Checks
That goes for gas inserts, too. They don’t leave behind flammable creosote, but they can still deposit corrosive substances in your chimney.