Get a Jump on Spring: Fresh-Start Guide for Homeowners

It might still feel like winter outside, but February is actually the perfect time to start preparing your home for spring.

Not with a full renovation.
Not with a huge budget.
Just with a little thoughtful prep.

A few small steps now can make your home feel lighter, fresher, and more organized — and help you avoid the springtime scramble later.

Here’s where to start.

1. Refresh Your Space (Without Renovating)

You don’t need a contractor to create a fresh start.

Try this:

• Declutter closets and donate what you didn’t wear this winter

• Organize storage areas before spring projects begin

• Replace HVAC filters

• Test smoke detectors

• Swap heavy décor or bedding for lighter textures

Even simple changes can completely shift how your home feels.

2. Thinking About Painting? Try It Virtually First.

Before committing to a color, use visualization tools that let you “try before you buy.”

These apps allow you to upload a photo of your room and preview colors instantly:

• Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap® Visualizer

  https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/colorsnap-visualizer

• Benjamin Moore Color Portfolio® App

  https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/color-insights/color-portfolio-app

• Canva (Create AI mood boards to explore palettes)

  https://www.canva.com

Testing colors digitally saves time, money, and a few “why did I pick that?” moments.

3. Get a Head Start in the Garden

Depending on where you live, February and early March are great for light outdoor prep.

In many parts of the U.S., you can:

• Start tomatoes, peppers, and herbs indoors

• Plant pansies or snapdragons in milder climates

• Prune roses and dormant shrubs

• Clear and prep vegetable beds

• Refresh mulch

• Power wash patios and walkways

Not sure what grows when? Check your USDA planting zone here:
https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov

You can also explore region-specific tips at:
https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar

A little prep now makes spring weekends far more enjoyable.

4. Before You Tackle a Big Project…

If you’re considering something larger this year — kitchen updates, landscaping, a bathroom refresh — take a moment to pause and plan.

Ask yourself:

• Does this align with my long-term goals?

• Would a smaller update make a similar impact?

• Is now the right time financially?

Sometimes timing matters as much as the project itself.

5. Take a 15-Minute “Homeowner Check-In”

This doesn’t have to be complicated.

Just take a few minutes this month to review:

• Your current mortgage rate

• Your estimated home value

• How much equity you’ve built

• Any goals on the horizon

Even if you’re not planning changes, understanding where you stand brings clarity and confidence.

A Simple Plan

Weekend 1: Declutter
Weekend 2: Explore paint colors
Weekend 3: Prep outdoor spaces
Weekend 4: Review your home goals

Small steps now. Big peace of mind later.

We’re Here for You

Homeownership is a journey, and we’re here for every season. If you have questions about current rates or a possible refi, give us a call at 866-591-0655 or visit our website.