Spring Awakening: Prepping Your Home After a Brutal Winter

After one of the snowiest, darkest, and most relentlessly frigid winters I can remember, I’m finally spotting the first green shoots of spring. Here in early March—specifically these first 10 days of 2025—we’ve still been hit with two snow days (much to my kids’ delight), a couple of rainstorms, and icy roads that keep us on edge. But the tide is turning. Temperatures are creeping above zero, and the sun—oh, that glorious sun—has graced us with multiple encore appearances. Let me tell you, seeing daylight again feels like a warm hug after months of hibernation. Add in the “spring forward” time change, and I can feel the energy bubbling up—not just in me, but in everyone around me.

Spring’s arrival isn’t just a mood-lifter; it’s a call to action. After a winter like this one, our homes need some TLC to shake off the cold and gear up for warmer days. I’ve put together a list of must-do tasks to ease that transition. Here’s what I’m tackling as we wave goodbye to snow boots and hello to muddy footprints.


1. Punch Locks: A Battery Boost

If you’ve got keyless punch locks on a side door, garage, or shed, now’s the time to swap out those batteries. These handy gadgets often get overlooked—especially on secondary entrances we don’t use daily. Winter’s brutal cold can sap battery life faster than you’d think, and there’s nothing worse than a dead lock when you’re juggling groceries in the rain. Pop in fresh batteries, test the code, and rest easy knowing you’re set for the season.


2. Gutters and Eaves: Clear the Chaos

Late fall windstorms and winter’s heavy snows have likely turned your gutters into a debris trap—think leaves, twigs, and maybe even a rogue pinecone or two. Pair that with months of snowmelt and ice, and you’ve got a recipe for clogs. This year’s epic icicles and ice dams might’ve even bent or cracked your gutters. Grab a ladder (safely!), scoop out the gunk, and inspect for damage. Fixing this now prevents spring rains from pooling where they shouldn’t—like your basement.


3. Chimney and Fireplace: A Post-Winter Sweep

Our fireplace was a lifeline this winter, cranking out heat and cozy vibes during those endless subzero nights. But as daylight stretches and temperatures climb, it’s time to retire the logs. Spring is the sweet spot to schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection—companies get booked fast once summer hits. A pro can clear out soot, creosote, and any critters that might’ve nested in there. Trust me, you don’t want that stuff festering in the heat.


4. HVAC Filters: Breathe Easy

Our furnace worked overtime this winter, battling the polar vortex like a champ. Before it shifts gears to air conditioning duty, swap out those filters. Clogged ones make your HVAC system sluggish and pump dust back into your home—yuck. A quick change now keeps it humming efficiently through spring allergies and summer heat. Bonus: Your energy bill might thank you, too.


5. Driveways: Patch the Potholes

This winter dumped snow like it was auditioning for an avalanche movie, and all that plowing and shoveling took a toll. If you’ve got a gravel driveway—like many of us out here in the country—it’s probably pockmarked with potholes or washed-out spots. Now’s the time to grab a shovel and some gravel to fill those craters. Word of caution: After a wet, snowy season, heavily trafficked gravel can stay frozen deep down well into spring. Wait for a full thaw before you start, or you’ll just be fighting mush. Asphalt or concrete folks, check for cracks and seal them before summer sun bakes them wider.


6. Gear Swap: Out with the Heavy, In with the Light

For my family, spring means a full-on gear rotation. Skis, snowshoes, and puffy coats get boxed up, while rain jackets, mud boots, and lighter layers take center stage. With four seasons of stuff crammed into our closets, it’s a logistical dance—but oh, the relief of ditching those bulky winter layers. Pro tip: Check your kids’ gear before stashing it. That snowsuit they outgrew mid-January? Donate it now and save the headache next fall.


7. Cracks and Gaps: Seal the Deal

Winter’s icy grip battered our weather stripping and caulking—especially around doors and windows where snow and ice piled up. I’ve noticed gaps widening and seals cracking from the cold. Before the bugs wake up and invite themselves in, grab some caulk or fresh stripping and patch things up. It’s a small fix that keeps ants, spiders, and wasps from turning your home into their summer resort.


Final Thoughts

These are the chores on my radar as March melts into April. They’re not glamorous, but they’re the kind of practical steps that keep a home humming after a winter that tried its best to bury us. I’m curious—what’s on your spring prep list? Drop a comment below and let’s swap ideas. For now, I’m off to bask in this sunshine—and maybe tackle those gutters before the next rain hits.

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