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5 Simple Tips for an Awesome Family Road Trip

By Jacob Eastlick on June 16, 2021 0

Whether you and your family are driving to the zoo, the lake or visiting relatives, you are part of the American tradition of the road trip. Part of the appeal of a road trip is all the fun along the way. So, to make sure you’re prepared for your spontaneous adventures check out these tips:

1. Take your vehicle in for maintenance

Oil changes, tire rotations and brake pad replacements are all great ideas before your big trip. Tell the mechanic about your road trip plans and approximately how many miles you plan to travel in your vehicle. They may be able to spot potential issues before you leave to avoid a problem on the road.

2. Review your auto insurance policy

It’s a good idea to review what your auto insurance covers before you hit the road. Things like road trouble service and rental car coverage may be important to know if they are included on your policy.

You may want to consider our Personal Automobile Plus endorsement which includes coverage if your car breaks down more than 100 miles from your home for things like overnight accommodations and meals. Even if you’re not over 100 miles away from home, it may also pay toward the cost of getting you to your destination by other means, whether that be a rental car, or public transportation. It’s also a good idea to save your insurance agent’s phone number in your phone along with any applicable after-hours claim numbers. For Auto-Owners policies, the after-hours number is 1-888-252-4626.

Read: Making the Auto Insurance Switch

3. Check the weather at home and your destination

In the days before your trip, you’ll probably watch the weather forecast for your destination and route. However, it’s also a good idea to check the upcoming weather for your home.

The last thing you want is to come home and find that a tree has fallen on your house, or that your basement has flooded. See what the forecast says and ask a neighbor to check on your house once a day, especially if there’s bad weather. Be sure you leave them a reliable contact number.

4. Renting a vehicle? Make sure it’s covered

If you decide to rent a vehicle for your road trip, contact your local insurance agent to learn about rental car coverages. Most rental companies will ask if you want to purchase insurance for your rental car. But, you may not need it. Your independent agent can check your existing auto policy for any coverages that may apply and can discuss coverages you may be able to add. One coverage to ask about is rental gap coverage.

Unless you’ve read the fine print on the rental contract you probably haven’t heard of this coverage. Your local insurance agent will know and can help you feel confident signing your rental agreement.

Rental Gap Coverage: Let’s say you crash your rental car and it’s worth $20,000, but the rental company decides to sell it for $10,000 instead of fixing it. Without rental gap coverage, you are responsible for the difference.

5. Arrange roadside help before you go

Roadside trouble service can be a vacation saver and you don’t have to be a member of an auto association to get it. At Auto-Owners, we offer Road Trouble Service coverage that can easily be added to your auto policy. This service includes a 24-hour hotline if you need a tow, or if you have an emergency with your car battery, oil or gas. All of these features are easily accessible via our Auto-Owners Mobile app! Our Road Trouble Service coverage extends across the country, and in most situations, you won’t have to pay for services out of pocket.

Read: You Just Got In a Car Accident. Now What?

Taking steps to prepare for your road trip may be work now but will help you have a more relaxed and enjoyable vacation. Talk to your local independent insurance agent to ensure your vehicle is covered for your adventures ahead.

Disclaimer: The analysis of coverage is in general terms and is superseded in all respects by the Insuring Agreements, Endorsements, Exclusions, Terms and Conditions of the Policy. Some of the coverage mentioned in this material may not be applicable in all states or may have to be modified to conform to applicable state law. Some coverages may have been eliminated or modified since the publishing of this material. Please check with your local Independent Auto-Owners Insurance Agent for details.

How to Select the Best Homeowners Insurance Coverage

By Jacob Eastlick on June 16, 2021 0

Buying a home is an exciting, new adventure. One of the many decisions you will make is how to insure your new home.

The Insurance Information Institute reports that one in 20 insured homes has a claim each year. While you never want to file a claim, having the right coverage is critical to your new investment.

Here’s how you can make sure you’re choosing the best homeowners insurance coverage for your home.

1. Understand What Homeowners Insurance Provides

It’s important to understand homeowners insurance when selecting your coverages.

