Tips for spring cleaning outdoors

Keeping on top of routine maintenance and other projects can be a daunting task. Following is a spring checklist, put together by Angie's List:

• Plan a weekend for home and garage organization. First, get rid of all items that you didn’t use last summer or don’t plan on using again. Install shelving and hooks, and make use of plastic storage containers that you can label to help you stay organized when things get busy.

• Check and clean your grill for parties and barbecues. If you have a gas grill, it’s very important to check the gas line connections by covering them with a mixture of soap and water. With burner knobs in the off position, open the gas supply valve from the tank. If you see bubbles around the connections, they may need to be tightened, or you may need to replace the gas supply lines.

• Inspect your gutters and downspouts to make sure they are clear of debris and that they are draining away from your foundation wall. Leaves and debris can block drainage, promoting rust and roof damage. If your downspouts are not positioned properly, rainwater can seep into your basement, crawl space or under your home’s foundation, causing extensive damage, which can be expensive to repair.