Spring is just around the corner, and boy, are we glad that winter is almost over. To put this winter into perspective, The Weather Channel reported over 6,000 cold records were tied or broken in February alone. The Midwest, in particular, suffered from cold snaps that pushed towns to their limits.
While we welcome the warm weather, it’s not a time to simply wait for the sunshine. There are many things you can and should do to get ready for Spring to make the transition as smoothly as possible. Coordinate your efforts with your online calendar for spring. As you do, those winter blues will be as good as gone.
Spring Cleaning
Don’t waste your Spring Break cleaning the house. Get a head start and tackle your Spring cleaning list at the end of winter. You’ll be better prepared for the new season and be able to take advantage of good weather outside.
Start by swapping out your winter gear for something more comfortable in the warmer temperatures. Pack away your heavier coats and sweaters to make room for more T-shirts and windbreakers. That heavy winter comforter on your bed can be replaced with something that will breathe better now that the nights aren’t so frigid.
Most of the work that will need to be done will be outside of your home. As the snow melts, you’ll want to make sure your gutters are clear of debris, such as fallen leaves from last fall and other buildup left by previous precipitation.
Get Your Garden Started
If you’re an avid gardener, now’s the perfect time to get started. Some vegetables can be planted as early as March in areas that have had the snow melt away already (check the Old Farmers Almanac — or the Burpee Growing Zone guide).
Early garden plants include lettuce, peas, asparagus, and swiss chard and spinach. Having a spot prepared for these plants gives you a head start on your crop yield for the year.
Other plants you can start growing indoors and transplant them to the yard once the weather is just right. Tomatoes are an indoor favorite, growing easily when potted next to a window and easily moved to the soil. Broccoli, cauliflower, and peppers are also relatively easy to transplant after starting them inside.
Some plants are difficult to transplant, so be careful about which ones you choose beforehand. You should also be aware of changing weather conditions. One week of the warm sun could quickly turn into an overnight cold snap that ruins your gardening starts if you transplant too early.
Take Advantage of Spring Sales
Here’s a good shopping hack for you. Many stores put their winter items on sale right before spring to make room for the next products. If you look in the right places, you’ll get the things you need for next winter for cheaper.
For example, Nordstrom has a “Clear the Rack” event a few times each year to push out seasonal clothing and shoes to make way for the new season. You can visit many other clothing stores that will have similar sales from January through March.
Keep an eye out for other products that will be out of season that you may need — then watch for their prices to slashed this Spring.
Some Springtime products will also go on sale in preparation for the new season. Looking for gardening supplies or a new air conditioner before they’re actually needed is a smart purchase if you can get them at a bargain. Record any sale you see in your online calendar for the spring. By doing this, you can ensure that you don’t miss a deal.
Plan Your Spring Break Vacation
Every good vacation starts with proper planning. If you don’t want your Spring break to be a week of television binge-watching, you better start coming up with ideas now. Start a vacation draft and put your plan into motion using your online Calendar for spring so you can execute a fun week when the time comes.
Spring break is different for everyone. College students typically hit the beach, while elementary school kids will enjoy the extra time to play with friends. Other families will use the time off to go on a road trip or a sunny vacation elsewhere. You can also make plans to take the family on local outings, such as rock climbing or taste-testing all the restaurants you haven’t visited yet.
Whatever you decide to do for your Spring break, keep COVID-19 in mind. While the vaccine is being rolled out as we speak, the pandemic is far from over. Precautions still need to be taken to keep yourself and your loved ones safe until the virus is finally put behind us for good. When traveling, keep up to date with safety guidelines and procedures for the best experience.
Dewinterize Your Vehicles
All of your motor vehicles will need a tune-up after winter. Your car or truck could probably use a good wash; which will remove any salt that’s been kicked up from the icy roads. If you are equipped with winter tires — consider switching them out to preserve them for next winter.
Take a good look at the other aspects of your vehicle before taking it back on the road. Winter conditions can damage wiper blades, compromise electrical systems, and mess up fuel lines. Make an appointment in your online Calendar for spring to get everything checked on your vehicle, and get an oil change while you’re at it — to maximize the longevity of your vehicle.
Any other gas-powered vehicle or machinery you own will also need some freshening up. You’ll want to check all of the aforementioned things on your lawnmower, motorcycle, ATV, or other motor vehicles you have in your possession. Getting them checked now will save you the headache that will come when you realize repairs need to be made when you need them.
Launch yourself into Spring by being prepared and organizing your time effectively. The next few months will be a breeze if you come at them with the right approach.
Image Credit: alena koval; pexels
Hunter Meine
Hunter Meine is a BYU-Idaho graduate, husband, father, and writer. When he's not writing, he's playing sports or enjoying the outdoors with his wife and daughter.