Spring is just around the corner, which means summer is not too far behind. And if you don't want to waste one minute of summer weather, then you might want to take the time to prep your equipment and house immediately. Anything that takes you away from a cold beer and a BBQ is bad, so maximizing your time now can pay off when the warm weather hits.
1. Clean out the garage.
Your garage is probably full of junk and a total disaster, so take a little time to organize now. Pack up the winter equipment, and move the spring gear up in rotation. You can sweep and clean it once the snow melts.
2. Clean and oil your summer sports gear.
Take your bicycle and roller blades into the local shop for a spring tune-up. Chances are you will get a better deal now and there won't be any waiting time.
3. Oil your baseball glove.
Your glove will be dried out from having been in storage, and leather gloves should be oiled at least once a year.
4. Re-grip and clean your golf clubs
Golfers are always eager to hit the links, so getting your clubs ready now is a great idea. It is a lot cheaper to re-grip your own clubs, and will at least get you in the habit of handling your clubs again. If you don't want to do it yourself "" shop around. Most golf shops have pre-summer deals for re-gripping.
5. Put new spikes in your golf shoes
Soft spikes are great for golf courses, but they tend to wear out quickly. Re-spiking in the spring and late summer will help you game by steadying your stance.
6. BBQ
Take the tank off and drag your BBQ into the basement for a good cleaning. Check to make sure nothing is worn out, particularly the igniter, burner and rock grate. Regular BBQ maintenance can add years to your grill.
7. Clothing
Try out your shorts, golf shirts and bathing trunks, and then wash them all. If you gained or lost weight during the winter, you might want to check out some pre-summer clothing sales.
8. The dog
Why not take your dog in for an early spring cut?
9. Your car
Get a jump on an early tune-up and oil change. Remember, once it warms up, you will probably need a different viscosity of oil.
10. Windows
Even if you can't get to the outside windows, cleaning the insides will result in less work when it warms up.
11. Air conditioner
If you have a window unit, take the time to clean it now. If it has warmed up enough outside, you might want to put it back in the window. Even if you get a few cold nights before you have to use it, you will be glad it is in place if a warm snap comes early.
12. Camping gear
You might not be able to set up the tent to air it out, but you can wash and dry all the sleeping gear. Even unpacking the tent and laying it out in your basement will help to dispel the mustiness, and allow you to check it over for tears.
13. Gardening
If you like gardening or are thinking about planting one for the first time, go to the stores now. Most of them will have everything you need out already, and you can take the time to plan out what you want to plant, rather than rushing and trying to do it once the warm weather hits.
14. Tanning
Yes, there is no safe way to tan, but that doesn't stop the majority of us form doing it anyway. One way to avoid getting a serious burn is to start working on your base tan now. Just don't over do it, and make sure to mositurize your skin when you are done.
15. Hair removal
Women like to make sure they have a clean bikini line, and guys should consider waxing their back and chest. This may not be necessary for everyone, but you may want to try it now. Waiting until the day before you go to the beach might be a mistake, especially if you break out in a painful rash.
16. Summer hair do
You might want to let your hair grow out for a few months, then hit your favorite stylist for a cool summer cut & color in early May.
17. Learn a new sport
Lots of gyms offer off season training in everything from Volleyball to Scuba Diving. Taking the time now to learn the sport will pay off when you can jump right into it when the weather arrives.
18. Start planning your camping trip
Most camping areas book up well in advance, so don't wait until July to start looking. If this is the year you want to hike the Grand Canyon, you should be searching the net now to get everything set up in advance.
19. Motorcycle
If your hawg has been wasting away in the garage all winter, then you must be dying for an excuse to fire it up. Get it ready early "" who knows? We just might get an early melt.
20. The house
Nobody really wants to do the dreaded 'spring cleaning', but you might want to prepare for summer. Start packing up the winter clothing and boots, and dust off the sandals and spring jackets. Nobody wants to go around smelling musty. Even throwing your clothes in the dryer with a fabric sheet can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts
Nobody likes to clean or reorganize their closets and garages, but it's even worse when you waste a warm summer day to do it. Take the time now to do a little prep work, so you can hit the beach while all the other suckers are cleaning out their garage.