A simple definition of homeowners insurance: an agreement to repair or replace your home and put your life back to where it was after a disaster/covered loss in return for a premium/payment.

Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover:

The cost to rebuild your home after a disaster
Your contents inside the home in the event of a covered loss
Liability coverage to pay medical bills if somebody is injured on your property
Living expenses if you have to leave your home after a disaster

An Auto-Owners standard Home policy will also cover:

Fire department charges in the event of a home fire
Food spoilage after a prolonged power outage
Debris removal after a covered loss

2. Explore Your Options

One of the important choices you will make when selecting a policy is your limit of insurance.

Your limit of insurance is the maximum your insurance company will pay you in the event of a covered loss.

New homeowners will often consider their home’s resale value when deciding their limits of insurance. However, you are not insuring your home’s resale value.

You want your insurance limit to cover the cost to completely rebuild your home after a covered loss.

Beyond choosing your limits, you will also have optional coverages you can add on to your policy. These may include:

Guaranteed Home Replacement Cost: Provides full replacement of your home in the event that your coverage limit is too low. This may occur due to unforeseen changes in construction material and labor costs.
Personal Property Replacement Cost: Pays you the cost to purchase new contents regardless of the resale value or age in the event of a covered loss. Alternatively, standard coverage will pay you the cash value of your contents at their depreciated value.
Equipment Breakdown Coverage: Covers the breakdown of all your important home systems and personal major appliances. For example, air-conditioning systems, furnaces, compressors, laptops, televisions, home appliances, and hot-water heaters

Check out this interactive home tour to see Equipment Breakdown Coverage in action.

3. Choose the Right Insurance Company

Your next step is choosing the right insurance company. We recommend starting with a local, independent insurance agent.

When you search for the cheapest insurance option online, you are most likely missing important details and coverages. A low price doesn’t necessarily mean appropriate coverage.

A local, independent insurance agent represents many insurance companies. They can provide you with personalized quotes from any of them based on your needs.

Read: Why Independent Agents?

An agent will help you dig deeper and find out exactly what is and isn’t covered under each policy you consider. Also, their success is dependent on representing quality insurance companies. So, they are very familiar with insurance companies known for superior customer service.

Find your local, independent insurance agent with our Agency Locator tool.

4. Bundle Your Insurance Policies for Extra Savings

Oftentimes, insurance companies offer multiple-policy discounts since they sell multiple types of insurance. If you buy more than one policy from the same insurance company you may qualify for policy discounts.

So, if you have the option to bundle your policies with one insurance company, it is usually a good idea.

5. Remember to Look Ahead

Lastly, remember your home insurance needs may change over time. Your insurance agent is a great resource during changes to your home.

As your home and family change, tell your agent. This will help make sure you still have the best coverages for your home.

Examples of these changes may include:

Remodeling or renovating parts of your home
Changes to who is living in the home
Changes to how much time you spend in the home throughout the year
Upgrading the contents of your home
Adding a deck
Digging a pool
Finishing your basement

Another aspect of your home that may change over time is the contents inside. It’s a good idea to keep an up-to-date home inventory to document the items in your home. Several free apps can help you capture the information quickly.

Choosing the Best Homeowners Insurance for Your Home Doesn’t Have to be Hard

Purchasing your first house and homeowners insurance is not something to rush through. The advice of your local, independent agent is a great way to ensure your home is covered properly.

Learn more: Homeowners Insurance & Ways to Save with Auto-Owners

Distracted Driving and Cellphones: What Are the Risks?

By Jacob Eastlick on March 31, 2021 0

Are young drivers more likely to get into accidents caused by cellphone use?

Posted May 03, 2019 BY PSCYCHOLOGY TODAY

How dangerous is it to take your eyes off the road while distracted by a cellphone? As it happens, the answer to that question is “very”—and it’s a problem that doesn’t seem to have a clear solution, especially among young drivers.

