They say that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. This is especially true in Southeastern North Carolina, where it’s not uncommon to experience a 70-degree day and an ice storm –all in the same week! While the yo-yo effect of unpredictable weather can be exhausting, the payoff is worth it. Soon, we’ll be enjoying balmy weather and warm nights, strolling down the Riverwalk, and celebrating at the annual Azalea Festival.
 
While you wait patiently for those beautiful days, there are a few things you can do to prepare for spring. The next time there’s a break in the winter weather, take advantage of the sunshine and spruce up your outdoor spaces. By tackling these projects now, you’ll have more free time later to lounge in a hammock and picnic at Wrightsville Beach. Now that’s what we call a reward!
 
Wash Your Windows and Screens
 
Scrubbing your windows and cleaning your screens will give you a great view of the world as it reawakens. To clean your screened-in porch, simply run your vacuum’s dusting-brush attachment over the interior side of your screens.  If your screens still don’t look clean, scrubbing them gently with a mixture of ammonia and dish detergent should do the trick.
 
Clean Your Exterior Blinds and Shades
 
We dust and clean our indoor blinds regularly (at least that’s what we tell ourselves), but our outdoor blinds and exterior shades also need some occasional TLC. Give them a good scrub to wipe away the grime that winter left behind. The next time you sip an evening cocktail on your back deck, you won’t be distracted by streaks of dust and dirt on your blinds and shades.


Graber Exterior Solar Shades are available at Strickland’s Window Coverings

Prep Your Garden Beds
 
Now is the time to add compost and fertilizer to those garden beds that have been lying fallow all winter. Think of it like your own morning cup of coffee –we all need a jolt to help us wake up, and those sleeping garden beds are no different. When the azaleas start blooming, your yard might just earn a spot on the annual garden tour.
 
Prep Your Sliding Door for Its Days in the Sun
 
Once the weather is nice, your sliding door will begin to see a lot of action. From constantly opening and closing it as the kids and pets run in and out, to cracking it open for a breath of fresh air, your sliding door will soon be the most-used door in the house. Get it ready by washing and scrubbing the sliding door tracks (an old toothbrush works great) and make sure your vertical blinds are clean and in good working condition.
 
Order New Exterior Window Treatments
 
As you prep your outdoor spaces for spring, you may discover that it’s time to replace your blinds, solar shades or screens for a fresh new look. If so, call Strickland’s Window Coverings today. We’re ready to spring into action!
 
Fred Kumpel is the owner of Strickland’s Window Coverings and Carolina Closet Company. Fred has more than 30 years of experience in the industry. Strickland’s Window Coverings is a window treatment design center specializing in custom blinds, shades, shutters and fabric treatments for more than 70 years. Carolina Closet Company provides professionally designed and custom built organization solutions. Its complete line of home organization solutions includes unique solutions to organize closets, pantries, garages, basements, laundry rooms as well as Murphy Beds. To learn more, visit 
www.stricklandswindowcoverings.com and www.closetsbythesea.com. Fred can be reached at 
[email protected] or by calling 910.762.0944.