March Home Maintenance Checklist 

STEP Into Spring with Woodstock Hardware

March is the “get ready to go month.”

As winter begins to loosen its grip, March is the perfect time to bridge the seasons—finish up indoor projects, start prepping your yard and garden, and get a jump on spring maintenance. Let Woodstock Hardware help you gear up with the right tools, supplies and know-how.

Bird eating seed out of someones palm

March Around The House 

House Maintenance

✓ Declutter and Organize

  • Sort and recycle magazines, newspapers and mementos
    • Build a new file system or clear out old files

Basement & Roof Maintenance

✓ Check your basement for cracks or leaks

    • Seal cracks with spray foam insulation
    • Fix leaks with anti-hydro/water plug cement
    • Apply waterproof paint to damp walls
    • Call a professional if needed

✓ Inspect the roof for winter damage

    • Look for missing shingles or leaks
    • Schedule repairs if needed

Outdoor Maintenance

✓ Clean gutters and downspouts

    • Ensure proper drainage as snow melts and spring rains arrive

✓ Inspect windows and doors for drafts or leaks

    • Reseal if necessary to keep your home energy-efficient

✓ Inspect outdoor lighting for functionality

    • Replace bulbs or clean fixtures if needed

✓ Inspect and clean your air conditioning unit

    • Prepare for the summer season by cleaning both indoor and outdoor units

Home Safety & Maintenance

✓ Clean your light fixtures

    • Remove light covers and debris
    • Replace blown bulbs with energy-efficient options

✓ Check circuit breakers and fuses

    • Use Daylight Savings as a reminder to tighten fuses and replace batteries in smoke/carbon monoxide alarms
    • Visit Woodstock Hardware’s Home & Office Safety Department for supplies

✓ Test your sump pump

    • Run the pump through a cycle to ensure proper operation

✓ Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets

✓ Inspect and replace light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs

    • Save on energy costs

Wildlife & Outdoor Projects

✓ Scout locations for birdhouses

    • Start planning where to place birdhouses

✓ Continue feeding wild birds

    • Make sure your hummingbird feeder is clean and filled
    • Keep feeding birds through spring, as natural food sources are limited

Exterior & Barbecue Prep

✓ Check the exterior of your home for winter damage

    • Inspect siding and make repairs as needed

✓ Prepare for barbecue season

    • Clean your grill inside and out
    • Consider upgrading grilling tools or try a grill basket for vegetables and fish
    • Visit Woodstock Hardware’s Barbecue & Grilling Department for supplies

✓ Upgrade your grill

    • Woodstock Hardware offers grills with FREE assembly
    • Local delivery available with a pre-filled propane tank

Vehicle & Fireplaces

✓ Prepare your car for warm weather

    • Check fluids, tire pressure and clean your car
    • Visit Woodstock Hardware’s Auto & Truck Supply Department for supplies

✓ Inspect and clean your chimney or fireplace

    • Schedule a professional cleaning if necessary

Storage & Fishing Equipment

✓ Declutter and organize storage areas

      • Focus on closets, attics, basements and garages

✓ Check your fishing equipment

      • Replace any needed supplies before opening day
      • Visit Woodstock Hardware’s Fishing Tackle Shop for assistance

March In The Yard

✓  Lawn and Garden Supplies for the Upcoming Season

    • Make a list of supplies you’ll need

✓  Tune Up the Mower and Yard Equipment

    • Ensure all equipment is ready for the season

✓  Edge Garden Beds

    • Sharpen up the edges while the ground is soft for a clean, ready-for-spring look

✓  Check Fences, Gates and Decks for Damage

    • Perform necessary repairs before outdoor activities begin

✓  Replace Worn-Out, Long-Handled Lawn and Garden Tools

    • Upgrade tools that have been worn down over time

✓  Prune Dormant Summer-Blooming Shrubs and Small Trees

    • This is probably your last chance to prune before new growth begins

✓  Check Mailbox, Driveway Reflectors and House Identification Signs

    • After snowplows are put away, check these items
    • Replace or repair as needed
    • Visit Woodstock Hardware’s Property Accessory Department for mailboxes, signs, reflectors, and numbers

✓  Inspect Leaf Rake and Lawn Tarp

    • Consider upgrading to an electric, gas-powered, or battery-operated blower for spring cleanup

✓  Light Cleanup

    • If weather permits, lightly rake to remove leaves, dead grass, and winter debris

✓  Inspect for Snow Mold or Bare Spots

    • Hold off seeding until later in the spring

March In The Garden

✓ Make a List of Lawn and Garden Supplies for the Upcoming Season

    • Prepare for the busy season ahead by identifying needed tools, seeds and supplies

✓ Tune Up the Mower and Yard Equipment

    • Ensure all equipment is ready for use if you haven’t done so already

✓ Edge Garden Beds

    • Sharpen up the edges of garden beds while the ground is soft to achieve a clean, spring-ready look

✓ Check Fences, Gates and Decks for Damage

    • Perform necessary repairs to ensure everything is in good condition before outdoor activities begin

✓ Replace Worn-Out, Long-Handled Lawn and Garden Tools

    • Upgrade any tools that have become worn out or ineffective

✓ Prune Dormant Summer-Blooming Shrubs and Small Trees

    • This is likely your last opportunity to prune before new growth begins

✓ Check the Condition of Your Mailbox, Driveway Reflectors and House Identification Signs

    • After snowplows are put away, inspect these items for wear and tear
    • Replace or repair as needed
    • Visit Woodstock Hardware’s Property Accessory Department for mailboxes, signs, reflectors, and numbers

✓ Check the Condition of Your Leaf Rake and Lawn Tarp

    • Consider upgrading to an electric, gas-powered or battery-operated blower for spring cleanup

✓ Light Cleanup

    • If weather permits, rake lightly to remove leaves, dead grass and winter debris

✓ Inspect for Snow Mold or Bare Spots

    • Hold off on seeding until later in the spring

✓ Cut Back Dead Perennials and Ornamental Grasses

    • Trim away dead growth to allow space for new growth

✓ Clean Out Old Mulch and Debris from Flower Beds

    • Refresh flower beds by clearing out old mulch and debris

✓ Prune Damaged or Dead Branches from Trees and Shrubs

    • Maintain the health of your plants by removing damaged growth

✓ Inspect for Pest Damage or Disease

    • Look for early signs of pests or disease to address them before they spread

✓ Direct Sow Hardy Crops

    • Weather permitting, plant hardy crops like peas, spinach and lettuce if soil is workable

✓ Check Hoses and Irrigation Equipment

    • Inspect and replace any worn-out or damaged hoses and irrigation tools

✓ Clean and Refill Bird Feeders

    • Prepare for early migrators by keeping bird feeders clean and well-stocked

✓ Make a Landscaping Plan for the Season

    • Take advantage of this quiet time to plan your garden and landscaping projects for the year
bird at feeder with seed
 

Make This Your Best Year of Homeownership Yet

With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Woodstock Hardware is your trusted local partner for professional advice, quality tools, and everything you need to keep your home, yard and garden thriving. 

We are here to help.