Ever come home to a flooded basement after a spring downpour, only to realize your gutters were overflowing? Crank up the AC for the first time in summer and discover only blowing lukewarm air – only for your contractor to say you should have called back in the spring? Luckily, these frustrating scenarios are preventable with a little proactive maintenance. And I’m here to help with a Home Maintenance Cheat Sheet for March (one-page free printable pdf) – developed for homeowners by a homeowner.
Spring is Here! OK, Well Almost……
As we emerge from our winter slumber, the days grow longer and the promise of warmer weather fills the air. An amazing feeling, right? But we need to do a few things to get ourselves ready for the warmer weather – like storing heavy coats and swapping out our boots for sandals. Just like us, our homes need a little work to transition smoothly into the spring season.
In my area of the world (New England), March weather is a crapshoot. Some years it “comes in like a lion and out like a lamb” as the old poem goes. Other times it’s 100% lion from day 1 to day 31. This year has been unseasonably warm.
While I’m ready to throw open my windows and rush outside to plant veggies, I need to hold myself back and first tackle some key maintenance tasks.
March is the perfect opportunity to ensure our homes are ready to handle the changing seasons. With a little effort now, we can prevent major problems and costly repairs down the road.
Checklist/ Cheat Sheet/ Whatever You Want to Call It
Let’s face it, keeping track of all the different maintenance needs for your home can feel overwhelming. I’m terribly unorganized unless I write down a to-do list to follow. And that goes for home maintenance tasks as well.
Admittedly there are a ton of other printable home maintenance checklists online. Some I’ve liked. Some were lacking. Especially those developed by companies who are more into fancy-looking graphics and not actual helpful content.
So I decided to create home maintenance checklists for each month. In this post, I share my home maintenance cheat sheet for March. This checklist breaks down essential March maintenance tasks into easy-to-follow steps – ensuring you don’t miss a single thing.
After working through the check sheet, you have recommendations, email me. Unlike the big home improvement online websites, I’ll listen….
Home Maintenance Cheat Sheet for March
Like all my other month-by month home maintenance checklists in this series, cheat sheets are divided into 4 sections. What I like about this is that there are usually 4 weeks (or weekends) in a month. If you don’t feel like tackling the entire checklist in one day or weekend, you can pick a section to do each weekend.
Look at me, already organizing you 😉
- Safety and Security
- Exterior Maintenance
- Spring Cleanup
- Interior Maintenance
Ready? Here we go!
[Click here to jump right to the printable pdf checklist. Sure, there’s a lot of great info below BUT I get it, you want to jump right to the checklist….. 😉]
1. Safety & Security
When it comes to home maintenance, safety and security should always be top priorities. We want safe homes and families, right? These quick and easy tasks can prevent major headaches (and potential dangers) down the line.
Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
These life-saving devices are your first line of defense against fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Technically, you should be testing you carbon monoxide and smoke detectors monthly to ensure they’re functioning properly. But as we all know, things happen. Luckily, March (for most of the US) has daylight savings time – the perfect reminder to check your detectors.
Remember: Replace carbon monoxide and smoke detectors every 10 years, even if functional.
Check Garage Door
Modern garage doors come equipped with an auto-reverse feature that prevents accidents if the door encounters an obstruction while closing. Testing this feature regularly ensures your garage door operates safely, especially if you have children or pets that use the space.
Here’s how to test it: Close the garage door. Place a soft object (like a rolled-up towel) on the floor in the path of the closing door. Use your remote control to initiate the closing cycle. The door should automatically reverse direction upon contact with the towel. If it doesn’t, might be the perfect time to contact a qualified garage door technician.
2. Exterior Maintenance
Hopefully by March the winter storms with frost and ice dams have melted away and replaced with April showers. Here’s your March maintenance tasks to ensure your the exterior of your home is healthy and ready to face the spring elements.
Note that many of the items under Exterior Maintenance are also listed on the April March Home Maintenance Checklist. Depending on your geographic location and weather, these tasks can be done either month.
Clean Gutters & Downspouts
Clogged gutters are a recipe for disaster. Leaves, debris, and even small critters (YUCK!) can accumulate in gutters over winter. And that can cause the gutters to overflow. This overflow can damage your roof, fascia boards, foundation, and landscaping.
Aim to clean your gutters at least twice a year, once in early spring (March) and again in late fall.
Either hire a professional or grab that ladder and do-it-yourself.
Clean Siding
Winter grime, dust, and even mold growth can accumulate on your siding over the colder months. A good cleaning in March will not only improve your home’s curb appeal but also prevent the build-up of dirt and mildew that can damage the siding material.
The cleaning method will depend on your specific siding material (vinyl, wood, etc.).
Generally, a mixture of mild detergent and water applied with a soft brush or sponge, followed by a thorough rinsing, will do the trick. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the siding.
