From lawn to deck to garage: Outdoor clean-up tips for spring sellers

Key insights:

• Gardens can be both practical and beautiful, a definite plus for your curb appeal.
• After months of neglect, it is time for outdoor deep cleaning from window pane to lawn edge.
• Bring the outside in and let the fresh air battle those persistent odors.

Now that you’ve spent the winter months decluttering the inside of your home Marie Kondo style, it’s time to take your spring cleaning outdoors! Whether you’re hoping to tidy things up to prepare for a spring sale or you simply want to maintain your curb appeal, having a fresh front entrance is ultra-important. Here, we’ll provide insights you can use to keep the exterior of your home in tip-top shape.

Groom your garden

Gardens and landscaping add an extra element of charm to the exterior of any home. By playing with natural plants, flowers and stones, you can transform your yard into a stunning space. Even better, adding or touching up your garden and landscaping doesn’t have to break the bank. With these simple and inexpensive gardening tips, you can have a flourishing front yard in no time.

Start with the basics

If you’re just getting started with your garden or you’d like to incorporate a worry-free addition to your existing flora and fauna, we’ve got you covered. There are plenty of plants that will provide beauty to your yard without excessive maintenance.

Shrubs add a layer of texture and depth to any garden, plus they are easily complemented by surrounding flowers. Here are some shrubs to consider planting in your garden:

• Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle
• Black Chokeberry
• Spirea
• Bush Cinquefoil
• Fragrant sumac
• Juniper
• Currants
• Hydrangeas

Perennial plants are another great option for beginner and low-maintenance gardeners.

Have your plants and eat them, too!

Recently, locally-sourced foods have gained recognition. Farmers markets and farm-to-table restaurants are on the rise. Not only do these options provide nutritious foods, but they also offer cost-effective food options. Now, you can take advantage of your garden space and grow your own fruits and veggies for ultimate convenience and affordability.

Need some privacy?

Some of the hottest landscaping trends are practical too. By adding trees or a vertical garden, you can spruce up your space while adding an extra layer of privacy between you and your next-door neighbors.

Deep, deep clean

Throughout the winter, some areas of the home are difficult to maintain. We don’t blame you... the snow and cold don’t make it easy to focus on your home’s exterior! But, now that the sun is shining, it’s time to deep clean areas that may have been neglected during the colder months.

Here are some areas to focus on deep cleaning and tips to get you started:

• >Window sills and frames: Clean both inside and out
• Clean up and organize your garage
• Patio or deck: Be sure to power wash, wipe down outdoor furniture
• Clean the air conditioning unit (now might be a good time to test it as well)
• Flower beds: Tidy up and lay fresh soil
• Pack up boots and jackets from your mudroom
• Gutters: Clean them out, then make sure your downspouts are facing away from your house and foundation
• Swing sets: Grease swing chains, wipe down slides and rake sandboxes
• Lawn: Pick up sticks and aerate the yard

Bring the outdoors inside

Don’t let the musty smell of a long winter overpower your decluttering efforts. Welcome the smell of spring and bring the outdoors inside. There are easy tips for eliminating indoor odors with the use of natural elements.

Be sure to open windows to circulate fresh air through your home. You might also consider adding some potted plants and flowers to your living space. The natural aroma of plants will make your home smell great, naturally.

Ready, set, clean!

For more advice on refreshing your home this spring, check out Edina Realty Insights or reach out to one of our agents for customized advice on curb appeal and staging. Plus, if you’re cleaning up in preparation for a summer sale, the Edina Realty team can help you stay on track.

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