Spring Cleaning Tips That Boost Your Home’s Value

As the flowers bloom and the days get longer, spring is the perfect time for a fresh start -- and not just for your wardrobe or garden. For homeowners, spring cleaning can go beyond tidying up. With just a few simple updates, you can refresh your living space and boost your home's value, whether you're thinking about selling or simply want to enjoy your space more.

Here are 9 practical ways to maximize your spring cleaning efforts and increase your home's appeal and potential market value.

1. Deep Clean the Right Way

Start with a thorough cleaning, focusing on areas that often get neglected during your regular routine:

• • Baseboards, ceiling fans, and light fixtures
  • Inside cabinets and drawers
  • Window tracks and screens
  • Under appliances
  • Carpets and upholstery

A sparkling clean home instantly looks more inviting and well-cared for, which can make a huge impression on potential buyers if you're planning to list your home.

2. Refresh Curb Appeal

Your home’s exterior is the first thing people see, so take the time to spruce it up:

• • Power wash siding, walkways, and the driveway
  • Clean and paint the front door
  • Add fresh mulch, seasonal flowers, or shrubs
  • Mow the lawn, edge the pathways, and trim overgrown hedges

Small touches like a new welcome mat or updated house numbers can make your home feel more polished from the moment someone walks up.

3. Declutter and Depersonalize

Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to declutter. Clear out closets, donate unused items, and remove personal décor like excessive family photos. The goal is to make your space feel open and neutral, especially if you’re thinking about selling soon. Buyers want to envision themselves living in the home, and a clean, minimal space helps them do just that.

4. Update Lighting and Fixtures

Old or mismatched light fixtures can make your home feel dated. Swapping them out for modern, energy-efficient ones is a quick and affordable way to upgrade the look and feel of any room. Also consider updating cabinet hardware, doorknobs, and faucets -- small changes that deliver a big visual impact.

5. Paint for a Fresh Look

A new coat of paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to transform your space. Stick to light, neutral colors to brighten rooms and make them appear larger. Focus on high-impact areas like the front door, entryway, kitchen, and main living spaces. Touching up baseboards and trim can also make your home look fresher and more polished.

6. Tackle Small Repairs

Don’t let minor repairs turn into red flags for buyers. Take the time to fix:

• • Leaky faucets
  • Squeaky doors
  • Cracked caulk or grout
  • Loose railings or cabinet doors
  • Burned-out light bulbs

These little fixes show buyers (or guests!) that the home has been well maintained.

7. Organize Storage Areas

Storage sells. Tidy up your pantry, garage, closets, and any built-in storage areas. Use baskets, clear containers, and shelving systems to create a sense of order. If you're planning to list your home, make sure these spaces aren’t overstuffed -- it gives the impression there isn’t enough storage, even if there is.

8. Stage Key Living Areas

Even if you're not ready to hire a professional stager, you can create inviting spaces with what you already have. Rearrange furniture to create open, functional layouts. Add a few throw pillows or a new rug to freshen up a room. Bring in fresh flowers or greenery for a pop of color.

9. Give Your Kitchen and Bathroom a Mini Makeover

You don’t need a full remodel to refresh your kitchen or bathroom. Simple changes like swapping out a backsplash, painting cabinets, replacing dated hardware, or adding open shelving can go a long way. These rooms are among the most important to buyers, so small updates can yield a strong return on investment.

A clean home is a valuable home. Spring is a season of renewal, and your home can benefit too. By putting in a little effort now, you can enjoy your refreshed space and potentially increase its market value -- a win-win whether you're staying put or preparing to sell. 

If you're ready to make a move this spring or want expert advice on how to increase your home's value, our team is here to help. Contact us today to get started with a personalized plan for buying or selling in the Portland/Beaverton area.