Bringing order to the exterior of your home
Getting rid of winter grime can be as easy as sorting, sealing and scrubbing
Homes and backyards take a beating over the winter, thanks to harsh weather, cold temperatures and general neglect — leaving a layer of wintry grime over everything.
As the weather warms, it’s a good time to assess any damage, do a thorough cleaning and spruce up your outdoor space so you can make the most of the hot, lazy summer days ahead.
“I always start with decluttering,” says Rachael Kalinsky, president and principal organizer of Order in the House.
People often take one look at the clutter in their garage, shed or backyard and get overwhelmed. Instead of focusing on the end result, make decisions about what stays and what goes. If a planter is chipped and unusable, or your kids have outgrown sporting equipment, it’s time to throw it out, recycle or donate. Garages and sheds During the winter, the garage or shed (or condo balcony) often gets used as a dumping ground. And now that warmer weather has arrived, it’s hard to find those golf clubs or the kids’ bike helmets.
“Only keep things that are relevant to your life right now,” says Linda Vanderkolk, professional organizer and owner of ClutterBGone.
That includes home repair and gardening tools.
“Maybe you don’t need that huge lawn mower anymore if you have a stamp-sized piece of grass,” she says.
It’s also time to store snow tires. Rather than tossing them on the floor of the garage, consider racks that can be installed on the wall (or, if there’s simply no room, a storage service specifically for winter tires). Anything related to winter maintenance, such as salt and snow shovels, should be kept out of reach on higher shelves for the summer.
Paint or chemicals that have expired should be properly disposed of, says Vanderkolk. And if the garage floor needs some sprucing up, she recommends rubberized paint or tiles — but only after a thorough cleaning. Patios, decks and balconies “It’s always a good idea to take stock and see what needs to be repaired,” says Vanderkolk. “If the deck stain is chipping or peeling or you’ve got a lot of weather damage, power-wash it and think about putting a good stain on.”
Ideally, patio furniture should be stored over the winter under a tarp. But a lot of patio furniture these days is designed for outdoor elements, so you can simply hose it down.
Condo owners also have outdoor spaces — albeit small ones. Like decks, balconies require a thorough wipe-down to get off winter grime.
“You really want that small space to feel cosy — it’s an added living space when you’re living in a 500-squarefoot space,” says Kalinsky.
Many big-box retailers sell interlocking tiles that snap together, to make a balcony “feel more homey and comfortable,” she says.
Outdoor rugs are another option, and they’re much easier to clean and maintain throughout the summer than cement. Condo owners can also purchase tower gardens that grow vertically in as little as two square feet — and many are self-watering. Repairs and maintenance Spring is a good time to do minor repairs around the house.
Clean windows, repair or replace window screens and clear out debris from gutters to prevent water damage. Inspect the roof and trim any overgrowth. A pressure washer will make quick work of cleaning the ex- terior of a home.
Also, check the caulking to see if any is cracked or peeling.
“Now is a good time to do that kind of work,” says Vanderkolk. New caulking can keep air-conditioning in the house, saving energy.
If the driveway has cracks or holes, use a concrete resurfacer to repair it. But for severe ruts or cracks, consider calling in the pros for new asphalt (since over-sealing can cause problems in the long run).
For small repairs that require some expertise, try an app like Jiffy on Demand that provides services from cleaners to plumbers and electricians on-demand.