As Middle Tennessee welcomes the crisp weather and stunning kaleidoscopic hues of fall, we must also prepare once again for the onslaught of fall allergies that arrive alongside them. 

Although thoughts of allergies may conjure spring bouquets and undulating grasslands as the main culprits, fall can actually be the most challenging time for those suffering from seasonal sneezes. In fact, ragweed, which reigns autumn, is the most common allergy in the country, affecting 23 million people in the United States alone. Mold and dust mites join ragweed to create a perfect storm of allergens that can be almost impossible to avoid.

The good news is, there are ways to protect yourself from allergy attacks before they have a chance to ruin your day(s).

Just as the sun starts to spend a little more time overhead, and we can’t wait to get outside, those allergies are back at it. It’s hard to believe how unfair nature can be sometimes, but it’s important to do what you can to not let allergies stop you in your tracks from spring fun! Below are some of our favorite ideas on how to avoid spring allergies broken down into what you can do for your own body, as well as steps to take with your home.

FOR YOURSELF

Monitor Pollen Count

Check with your weather channel or app to find the daily pollen counts. On days with high pollen counts keep your windows closed, and take more precautions with outside activities. On high pollen count days, it is best to avoid outside in the morning when pollen counts

Just like potholes are filled in (we hope) and trees grow back their leaves, our homes need a little extra loving care to bounce back from the winter season. As the sun starts to shine a little more (thank goodness), and we prepare for spring, keep this checklist in mind when it comes to preparing your home for spring:

Roof Inspection

Use a zoomed in picture, binoculars or (very carefully), a ladder to inspect your roof for any shingles out of place, water pooling, or just plain damage. (Even a popped up nail means that there is now a place that water can get through). It’s better to do a quick check now and a small amount of maintenance if necessary, than deal with the potentially very expensive consequences later.

Reseal Exterior Woodwork

April showers bring May flowers… and unfortunately those pesky allergies, as well. But this year? This year is going to be the year that those allergies don’t slow us down. (Or at least slow us down a little less). How? By preparing ahead and making some key changes to the way you prepare your house for this beautiful time of year. Below are six ways that we recommend cleaning to avoid allergens.

Air Filters

The first step to keeping allergens out of your house is to work to keep them literally outside. By getting a HEPA air filter, you are removing over 99% of the particles in the air before it ever comes into your home. However, just installing the filters doesn’t mean that you are good to go. Be sure to keep them cleaned or changed every three

Sometimes we get so caught up in preparing for winter and the toll it takes on our home, only to months later find ourselves inspired by the excitement of “spring cleaning”. But what happens in between? Well, technically nothing has to happen – but what if you took advantage of the “in between” months to get completely up to date on interior home maintenance? Suddenly you’re ahead of the game.

For your own “Preparing Your Home For Spring” inspiration, we’ve gathered up what we feel are some of the most important things that you can throw some of your elbow grease into, to have your best house come that first warm spring weekend.

Do a Deep Clean

Regular ol’ routine cleaning is one thing, but a true, deep scrub down? Now that’s a whole different