Water is the number one enemy of your home. A small leak from a window, door frame, or shower can cause damage in the thousands! A good tube of caulk is less than $10. If you can see a crack, then water can find it too. If you don't have the time to walk your entire house with a caulk gun, schedule one section at a time. Next year you will thank you!
Cleaning too often goes awry from returning misplaced items instead of actual cleaning. Designate a "clutter basket" to drop everything extraneous into. When someone comes searching for their missing items, direct them to the clutter basket. Cleaning will be complete in half the time!
A long winter of usage can deflate the insides of pillows. Many types benefit from a few hours in the sun (especially feather or down-filled ones). So, pick a sunny day, give your pillows a sunbath, and enjoy the freshness! Your sleep will thank you!
With cold weather drawing to a close, it's easy to seal the fireplace damper and forget about it until fall. Don't do it! Now's the time to inspect for damage and/or soot residue in the flue. If you see anything suspicious, hire a professional to give you their opinion and a quote for repairs, if necessary!
You can begin yard plantings anytime after the last frost, which is during March in much of the U.S. Look for empty spots in your landscaping and start a sample board of plantings that might fill them in. Include possible hours of sunshine and type of soil. Then when you visit your local home store, you have a "plan in hand" and can revert to substitutes if your dream plantings are unavailable. Start your imagination board today!