Even before the rise of modern telecommunications, distracted driving has always been a major cause of automobile accidents. Usually defined as “shift in driver concentration toward a secondary task, leading to a deviation of attention from driving,” distractions that can have an impact on safe driving are usually divided into three main categories:

Visual distractions which can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road for any reason. Whether it involves turning your head to look at a passenger or a street sign, reading the name of a song on the audio system display, or checking the cellphone sitting next to you in the car, all it takes is a second of distraction to cause an accident.
Manual distractions which lead drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel. Adjusting the radio, opening the glove compartment to find some needed item, or picking up a cellphone are all examples of manual distractions.
Cognitive distractions can occur whenever a driver is no longer focused on the primary task of driving. This can result from drowsiness, being preoccupied by an upcoming meeting, or thinking about what you’re having for dinner.

Whatever the cause of the distraction, the consequences for drivers can be serious. Not only do distracted drivers have reduced reaction times, but they are also less aware of what is around them, including traffic signs, other cars, or pedestrians about to cross in front of them. According to a 2006 research study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 78 percent of all crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes in the United States were due to distracted driving. More recent studies showed that one out of every six fatal crashes in the United States could be linked to distracted driving.

You probably won’t be too surprised to learn that cellphone use has become a major contributor to distracted driving in recent years. Not only are cellphones virtually universal, but drivers have learned to depend on them for GPS navigation, appointment reminders, or to communicate with friends and family while driving.

It is largely because of this cellphone dependence that many auto makers have incorporated Bluetooth technology into the latest cars to provide hands-free use. Unfortunately, this led many drivers to assume that the hands-free option eliminated the risk of distracted driving (it doesn’t).

But it is probably the popularity of texting that has caused the greatest problems for drivers. The manual, visual, and cognitive distractions resulting from texting while driving has been shown to increase the likelihood of crashing by up to 23 percent, according to one 2010 study. Still, despite most drivers being well aware of the potential dangers of cellphone use when driving, this awareness doesn’t seem to have much impact on actual driving behavior. This can be especially true for younger drivers, who have been found to account for 21 percent of all texting-and-driving-related crashes.

Certainly, there is no question that younger drivers (especially younger male drivers) are at higher risk for serious driving accidents. According to Canadian traffic statistics, for example, a quarter of the total traffic deaths between 2000 and 2005 due to crashes involved young drivers between 15 and 24 years of age. Determining the actual number of vehicle fatalities that can be linked to cellphone fatalities is much more problematic, however.

In one 2015 survey study of cellphone use over time, 27 percent of a large sample of Ontario residents between the ages of 16 and 19 years admitted to texting while driving but, in a second sample surveyed just three years later, this had dropped to six percent. So, are young drivers becoming more cautious over time—or are they simply becoming more reluctant to admit to texting while driving given the severe penalties now in place in many jurisdictions? And what makes so many young people believe that the risks associated with cellphone use while driving won’t happen to them?

A new research study published in Canadian Psychology examines these questions as well as looking at some of the motivations linked to cellphone-related driving. Jessica A. Dénommée of Laurentian University and a team of researchers conducted a comprehensive review of research studies looking at recent changes in driving legislation and how drivers between the ages of sixteen and nineteen were dealing with the increased penalties for distracted driving convictions faced under the new law. Through careful screening, twenty-nine research articles were selected for further analysis. These studies referenced in these articles used data taken from self-report surveys of driver behaviors and attitudes, use of driving simulators, and naturalistic studies using in-car cameras to monitor driving behavior.

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The different factors associated with cellphone use while driving include:

Attitude towards cellphones. Despite being aware of the risks associated with cellphone use while driving, young drivers often rely on cellphones to stay in touch with family and friends and to maintain a presence on social media. This often causes them to view the advantages of cellphone use as outweighing potential dangers. Young drivers who have difficulty abstaining from cellphone use while driving were also much more prone to other risky behaviors than their counterparts. In reporting on their cellphone use, young drivers also reported relying on different strategies to avoid problems—including not using cellphones after dark, during rush hour, when weather was bad, or in areas with numerous pedestrians.