Inspect Roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, especially those spring rains. Looking up and around your roof in March can help identify any potential problems before they escalate into major repairs.
While a professional roof inspection is highly recommended every few years, here’s what you can do for a basic visual check to ensure your roof is in good condition:
- Look for Missing or Damaged Shingles: Climb onto a secure ladder (with a spotter!) and examine the roof surface. Missing or damaged shingles can create leaks and expose your home’s interior to water damage. If you notice any missing or damaged shingles, time to repair.
- Check Flashing Around Vents and Chimneys: Flashing is a thin sheet metal material that seals the gaps around roof penetrations like vents and chimneys. Over time, flashing can become loose or cracked, creating potential entry points for water leaks. Look for any signs of deterioration or gaps.
- Inspect Valleys and Roof Edges: Valleys are the dips where two sloping roof sections meet. They are particularly susceptible to accumulating debris and moisture. Check for any signs of excessive wear, buildup of leaves or moss, or pooling water in the valleys.
Related Post: 7 Tips for Finding a Reputable Roofer
Check for Cracks in Foundation or Siding
Walk around the perimeter of your home and inspect the foundation for any cracks or signs of movement. Small cracks might be nothing to worry about, but larger cracks (wider than ¼ inch) could indicate foundation settling and require professional attention (YIKES!) .
Also, check for cracks in the siding itself, especially around windows, doors, and corners. You can do this while you are cleaning the siding. These cracks can allow moisture infiltration and should be addressed promptly.
Prep Outdoor Faucets & Spigots
Winter weather can freeze and damage exposed pipes and faucets. Hopefully back in the fall you turned off the water supply to outdoor faucets. Now is the ideal time of year to turn those outdoor faucets back on and check for any leaks or signs of damage.
Swap Out Window & Door Storms
Window and door screens play a vital role in keeping your home pest-free during spring and summer. If it’s warm enough, it’s time to remove the glass storm windows and doors and replace with screens.
Carefully examine the entire screen surface for rips, tears, and holes. Remember, those little suckers can squeeze into ridiculously small holes. Also be sure that the screen material is held taut to the frame using a “spline” – a thin, flexible rubber strip. Make sure that strip isn’t excessively worn or cracking.
If you need to replace, luckily there are screen patch kits at most hardware stores. For larger screens, some hardware stores offer screen replacing services. We had a large hole in our door screen and ACE Hardware replaced at a reasonable cost.
Fix Loose Trim
Over time, nails holding trim boards (around windows, doors, etc.) can loosen or pop out. Check for any loose trim and re-nail to maintain a good-looking house.
Schedule HVAC & Service & Change Filter
Get ahead of the crowds and call to schedule a professional air conditioning tune-up in March. Get in line now before there’s a long wait. This preventative maintenance helps your HVAC system run smoother, extend its lifespan, and potentially save you money on your energy bills.
In addition, take a moment to replace air filters to prep for the coming months when you crank up your HVAC system. Clogged air conditioner filters restrict airflow, reduce the efficiency of your system, and can even exacerbate allergies and respiratory problems.
3. Interior Maintenance
March isn’t just about prepping the exterior of your home for the changing seasons. It’s also a great time of year to tackle some key maintenance, organization and cleaning tasks inside to ensure a clean and healthy environment.
As you may notice in my other monthly home maintenance cheat sheets, I pick a room to focus on for cleaning and organizing. I’m not a fan of deep cleaning the whole house in one weekend. Who has time for that??? I have 3 kids – I barely have time to wash my hair on some weekends.
For March, let’s focus on the home office (if you have one…)
Organize/ Clean Home Office or Study Space
After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and winter break for students, your home office or study space might be due for some reorganization. Dedicate some time in March to declutter paperwork, sort through old files, and create an organized system for important documents. Wipe down surfaces, clean your computer keyboard and mouse, and ensure a clutter-free and inspiring workspace for the months ahead.
Related Post: 60+ Essential Docs You Must Have In Your Home Filing System [Free Checklist]
Here other interior maintenance steps on your home maintenance cheat sheet for March:
Clean & Inspect Dryer Vent
Lint build-up in your dryer vent is a fire hazard you don’t want to ignore. An average of 2,900 home clothes dryer fires cause an estimated five deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property damage.
The leading cause of these fires? Failure to clean lint filters and dryer vents.
Take some time in March to clean and inspect your dryer vent hose…
Dust Trim & Baseboards
Trim (especially the baseboards in my house!) are dust magnets. Use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice attachment to reach dust bunnies lurking along the baseboards. And don’t forget the ceiling trim too! Personally I use a Swiffer duster with an extension handle to reach the ceiling. Dust bunnies love ceiling corners!
For a more thorough clean, follow up with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or grime.
