Lafleur

Here's a handy little guide to get your place ready for the sun's return!

Yay! Spring is here. If you're bursting with anticipation at your first visit to the local garden centre, you should  first lay the groundwork for a smooth transition to spring.

1. Ask for help: Start by mobilizing the troops, even if you need to book a weekend in advance so that everyone's available. Ask each person to pick music for the occasion. Don't forget the drinks and snacks: spring cleaning tends to work up an appetite.
    
2. Visit your local hardware store: Don't start your spring cleaning unless you have everything you need (e.g., cleaners, brushes, garbage bags, latex gloves, etc.). Avoid having to drop everything so you can run to the store, since your chores may never get finished.
    
3. Open the windows: You'd be amazed how dirty windows can get during the winter. A nice sunny day is perfect for getting some fresh air into the house and getting out the cleaning products.
    
4. Vacuum everywhere: And not just for the floors! Vacuum sofas, armchairs and even curtains to remove dust and pet hair that has accumulated over the winter. You can even take the opportunity to bring your curtains to the dry cleaner (once every two years is ideal).
    
5. Check all systems in the house: Check the air conditioner, heat pump and ceiling fan. Don't wait until a heat wave hits to notice that one of them isn't working. In the middle of summer, it could be tough finding a repairman, and twice as expensive when you do.
6. Declare war on dust: It builds up everywhere: baseboards, door and picture frames, dressers, underneath beds, and even light bulbs.
    
7. Inspect the exterior of the house: Check the caulking around windows, the condition of the gutters, the roof shingles, etc. They take a beating every winter and may hold some nasty surprises for you when the first thunderstorm hits.
    
8. Get out the rake: If you aren't planting your annuals until later, now's the time to clean up your flower beds, remove dead leaves and cut your perennials right to the ground. As well, make sure your lawnmower blade is still sharp. Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it, making it more susceptible to disease.
    
9. Go through your closets and kitchen: Separate items that you only use in the winter so they're not in your way all summer. So, put away the pressure cooker and the cheese fondue set ... and get out the sunglasses.
    
10. Hold a garage sale: Have you sorted through everything and finished your cleaning? If so, it's time to rid yourself of all that excess stuff. Try to arrange a joint garage sale with your neighbours at least four weeks before the desired date. Then, put up some posters in your neighbourhood. The fresh spring air will do you good!