Gender. Even though cellphone use in young drivers appeared equally divided between males and females, there were some significant gender differences in cellphone use while behind the wheel. Not only did women report sending shorter text messages than men, but they were also more likely to rate texting and driving as being more distracting than their male counterparts. Also, while women were more dependent on cellphones for social purposes, men were confident in their ability to drive safely even while texting. Which also leads to the next factor:

The Illusion of control. Drivers with strong confidence in their ability to drive appear more likely to text while driving because they believe they can avoid problems. This perception of personal invulnerability is commonly seen in young males and often leads to their engaging in various risky behaviors. They also tend to be chronic multitaskers who are sure of their ability to engage in different activities at the same time.

Peer/Parent influences. For many young drivers, social influences can play an important role in the decision to text and drive. Whether this involves seeing friends or family text and drive or having friends their age treating distracted driving as being no big deal, researchers have consistently found that these kinds of social influences can lead to unsafe driving habits such as speeding or texting while driving.

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Age. This is the most obvious factor at work, with older drivers being much more cautious on the road than their younger counterparts. Older drivers are also much more experienced than young drivers and have safer driving habits in general. And considering that cellphones are a relatively recent invention, older drivers may not be as dependent on them for staying in contact. Ironically, however, older drivers are also much less able to multitask than their younger counterparts, something that might make them more cautious about anything that might distract them on the road.

Use of Hands-Free Technology. While Bluetooth, voice-recognition technology, and other innovations have been hailed as a practical alternative to cellphone use in cars, research using driving simulators hasn’t been that supportive. Experimental studies examining driving behavior under different conditions such as driving alone, using a hands-free device, or having conversations with passengers, found that any kind of distraction can affect driving behavior. In fact, in-car conversations with passengers and use of hands-free technology to make phone calls both appear to affect the driver’s ability to keep eyes on the road, merge into traffic, and apply brakes as needed. Manual use of a cellphone was still the biggest distractor, however, and represented the greatest danger to safe driving.

So, what can this kind of research teach us about reducing distracted driving in young drivers? While the risks of cellphone use in a car are well-known, even to young drivers, the need to stay in contact often overrides that risk. Also, young drivers who manage to avoid problems on the road despite engaging in this kind of risky behavior can develop a false sense of security that can make them less receptive to warnings about cellphone use.

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Despite various attempts at curbing unsafe driving, including programs in schools, public service announcements, and stronger legal penalties for drivers caught using cellphones, it’s still debatable whether these approaches are all that successful.

As we become more accustomed to remaining in constant contact with the world, deciding where and when we can use these devices, and whether this impacts our personal safety when driving or engaging in other activities that require undivided attention becomes much more critical. Though some advocates have recommended a technical fix to the problem, including having automobile manufacturers develop systems that disable hands-free and handheld devices while the car is in motion, this is likely to prove a tough sell for customers and auto makers alike. Better prevention programs, including the use of driving simulators to show young drivers how texting actually affects their ability to drive safely can help as well.

Ultimately, cellphone use in cars is a problem that isn’t likely to go away. Finding better solutions will likely become more essential than ever in the years to come.

References

Dénommée, J. A., Foglia, V., Roy-Charland, A., Turcotte, K., Lemieux, S., & Yantzi, N. (2019). Cellphone use and young drivers. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie canadienne. Advance online publication

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

5 Common Car Seat Installation Mistakes to Avoid

By Jacob Eastlick on March 31, 2021 0

So, to make baby prep a little bit easier here are five car seat installation mistakes you can avoid. You’ve got this!

Mistake #1: After-market products

Making car seats is a precise science. Any material or add-on product not made by the manufacturer can potentially interfere with its function. Even a blanket between your child and their car seat may inhibit its effectiveness. In the event of an accident, the car seat’s warranty or applicable guarantee may be void if after-market products are in use. So, those strap covers might be adorable but are not worth the risk. For more information about after-market products to avoid and suggested alternatives check out this article from the experts at Car Seats for the Littles.

Read: I Just Got Into A Car Accident, Now What?

