Spring cleaning is about more than attacking a dusty cupboard or finally sorting out the garage.
For South East Queensland households, the arrival of spring is also the ideal time to prepare the home for the hotter, wetter months ahead, freshen up outdoor spaces and tackle those maintenance jobs that have been sitting on the list all winter.
And you do not need a major renovation budget to make a noticeable difference.
Before reaching for the cleaning products, start by getting rid of the clutter.
Work through the home one room at a time and sort unwanted items into what can be donated, sold, recycled or thrown away.
Kitchen cupboards, bathroom cabinets, children’s rooms, linen cupboards and the dreaded garage can follow.
Breaking the job into smaller areas makes the spring clean far less daunting than trying to transform the entire house in one weekend.
In South East Queensland, spring cleaning should extend beyond the front door.
The warmer months can bring severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, damaging winds and hail, making spring an important time to look around the property for potential problems.
Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downpipes, and check that drains are flowing freely.
Trees and gardens should also be inspected for dead or damaged branches, particularly those close to the house, shed, powerlines or neighbouring properties.
After the cooler and generally drier winter months, spring is when many South East Queensland gardens begin to burst back into life.
Start by removing weeds, dead growth and fallen leaves before pruning plants where appropriate and refreshing garden beds.
Mulching can help retain soil moisture as temperatures climb, while compost and suitable fertilisers can give plants a boost heading into their growing season.
