Do you want to increase curb appeal and get the outside of your home looking nice, but are short on time? Now that the days are longer, we have a simple one-week plan for you. With just an hour per day after work, you can have your home and yard looking great and enjoy some fresh air while you are at it!

Day 1: Grab a garbage bag (plastic grocery bags are easy to carry around) and walk around the yard picking up any trash or dog piles that may have accumulated under the snow. You may be surprised by what you find! Next, pick up any non-trash items lying around. You may find a rake or shovel, or miscellaneous toys, etc. Whatever you find, put away.

Day 2: Pile up any sticks/branches in a firepit (if you have one) or in a plastic tub (if you need to dispose of them somewhere) and bag up any leaves that may have escaped you last fall. If you skipped raking last fall, this may take longer than an hour.  No leaves? Easy day for you!

Day 3: Remove the window screens and set them aside (the garage is a good spot.) Next, wash the outside of your windows! Windex makes a hose attachment that makes this task easy. If you prefer a no-chemical option, use your favorite green-cleaner.

Day 4: Wash those screens. Spray them gently with the hose, and use a clean rag to wipe them down. You can tap them gently on the ground to remove excess water. Let them dry, and re-install them.

Day 5: Spray/wipe down any siding that may be covered in winter grime, and then get those flowerbeds ready by removing any dead plants and other debris. Planting is right around the corner in the Midwest!