The spread of the novel coronavirus may have stopped the functioning of modern society as we know it, but the same can’t be said for the maintenance needed on our homes. The state of your home doesn’t care that a pandemic is happening; it still needs the usual sprucing up that comes once winter turns to spring.

While you’ll have to wait until the quarantine is lifted to tackle big projects that involve contractors like roof replacement or deck upgrades, there are plenty of simple projects you can do yourself to improve the look of your home. Let’s take a look a few easy home improvement projects you can tackle on your own this spring.

Wipe down your windows

The harshness of winter takes the hardest toll on the features of your home that face the outside world, such as your windows. Strong winds and icy precipitation tend to leave smudges of dirt and gunk on your window panes. By spending a little time cleaning your windows, you can enjoy a crystal clear view of the outdoors while letting more sunshine into your home.

As you’re cleaning off your windows, check the panes, sills, and trims for damage. Winter storms could have cracked your window panes and the paint on the trims may be looking a little worse for wear. If you notice damage, try to fix anything that you can and make a note to schedule appointments with professionals to fix what you can’t.

Clean your gutters

The gutters and drain pipes on your home are meant to direct melted snow and rainwater that comes off of your roof away from your home’s foundation. When these gutters are clogged, water can accumulate below the roof line and spill over the edge of gutters. This has a couple of unfortunate consequences. The first is that it can damage your roof, necessitating a new roof that could cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. The second is that the overflowing water can cause ruts around your house and potentially result in water getting into your basement. Repairing water damage in your basement is also going to cost you a pretty penny.

To prevent these costly outcomes, make sure that you clean your gutters in the spring. Getting all of the dirt and debris out of them will help rainwater run smoothly through your gutter system. This is also a good time to check for any damage to your gutters and plan on having them replaced this year if needed. You could also take this time to order gutter guards online and install them in your gutters to keep leaves from clogging your gutters when autumn arrives.

Tend to your gardens

As all kinds of flora start to bloom in the spring, many homeowners are inspired to spruce up their home’s gardens. With the weather starting to warm up, now is the perfect time to clear out weeds and debris in your garden beds. This maintenance is essential for helping perennials successfully grow after a long winter and it will also prepare for any new plants you want to introduce to your gardens. You may even be able to order seeds, plants, mulch, or soil online and get started on your gardening while still practicing social distancing.

As you think about what you want to plant in your garden, consider what the common motives are for gardening. About 30% of people who garden today do so to grow a home vegetable garden from which they can get fresh vegetables. This is the number one reason why people garden today, followed closely by getting better-tasting, higher-quality food. If you’re among these gardeners and want to grow veggies, be sure to make a gardening plan that prioritizes this fresh produce.

Home improvement projects don’t have to be complicated to make an impact. Even the smallest improvements can make your home look fresh and ready for spring. Doing them while you’re quarantined at home has the added benefit of making you feel productive during this unusual time. Fill your quarantined days with simple projects like these and you will have a beautiful home by the end of it.