It’s amazing what a few days of sunshine do for the soul. Use that momentum to get outside and work on a few things. Here’s a few recommendations you might want to focus on in May:

1. Get the grill ready. Now is the time to clean the grates with soapy water. Wipe down the exterior of the grill to remove any dust or grime that’s collected over the winter. Make sure any tubing that connects the cooking surface to the fuel source is in good condition as tears are a fire hazard. Finally, take note of any worn or corroded parts and replace them so that your grill is ready when hunger strikes.
2. Wash your windows and screens. If you didn’t tackle your windows last month, now is the time! Get any pollen that’s collected off, along with any grime from over the winter. If you notice any holes in the screens, they can be easily repaired with inexpensive kits found at your local hardware store.
3. Check the gutters. Often thought of as a fall task, we think it’s a good idea to check out your gutters in the spring as well. Any time water doesn’t drain well around your home, it can prove to be an issue, so take a few minutes to make sure needles and other tree detritus haven’t collected.
4. Change out HVAC filters. Keeping the house closed up over the winter is good for your electric bills, but often tough on furnace filtering systems as they’re working overtime trying to collect any airborne particles. Change out your filter so that it’s not adding stress to the furnace and to ensure that it’s working well before the smoky season. Also, if it’s been a bit since you’ve had a service appointment for your furnace or A/C, consider this your reminder to schedule a tune-up.
5. Take a look at your exterior. Walk around your house and take a note of any siding boards that need attention. Often it can just be necessary to touch up a few worn spots with paint to keep things looking good. If you notice shrubs too close to your home, make a point to cut them back as they can cause siding deterioration if not handled. Similarly, if you see bug nests, this would be a good time to get rid of them before it becomes a full-on problem.
6. Tackle yard work and garden prep. May is a good time to fertilize your lawn as it’s just starting to bounce back from the winter. Do some weeding in the garden and plant seeds or seedlings for home grown veggies this season. Finally, increase your curb appeal with pots of flowers on your front porch and ensure your outdoor lighting is still working well.