Mistake #2: Forgetting the car seat base

There’s a reason your child’s car seat came with a base, it keeps it in place! It takes a little extra time, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the base. Even if you’ve installed a car seat before don’t assume you know how to install a new one. Car seats are always changing. To make life a little easier, some manufacturers have YouTube channels with video tutorials on how to install your base.

If you have two vehicles it may be a good idea to buy an extra base. Most manufacturers sell their car seat bases separately so you can easily use your car seat in all your vehicles.

Some parents worry the base and car seat won’t fit in their vehicle. If you find yourself in this situation, search for the car seats designed for smaller cars. You can also check the manufacturer’s website before buying your child’s car seat to see if it will fit in your vehicle.

Mistake #3: Passing up a free car seat safety check

Who doesn’t love freebies? Most communities offer free car seat safety inspections from trained technicians. These are usually put on by local hospitals or fire departments. A technician will examine how you installed your car seat. Some may even help you practice buckling the harness. If you’re not sure your community has one, call your local hospital maternity ward and they will likely be able to point you in the right direction.

Read: The Gift of Life Insurance for Children

Mistake #4: Ignoring your car seat’s expiration date

Just like that huge carton of kale in the back of your refrigerator that you swore you were going to eat, car seats have expiration dates. Check the manufacturer’s manual or website to learn where the expiration date is printed on the seat.

Car seats are designed to last for a certain amount of time. As you use it, the materials begin to degrade because of its exposure to the elements – sun, heat, freezing temperatures, etc. This wears down the materials which can make it less effective. This is why most safety organizations advise against buying a used car seat. It’s also advised to never buy one that was in a car accident, or is missing an expiration date.

Mistake #5: Hastily buckling your kiddo in their car seat

Seat belts seem easy enough, but a baby’s car seat harness is much more complex. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to learn the right way to secure their harness. There are several different harnessing systems used in child car seats so make sure you know how yours works.

You’ll want to make sure their harness straps are flat against them and properly tightened. Also, it’s advised to avoid clothing your child in bulky coats when in their car seat. It can create slack between your child and the restraints. Instead, buckle them in without their coat and then cover them with their coat or a blanket.

It make take some extra time but ensuring your child is properly buckled in their car seat and that the car seat is correctly installed can save lives. When in doubt, look for information and answers from the manufacturer.

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POSTED BY AUTO-OWNERS INSURANCE, APRIL 2021

Storm Damage & Homeowners Insurance: 5 Things You Need to Know

By Jacob Eastlick on February 26, 2021 1

Piles of mangled siding and shingles litter the once lively neighborhoods. You can’t help but ask yourself, how will they ever recover?

Rebuilding after storm damage is no small feat and insurance is often what makes it possible. Here are five things you need to know about your home insurance when it comes to storm damage.

1. Your homeowners insurance may not cover water damage

Water damage can devastate a home, especially after a storm. But, most homeowners insurance policies only cover certain types of water damage.

One of the major differences is how the water gets inside your house.

Water damage that originates inside your home or from a storm-created opening is typically covered by home insurance.

Examples may include:

An overflowing washing machine
A burst interior pipe
Rainwater that enters your home through openings storm winds create

This is helpful for most household accidents and some storms, but not in the event of flooding.

Water damage from outside your home is usually not covered by home insurance.

Examples may include:

Floodwater
A broken water main
Water that enters your home through manufactured openings

Unfortunately, these are the types of damages you will most likely have after a storm.

To cover these damages, you may need to add flood insurance to your home insurance policy. To add flood insurance to your home policy, talk to your local insurance agent.

Even if you don’t live in a flood zone, it’s a good idea to add flood insurance and it’s usually very affordable. If you do live in a flood zone, you will want to make sure you have the coverage.

2. If your insurance claim is denied you may qualify for government assistance, like FEMA

If the government declares your town a federal disaster area, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may provide disaster relief.

To qualify, you will first need to submit an insurance claim. If your insurance company approves your claim, they will pay it, not FEMA.
If your insurance doesn’t cover the damages, the insurance company will deny your claim. This is where FEMA steps in.
Next, you need to submit the FEMA paperwork and documentation, which you can complete online. You will need to include a formal denial of your claim from the insurance company.
Your agent will be able to provide you with formal denial paperwork to meet FEMA’s requirements.
FEMA may provide compensation for most of your damages if your insurance doesn’t cover it.

