subject: Spring Home Maintenance and Renovation Tips [print this page] Spring Home Maintenance and Renovation Tips
Many of us take off for warmer climes in March, and most of us take too many clothes. With luggage restrictions on most airlines, it makes sense to take some care and pack only what you need. Follow these tips and you'll also save yourself time, hassle and ironing:
* Plan ahead. Make a list and jot down the outfits you anticipate you'll need. Plan on wearing an outfit more than once when possible and eliminate anything that's not essential.
* If you are heading on a cruise, see if the ship has a tuxedo rental service - it will save you packing extra for the formal nights.
* Choose one or two complimentary colour schemes and stick to them. This gives you mix and match flexibility and the bonus of selecting accessories, such as jewelry and purses, that can do double and even triple duty!
* Now you can set about packing your well-planned wardrobe. Start with the heavy items, such as shoes and purses, on the bottom of the suitcase. Fill the corners with "scrunchables", such as underwear and socks. Place belts around the inside edge of the suitcase.
* Layer pants, dresses and long items over the bulkier items on the bottom. Layer easily creased garments between others to give them some cushioning and cut down on wrinkles.
* Jackets go in last, and should be folded inside out with the collar turned up and then folded in half with the shoulders touching.
* Unpack as soon as you arrive. Try hanging wrinkled garments in the bathroom with the shower running to steam out wrinkles. If there is no iron already in the room, most hotels will supply an iron and ironing board on request.
As winter delivers its last icy blast this month, turn your thoughts to the sunny days ahead. Planning your garden and spring renovations are lovely ways to pass the long winter nights, and get a jump on things when the spring days arrive.
* If your view of the outside world is a little dreary, it could be time to replace those dated, inefficient windows. March is the ideal time to call for quotes on energy-efficient replacement windows. It is one project that transforms your home inside and out, while brightening your view of the world. Ask about the Club's March window replacement special.
* Keep an eye on eavestroughs for hanging icicles, which could indicate eaves blockages causing ice damming and roof damage. As the weather warms, look for leaking eaves during rainstorms. If you spotted either icicles or leaks, have a roofing specialists inspect your roofing system in the spring and have repairs made.
* Beat the spring rush by planning your outdoor project now and calling for quotes before the contractors' calendars start filling up. The sooner you get things underway in the spring, the more time you will have to lounge on your new deck/patio this summer!
* Get a head start on spring cleaning by decluttering this month. Go room by room, cupboard by cupboard and then drawer by drawer. Get rid of unwanted furniture and household items by donating them to charity. Have closet organizers installed to keep things neat and tidy.
* Once the clutter is gone, start cleaning! Again, tackle a room at a time; wash walls, turn mattresses, wash blinds and window coverings, clean upholstery and have carpets shampooed.
* Take a look at the trees and your property, watching for signs of decay and disease, and dead or split branches. March is the time to book appointments for tree removal and pruning. The trees are still dormant and prices are low. Ask about the Club's March Tree Pruning special.
* Take in lawnmowers and other garden tools for tuning and repair this month so they are ready to go when the warm weather arrives.
