With the days getting longer and summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to hit reset on your home. Spring cleaning isn’t just about freshening up after winter; it’s your chance to prep your space so you can actually relax and enjoy the warm weather ahead.

We want to make this process a little easier, so we created a list of home maintenance tips you can do now to get your home ready for summer, inside and out.

1. Book Your Air Conditioner Tune-Up

If you have central air or a wall unit, getting it serviced before the summer heat hits is one of the best things you can do. A quick check-up by an HVAC professional helps your system run efficiently and keeps your home cool when it really counts.

Bonus: a well-maintained system usually lasts longer and saves you money on energy bills.

2. Dust Off Those Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are great in the summer, but they collect a surprising amount of dust. Give them a good wipe down before turning them on, and while you’re at it, make sure they’re set to spin counterclockwise. That direction pushes cool air down, making rooms feel more comfortable.

3. Deep Clean the Forgotten Zones

Now’s the time to clean those areas you probably ignored all winter. Think baseboards, window sills, light fixtures, and behind furniture. Swap out heavy winter linens and open the windows to air things out. A deep clean now helps your home feel fresher all season long.

4. Declutter Your Storage Areas

Sheds, garages, and closets. Chances are, they’ve turned into catch-all zones over the past few months. Set aside a few hours to sort things out, get rid of what you don’t need, and organize your summer gear. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not digging through piles looking for the beach chairs or garden hose.

5. Test Your Smoke and CO Detectors

It’s easy to forget about these little devices, but they’re super important. Spring is a great reminder to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries and make sure everything is still working the way it should.

6. Get Your Yard and Outdoor Space Ready

Let’s face it, your deck, patio, or balcony probably didn’t get much love over the winter. Start with a good clean: sweep the deck, wash down outdoor furniture, and clear out leaves and debris. While you're at it, inspect the BBQ, clean the grill, and get everything set for outdoor entertaining.

7. Think Fire Smart

If you live in British Columbia, wildfire season is a very real concern. Hot, dry summers combined with winds and dense vegetation can put homes at risk, especially those near forests or grasslands.

Now is the time to take preventive steps. The BC FireSmart guidelines outline practical things homeowners can do to protect their homes and communities. Here are some essentials

Create a defensible space around your home by removing combustible materials like dry leaves, needles, and debris within 1.5 metres of your home’s foundation.
Trim trees and shrubs that touch your siding, roof, or hang over decks and eaves. These can act as fire ladders if embers land on them.
Clean gutters and roofs regularly. Even a small collection of dry leaves can ignite if embers blow in from nearby fires.
Keep your lawn cut short and well-watered through the summer.
Use fire-resistant landscaping—gravel, rock borders, and low-growing plants are much safer than dry mulch or coniferous shrubs.
Store firewood, propane tanks, and flammable materials at least 10 metres away from your house or garage.
Prepare an emergency evacuation kit with essentials like medication, water, ID, and pet supplies. Also, know your local evacuation routes and sign up for regional emergency alerts at CORD Emergency.

You can find more helpful wildfire prevention tips from the BC Wildfire Service.

8. Tune Up Lawn Tools and Sprinklers

Give your lawn mower, weed trimmer, and sprinkler system a quick test to make sure everything’s working properly. Clean off rust or debris, refill fluids if needed, and replace any damaged hoses or attachments. Being ready now means no last-minute headaches when you’re trying to water or mow.

One More Thing Before You Kick Back...

Prepping your home for summer can take a bit of effort, but it’s worth it. A few smart moves now can help you avoid unexpected repairs, lower your bills, and actually enjoy your space when it matters most.

And if you’ve got questions about homeownership, whether it’s mortgage-related, budgeting for home improvement upgrades, or protecting your home and finances for the long term, we’re always here to help.

Reach out to the team at Cultivate + Evolve Financial.

We make it easy to understand your options, plan ahead, and feel confident in every season of homeownership.