You’ve heard of winterizing your home to protect it during the colder months. Once the cold has (finally) broken and snowbirds begin to head north again, seasonal homes that were tucked in for the winter can require a little maintenance to get them back up and running.
The Planning Stages
Before you begin the actual work of setting up your seasonal home, it’s a good idea to take the time to set a budget for the summer. You should also purge any items you don’t need– both from your winter home and your summer home. Packing up your winter home when you’re getting ready to set your sights for warmer banks is much easier when you have fewer things to worry about. The same goes for setting up your summer home.
Outdoor Maintenance
Minnesota winters are notoriously harsh, and although we didn’t hit polar vortex levels of bone-chilliness this winter, it’s still necessary to check the exterior of your seasonal home for any updates, repairs, or needed additions before the warmer weather is in full swing.
- Inspect the roof for any damage – missing shingles, dark spots, bowing or sagging, or water damage are tell-tale signs that you might have a problem
- Clear the gutters of any built-up debris
- Inspect your outdoor furniture for cracks or damage
- Clear flower beds or landscaping of debris. If you should feel so inclined, spring is the perfect time to stretch out your green thumb and plant new blooms.
- Pressure wash the deck and exterior of your home
Indoor Maintenance
The inside of your seasonal home is just as important–if not more so–to prepare and inspect before summer begins. Make sure your home is clean and in good working order so that a surprise repair doesn’t throw you off. A few things to consider include:
- Deep clean the carpets and floors
- Wash the windows – inside and out
- Restock important household items like toiletries, towels, kitchen utensils, etc.
- Check that your air conditioning is working. You may need a tune-up or replacement
- Check the plumbing and pipes for any problems frozen pipes can be a costly repair, so if you need any replacements or repairs, it’s best to tackle the problem right away
For even more tips on prepping your seasonal home for the upcoming season, check out our post from last year: Setting Up Your Summer Home.