There’s no one who doesn’t appreciate a tidy, well-maintained house exterior. Your curb is the first impression for visitors and passersby, so keeping it in good condition is important if you want to make an impact and contribute to the look of your neighborhood. It’s also a major factor if you’re planning to sell, as most buyers browse listings online. The first picture they usually see is the front of a house, and how well that part looks could determine if they click on it or not—it’s all marketing!
At Compass Self Storage, we want to help you get a clean, attractive curb for your house, no matter if it’s just for the aesthetics or because you want to sell your house. Here are a few tips for you to get started:
1. Clean Your Yard and Refresh Your Landscape
The foundation of a professional look starts with your lawn and garden beds. Something as simple as a slightly messy yard can stop someone from wanting to learn more about your home. A little care goes a long way:
- Mow, edge, and weed. A freshly mowed lawn with clean edges instantly elevates the entire property. Pull weeds from your garden beds, and consider adding a fresh layer of mulch to suppress regrowth. This also helps the grass look more vibrant and makes your plants stand out.
- Trim and shape. Overgrown shrubs and trees can look chaotic and even block sunlight from your home. Prune bushes, trim tree limbs that hang too low, and make sure hedges are neatly shaped. This will open up your house and create a more inviting appearance.
- Seasonal flowers. Who doesn’t appreciate flowers? Adding a few pots or planting bright seasonal flowers adds an interesting pop of color, enhancing the appeal of your home.
2. Repaint Key Exterior Features to Boost Curb Appeal
A fresh coat of paint can perform miracles. Over time, paint fades, peels, and gets dingy. You don’t necessarily have to repaint the entire house, but consider these high-impact areas:
- The front door. Your front door is the focal point of your curb appeal. A new, vibrant color or a fresh coat of its existing color can make a huge difference.
- Shutters and trim. If your house is siding or brick, painting the window trim, shutters, and garage door can provide a sharp, contrasting definition that makes the whole house look crisp and new.
- Fences. A fresh stain or coat of paint on any exterior wood features will instantly boost their visual appeal and protect them from the elements.
3. Clean Your Home’s Exterior and Driveway for a More Professional Look
It is not shocking to hear how much dirt and grime the exterior of your house can get over the years, which is why it is important to clean it from time to time. Remove years of built-up dust by cleaning the siding, brick, or stucco, clean your exterior windows until they’re sparkling, and wash the gutters and downspouts to help them blend in and look less noticeable.
Your driveway, walkway, and front path are major contributors to curb appeal but are often overlooked. Repair any visible cracks, remove oil stains or tire marks, and clear away clutter or debris to restore a clean, polished look.
4. Repair Your Roof and Gutters to Improve Home Value and Curb Appeal
These elements are essential for the structural integrity of your home, and their appearance matters. Even a few damaged shingles can make your roof look neglected. Repairing them is an investment in both aesthetics and home protection.
Make sure your gutters are straight, securely fastened, and free of debris. Sagging, overflowing, or detached gutters look unclean and signal potential water damage issues to buyers. A little maintenance here goes a long way toward the house looking loved and taken care of.
6. Stick To Neutral Exterior Tones to Get a Cohesive Look
While you might love more extravagant colors since they can add a spark of personality, going overboard with colors is not the best bet if you want to achieve a clean look. We recommend sticking to soft, unsaturated colors for board surfaces. Warm beiges, whites, or similar hues can work wonders.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use bright colors at all—just reserve them for accents like front doors, shutters, or potted flowers. A neutral backdrop allows that pop of color to enhance the visual appeal and look sophisticated!
7. Outdoor and Landscape Lighting Can Make a Big Difference
Good lighting is not just a security feature. It dramatically enhances the look of your home after sunset if done right, as your home will look inviting and attractive. Enhance lighting by highlighting key features like a tree or a garden bed, or installing pathway lights along the walkway and driveway.
Make sure your porch light fixtures are in good condition and provide bright, clear light at the entrance. Try to choose fixtures that complement the style of your home for a cohesive look if possible!
8. Look At Your Plant’s Health To Maintain a Vibrant Environment
A professional-looking yard is instantly elevated by healthy plants. Dying or unhealthy shrubs and trees can drag down the appearance of an otherwise beautiful exterior, so proper care is essential.
- Spot what plants need more love. Look at your bushes, trees, and flower beds. Are there any yellowing leaves, dead branches, or sparse patches of lawn?
- Nourish and revive. Feed yourlawn with fertilizer, and remove anything that is clearly dead or beyond saving. It’s better to have a well-defined empty spot than a struggling, unsightly shrub.
- Edging. If you can, give all of your garden beds a clean, defined edge.. This small detail is a hallmark of professional landscaping.
9. Less is More
The biggest difference between a cluttered yard and a professional-looking one is simplicity. An aesthetically pleasing curb feels intentional and uncluttered. Store wicker furniture pieces, garden figurines, gnomes, and other décor items that distract from the overall look. If you’re preparing to sell, remove personal items like worn doormats or decorative flags.
As you tidy up, you may find items you want to keep, but that still add visual clutter. Store excess furniture, seasonal decorations, gardening tools, and personal belongings in a self storage unit with Compass Self Storage!
How Self Storage Helps You Improve Curb Appeal
Getting your house in professional shape is a lot of work, and often the biggest hurdle is clutter. That old patio set, the kids’ bikes, and extra planters can all get in the way of achieving that clean, intentional look.
Compass Self Storage provides secure and easily accessible units to help you prepare it for sale or simply update its aesthetic. Ready to start your curb appeal transformation? Get started by clearing out the clutter today. We’re here to help you store the rest!