Winter is finally over! Spring is here, and with it comes the opportunity to refresh your home by getting your lawn and garden in order. Before you get too busy working through your to-do list, check out our favorite home, and gardening tips to help you save money and make your life easier this season.
Spring Home Tips
Want to make your day-to-day life more pleasant and maybe save a little money on your utilities? Try these easy hacks.
Upcycle old items during spring cleaning:
This is your opportunity to get organized around the home, donating or trashing old items you no longer need. But before you get rid of your old jewelry or that broken umbrella, see if you can turn them into something useful. Upcycle projects can transform something you thought was trash into something you treasure.
Décor Refresh:
For many people, a new season is an ideal time to update seasonal décor, test a new room layout, or incorporate new colors. Try rearranging your furniture or using plants to add color.
Hang your spring décor with a little toothpaste trick:
Have framed photos or artwork you’re hanging for the season? Put a little dab of toothpaste on the back of the décor piece’s frame where it’s designed to hang. Then, place it against the wall where you want it to live. When you pull the frame away from the wall, you’ll have the spot for the nail or screw marked. Simply put in the nail or screw and wipe away the toothpaste residue.
Use Vinegar to clean faucet heads:
If you’ve ever looked at your faucet heads or shower heads and been a little grossed out, you wouldn’t be the first. Mold, mildew, scale, and rust can build up over time, and in the spirit of spring cleaning, restore them to their spotless state. Grab a plastic bag and fill it with a 50-50 mixture of white vinegar and water. Use a rubber band or zip tie to fasten it around the faucet head. Let it soak for a few hours. Then use a clean sponge to scrub the remaining grime away and your faucet head should be shining like new.
Spring Gardening Tips
Spring is the perfect time to get your lawn and garden in good shape. But before you buy anything or work up a sweat, try these tips to save time and money.
Keep your hose tangle-free:
Even if you don’t own a garden hose reel, you don’t have to live with a tangled hose. Find a fixed object, like a large planter or trash can, and slowly wrap the hose around it. Leave it just loose enough to slide off. When you’re finished wrapping the hose, use a piece of rope, strong string, or a strap to make sure it stays neatly coiled. Slide it off and store it away. When you go to use it again, you shouldn’t have any issues.
Make an at-home watering can:
If you own a cute watering can, keep using it! But if you don’t have one and want to save a few bucks, you can use other items instead. If you have an old, distilled water or milk jug, poke holes in the lid and get to watering. Paper coffee cups, or something similar with a small hole in the lid, are perfect for watering smaller houseplants. You can even use acrylic paint to decorate your watering can for a personal touch.
Regrow romaine, green onions, and other favorites from scraps:
After you chop off the top part of a green onion bunch or a head of lettuce, you’re left with the stump and roots. Instead of tossing them, you can put them in a small bowl or glass filled with water. Over the next few days, they should start to show new life. Eventually, after a week or two, you’ll be able to harvest a new crop for whatever you’re cooking. Check out this list to see what else (like onions, celery, and herbs) you can regrow from scraps in water or a combination of water and soil.
Keep little pests away with certain plants:
According to Better Homes & Gardens, you can plant rosemary, garlic, or wormwood to keep these little pests out of your yard. Their strong scents mean you, your children, and your pets can enjoy outdoor time with less worry about creepy little bugs.
Springtime is a great time to clean and refresh your space. Remember to apply that to your health and finances as well. Are your health needs met with coverage that fits your budget? VelaPoint insurance is here as a resource to understand your options and find plans that meet your needs. Our agents provide expert, unbiased advice and assistance in shopping for your insurance needs. Call 855-548-0727 today to have a needs analysis and see what coverage options are available in your area.