3. You can save money with a common loss deductible

If you experience a severe storm, chances are that more than your home will have damage.

What about your car?

How about your belongings boxed up in the basement?

Different insurance policies cover these items. In the past, this meant you paid multiple deductibles. Now, most insurance companies, including Auto-Owners Insurance, offer a common loss deductible.

A common loss deductible reduces the amount you pay on your claim(s) if the damage arises from a single storm or disaster.

4. If somebody else’s property damages your house during a storm, you are likely still responsible

What happens if your neighbor’s tree falls onto your house and damages your roof during a severe storm? Or, what if your fence blows over and dents your neighbor’s car during a period of high wind? Who is responsible?

The general rule for insurance is that your property is your responsibility. This usually includes trees that fall onto your property.

So, if a neighbor’s tree damages your property during a storm you are responsible. Your home insurance policy will most likely cover your damages.

But, things may change if the tree is dead or dying before the storm. In that situation, the owner of the tree may be responsible for your damages.

5. Your house must be “unfit to live in” to receive reimbursement for temporary relocation

After severe storm damage, your home may be unsafe to live in. If this is the case, your home is “unfit to live in”.

“Unfit to live in” means you and your family cannot safely stay in the home.

Determining if your home is unsafe after a severe storm can be difficult. Most claims departments try to determine whether a home is fit to live in on a case-by-case basis.

For example, if your roof blows away in strong winds, your home may be unsafe. But, if your basement floods and needs time to dry, you may be able to safely stay in your home.

If your home is unfit to live in, some home insurance policies cover the cost of temporary relocation and other living expenses. This may include living expenses you incur during your home repairs or until you find a new house.

You may need to make the decision to temporarily leave your home before talking with your insurance company. If you do leave your home, make an honest assessment to determine if it’s unfit to live in – especially if you expect your insurance company to pay for your expenses.

Get Started: Find a local, independent insurance agent to review your storm damage coverage.

Examining your current insurance coverages for potential gaps is critical. Talk with your local, independent insurance agent before disaster strikes to prepare your family.

Spring Cleaning Checklist: The Ultimate Guide to a Tidier Home

By Jacob Eastlick on February 26, 2021 0

By Jessica Bennett

Updated March 05, 2020

Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

farmer sink and white cabinets in modern farmhouse

CREDIT: LAURA MOSS

Welcome spring by giving your home a good deep clean. Our handy guide breaks down the must-do chores into a three-step system. First up are the spring cleaning checklist and to-dos, the once-a-year tasks perfectly suited for spring. Next, tackle exterior spring cleaning with tips on fix-ups and repairs for the outside of your home. Finally, room-by-room cleaning tips will help you declutter and tidy up specific must-hit areas.

START SLIDESHOW

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Spring Cleaning List

CREDIT: KIM CORNELISON PHOTOGRAPHY INC.

Spring is the perfect time to or embark on an apartment-cleaning marathon. Work these chores into your cleaning schedule this spring and get ready to face warmer days with a space that sparkles. Before you tackle your deep cleaning, make a cleaning checklist tailored to your home and needs.

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Spring Cleaning Checklist and To-Dos: Wash Windows

CREDIT: FRANCES JANISCH

Be sure to pick a cloudy day to . “If it’s too sunny, the cleaning solution will dry too fast and you’ll have streaks,” says . Water and a microfiber cloth will typically clean windows more effectively than chemicals. Otherwise, make your own glass cleaner solution with 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol, 1/3 cup vinegar, and distilled water.

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Spring Cleaning Checklist and To-Dos: Sliding Door Tracks

CREDIT: PETER KRUMHARDT

Sliding glass door tracks probably aren’t the first spots you’d think to clean, but you’ll appreciate having done it before the outdoor entertaining season gets into full swing. Smallin suggests scrubbing the tracks with an old, dry toothbrush to loosen debris, then using your vacuum hose to remove it. Finish with a wet sponge.

