Fresh start: get your Spanish home ready for spring

Smart tricks to reset your home and outdoor space for the new season

End of January. The holidays are long behind us, winter is losing its grip, and the sun is gaining strength again. In just a few weeks, we’ll be back outside with a glass of wine in hand—but let’s be honest for a moment: how does your home smell right now? A hint of stale winter air? Maybe a mix of candle wax, damp sweaters, and that cozy yet slightly musty throw blanket on the couch?
Earlier this month, I already gave you some inspiration for a beautiful patio—now is the time! Get your home ready for spring! Not with a frantic spring cleaning that would make your mother proud, but with a few smart tweaks to make your space fresher, lighter, and fully prepared for outdoor living. No unnecessary hassle, no excessive Marie Kondo spirituality—just pure logic and a few handy tricks.

Get rid of winter without going full Marie Kondo

The first issue with transitioning from winter to spring is that your home is still stuck in “winter mode.” Thick throws, heavy curtains, candles, and an overall sense of “let’s just stay inside” still linger in the air. Time for a seasonal reset. That doesn’t mean you need to completely redecorate, but it does mean bringing some fresh air into your space.
Start simple: throw those heavy winter blankets and dark cushions in the wash and swap them for lighter fabrics. Replace winter-scented candles with something fresh, like citrus or eucalyptus. Take down the Christmas lights from your balcony (yes, they’re probably still there). Do your curtains make your home feel like a medieval library? Consider lighter, airier fabrics or just throw open the windows. And if your home is still filled with decorations that scream winter, store them away for now and bring in something fresher.

Personal tip: Want an instant refresh without spending a dime? Rearrange your furniture and decorations. Move plants to a different spot, switch up a rug, and let in more natural light. Your home will suddenly feel new again—without costing you a single euro.

Get rid of moisture and stale air: time for ventilation

Spanish homes are fantastic, but in winter they tend to turn into damp bunkers. Especially if you live near the coast, your house in January and February can feel more like a hammam than a fresh, dry retreat.
First step: air it out like a maniac. Open all the windows and doors in the morning, pull back the curtains, and let fresh air circulate. Even just ten minutes can work wonders.
And now for the painful question: when was the last time you cleaned your air conditioning filters? Exactly. If you don’t want to start spring with an allergy attack, now’s the time to clear out the dust and mold lurking in your ventilation system.
Got excess moisture in your home? A dehumidifier can work wonders, but simple tricks like placing bowls of baking soda or charcoal in closets and corners also help absorb dampness.

Personal tip: Place a bowl of coffee beans in a damp room. Not only do they absorb odors, but they also make your home smell instantly better.

Get your outdoor space ready for terrace season

Indoors is one thing, but the real game-changer is your outdoor space. Because let’s be honest: as soon as the temperature rises, you don’t want to be stuck inside.
Start with your terrace or balcony. If your outdoor furniture is still hiding under a cover, take it out and give it a quick clean. Cushions and throws that survived the winter could use a refresh, and if your terrace currently looks like a storage area for everything you don’t want inside, now is the time to sort it out.
And think ahead: do you really want to be roasting in the sun by March? Now is the perfect time to plan for shade solutions like a light sun sail or a pergola with climbing plants. These are things you’ll want to set up now—not when you’re already melting in 30-degree heat.

Personal tip: Hang up some string lights or place a few lanterns around. Nothing upgrades your terrace faster than good ambient lighting.

Air conditioning and fans: sort it out now, not in June

Another thing most people don’t think about until it’s too late: the air conditioning. During the first hot week of the year, half of Spain suddenly realizes their AC isn’t working—or worse, smells like something died inside it.
Avoid that disaster and check it now. Clean the filters, make sure there’s enough refrigerant, and test if everything is running smoothly. Got ceiling or standing fans? Give them a quick test and wipe down the blades, because that layer of winter dust is the last thing you want blown into your face when you switch it on.

Personal tip: Want an air conditioner that uses less energy? Prevent your home from heating up in the first place by ventilating smartly and creating shade. A cooler house takes less energy to keep at a comfortable temperature.

A fresh start without frantic spring cleaning

No one wants to spend six hours on a deep spring clean, tearing the whole house apart. But a few small changes can make a big difference. Declutter a little, open the windows and doors, get your outdoor space ready, and check the appliances you’ll soon need. With minimal effort, your home will feel fresh again—without leaving you overwhelmed by an endless to-do list.
Spring is on its way. Get your home ready now, so you can truly enjoy the sunny months ahead.