Dust Those Blades
While you are dusting the ceiling and trim, might as well tackle ceiling fans. Use a microfiber cloth or a pillowcase trick (slide the pillowcase over the blade and pull to trap dust) to capture dust bunnies before cranking up those ceiling fans for spring.
Power Clean Showerhead
Hard water mineral buildup can reduce water pressure and clog your showerhead. Personally, I hate a shower with low water pressure.
Soak your showerhead in a vinegar solution (equal parts water and vinegar) for a few hours to dissolve mineral deposits. Scrub with a brush and rinse thoroughly, replace and enjoy a more refreshing shower.
Restock First Aid Kit
March is a good time to ensure your home’s first aid kit is stocked and ready for any minor emergencies. If you have rambunctious kids like me, you likely see an increase in cuts and scrapes from running around outside on summer days.
4. Yard Maintenance
March is more than just a wake-up call for your home’s exterior. It’s also a good time to get a head start on your yard. (Clearly you can ignore this section if you own a condo or apartment).
Tune Up Lawn & Garden Tools
Spring is calling, and your trusty lawn mower, clippers, and hand tools are ready to answer.
Check garden tools for evidence of excessive wear or rust. Pruning shears and clippers dull? Sharpen with a whetstone or hone tool. Drag out those garden hoses and sprinklers to check for leaks or small cracks.
When was the last time your lawn mower was tuned up with new spark plugs? Might be time to sharpen mower blades and do a bit of preventative maintenance to give that mower a fresh start. Personally, our town has a guy known for superb lawn mower tune-ups. He even comes to the house.
Test Irrigation System
If you own an irrigation system and live in a warmer area, turn on and inspect each zone, identifying any sprinkler heads that are clogged, misaligned, or leaking.
Remember, it’s crucial to wait until the threat of frost has passed completely before doing this.
Repair Outdoor Fences & Gates
The winter months with freeze-thaw cycles can wreak havoc on your fence, causing posts to shift and hardware to loosen.
Walk the perimeter of your fence and check for any loose screws, nails, or bolts securing the pickets (fence boards) to the rails and posts. Tighten any loose hardware using the appropriate screwdriver or wrench. Check for any gate posts that seem wobbly or out of alignment.
Clean Outdoor Furniture
As the weather warms, you’ll want to spend more time outdoors, right? But you are going to need a place to sit…
Pull out your outdoor furniture from winter storage and give it a good scrub to remove any dirt, grime, or mildew accumulated over the winter months.
Related Post: How to Restore Eucalyptus Patio Furniture
Plan Spring Garden
If you aren’t a DIY-garden person, March is the time to schedule spring cleanup with your landscaper.
However, for garden enthusiasts, March is an exciting time to delve into seed catalogs and plot out your spring garden masterpiece.
Gardening timelines differ by USDA Hardiness Zone – gardens in Michigan won’t start the same time as gardens in Utah. So I can’t be too specific on which gardening tasks to complete in March. But here’s a few suggestions:
Planning in advance allows you to choose the right plants for your climate zone and ensure you have everything you need before planting season arrives.
But here’s some general guidelines when planning your spring garden:
- Choose the vegetables, herbs, or flowers you want to grow and sketch out a garden layout.
- Start seeds indoors under controlled conditions.
- Consider buying a rain barrel at a discount
- Build a cover for a raised garden bed.
- Depending on Hardiness Zone, it might be time to prune certain trees and shrubs before the spring growth spurt hits.
- Test your soil – we learned a valuable lesson when we tested our vegetable garden soil last spring
- Check with local gardening stores and extension offices for resources and workshops to help you plan your spring garden. Don’t hesitate to tap into their expertise!
Related Post: 7 Free Vegetable Garden Journals from the Pros!
PRINTABLE Home Maintenance Cheat Sheet for March
Whew! That’s a lot. Sorry this article is a bit long – BUT I wanted to be sure that you had enough detail to get what you needed.
While this home maintenance cheat sheet for March provides a solid foundation, remember it is just a guide. Your climate influences the specific tasks you need to prioritize.
Ready to get started? Download your printable Home Maintenance Cheat Sheet for March below and tick off these essential tasks as you complete them! Transition your home in spring smoothly and stress-free.
Any issues? Problems? Suggestions? Be sure to reach out! Click here to contact me.
APRIL HOME MAINTENANCE CHEAT SHEET
Ready for April’s monthly home maintenance checklist????
Related Posts
Want to be the first to know about new posts? Be sure to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter of even Etsy! Or better yet… Subscribe below!
My monthly (admittedly sometimes more, sometimes less….) emails are like receiving a unexpected letter from an old friend WITHOUT needing to put on your slippers and walk out to your mailbox…. See? I got ya, my friend!)
[Note: My posts are proudly connected to these amazing link parties full of DIY ideas and inspiration!]