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Spring Cleaning Checklist and To-Dos: Overlooked Surfaces

CREDIT: GORDON BEALL

Spring cleaning is an opportunity to address those surfaces you overlook on a daily basis. Once a year, give your baseboards, door frames, and . Wash them with a sponge and a squirt of dishwashing liquid mixed in a bucket of warm water.

FIND YOUR DECORATING PERSONALITY!

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Spring Cleaning Checklist and To-Dos: Deep-Clean Carpets

CREDIT: EDMUND BARR

To maintain a new carpet’s warranty, you may need to have it cleaned professionally every 12-18 months, Smallin says. Otherwise, you can tackle by renting a deep cleaner or buying a professional-style model designed for home use. Follow the directions for mixing the cleaning solution, rinsing, and drying carefully to ensure you get the best clean.

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Spring Cleaning Checklist and To-Dos: Freshen Furniture

CREDIT: ERIN KUNKEL

Restore smooth leather with an upholstery cleaner and conditioner. Use a suede brush to perk up nubuck leather. For wood furniture, use Smallin’s recipe to make your own all-natural cleaner and polish: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil and 1/2 cup of vinegar or lemon juice in a plastic spray bottle; shake well and spray onto a microfiber cloth.

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Spring Cleaning Checklist and To-Dos: Dust Light Fixtures

CREDIT: BRIE WILLIAMS

Use a to dust fixtures and bulbs you can reach. For ceiling fans, skip the ladder and use an . To clean grimy bulbs, lightly dampen a cloth with vinegar and wipe. Caution: Be sure bulbs are cool to the touch and your hands are dry. Tackle light fixtures before cleaning the rest of the room, so any errant falling dust doesn’t disrupt already-clean surfaces.

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Spring Cleaning Checklist and To-Dos: Get Organized

CREDIT: DAVID A LAND

Pick up and before you start cleaning. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by clutter, designate some organizing “power sessions” in your spring cleaning schedule. As you declutter, equip yourself with a few boxes for sorting: one for garage sale items, another for items to donate, and a garbage bag for items to toss. Put away the things you intend to keep in their rightful places and rooms.

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Spring Cleaning Checklist and To-Dos: Make a Wardrobe Transition

CREDIT: MARTY BALDWIN

Storing items you aren’t currently wearing or using in a tucked-away place will help and keep seasonal essentials at the forefront. Put away gloves, winter clothing items, and boots so you’ll have plenty of space for spring clothing. Always label bins and boxes so you know where to find your winter gear next year.

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Spring Cleaning Checklist and To-Dos: Safety Inspection

CREDIT: HELEN NORMAN

Consider spring cleaning your prompt to check the batteries in your smoke and . Perform all required safety checks around your home. If you don’t own a fire extinguisher, purchase one. Learn how to use it, and . You may also want to purchase one for your garage.

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Exterior Spring Cleaning Tips: Exterior Paint

CREDIT: CAMERON SADEGHPOUR

While you’re spring cleaning, consider freshening the face of your home with a . An can take your house from forgettable to the best on the block. The average exterior paint job lasts 10 years, so make sure it’s done right. If your house doesn’t require a full paint makeover, consider a touch-up, which can prolong the life of your siding and trim.

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Room-by-Room Cleaning Tips: Bedrooms

CREDIT: GREG SCHEIDEMANN

Devote a portion of your spring cleaning efforts to giving every room in your home a thorough cleaning. In the bedroom, rotate and flip mattresses. Wash blankets and comforters, or take them to be cleaned. Wash mattress pads and bed skirts. or have them dry-cleaned. To , send them to a professional cleaner, hang them outside in the fresh air, or freshen them with the air (no heat) cycle of your clothes dryer

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Room-by-Room Cleaning Tips: Kitchen

CREDIT: LAURA MOSS

To , take time to declutter your pantry, , and drawers. Wipe them out and install fresh shelf paper. Store or donate equipment you don’t use, such as small appliances or cookware. Discard . and freezer. Vacuum the cooling coils under or behind your refrigerator.

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