Spring officially begins on March 20, and on the Mid-Peninsula, that means longer days, open windows, backyard dinners, and a fresh start for your home. Whether you're planning to sell this year or simply want to protect your investment, this curated Spring Home Checklist will help you stay ahead.
Exterior & Yard
- Clean gutters and inspect roof.
- Power wash exterior, driveway, patio, and windows.
- Trim trees and shrubs away from house (Timberline Tree Trimming).
- Clear weeds, refresh mulch, plant spring flowers, and confirm no leaks in sprinkler/drip systems.
Outdoor Living
- Refill propane tanks (Delivery option: Cynch – https://www.cynch.com/service-areas/california/san-mateo).
- Clean and prep BBQ grill.
- Test outdoor lighting and replace bulbs as needed.
- Refresh patio furniture (Terra Outdoor).
- Service pool equipment if applicable.
Home Systems & Safety
- Replace HVAC filters.
- Service A/C before summer (AIS Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. – (650) 991-2000).
- Spray for pests/preventative treatment (Clark Pest Control).
- Flush water heater.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Check caulking around windows and doors.
- Clean dryer vent and check for lint buildup.
- Remove and wash vent covers (improves air quality and efficiency).
- Reminder: Failure to clean dryers is the leading cause of dryer fires according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
Interior Refresh
- Deep clean windows and baseboards.
- Shampoo carpets/clean floors (Vibrant Carpet Cleaning – Steve (650) 255-244; Upholstery Cleaning – Matthew (209) 985-4403).
- Re-caulk tubs and showers (Nice Tub & Tile – Michael (650) 245-7059).
- Declutter closets and garage.
Declutter & Simplify
- Schedule PARCA donation pick-up – https://parcaauxiliary.org/donate.
- Schedule Recology bulky item pick-up – https://www.recology.com/recology-san-francisco/bulky-item-collection/.
- Re-sell items on Nextdoor.
- Dispose of hazardous waste and old paint properly – San Mateo County HHW https://www.smchealth.org/hhw.
- Hire a professional organizer if needed (Babs Harband – (650) 576-0459).
Smart Homeowner Check-In
- Review insurance coverage.
- Check property tax assessment.
- Identify small ROI upgrades.
- Request an updated home value analysis.
Small seasonal steps protect your home’s long-term value. If you'd like a personalized Spring Home Walkthrough or updated home valuation, I’m always happy to help.
Warmly,
Tess Salter
Sternsmith Group | San Mateo County
