The warm weather has finally decided to make its debut these past few days, and suddenly I've found myself checking the forecast to see how it will align with the short amount of time I have to complete some outdoor cleanup projects at my house. This has felt very out of character for me; I am not one to garden or dillydally in the yard ever or at all. In fact, I don't think there is a lot I enjoy doing less than working outside in the heat with the bugs. However, it occurred to me the other day—as I lugged rocks that have needed to be moved from one side of the yard to the other for the better part of two years—that yardwork is simply part of homeownership. I can kick and scream about it all I want, but it still has to be done, one way or another.

As I grumbled through my self-imposed outdoor chore list, I thought about giving up a few times. The allure of going back inside, flopping down on the couch, and binge-watching Netflix for the rest of the day hung over my head even more persistently than the swarm of black flies following me around. I shoveled, raked, and moved rock after rock, and after some time, I stopped for a water break and looked at my work from the other side of the yard. I couldn't believe it, but it actually made one entire side of the house look so much better. I didn't realize how messy it looked before until I saw how much cleaner and nicer it looked afterward.

Simple yard cleanups in the spring make a huge difference in the appearance of your house, which is especially important if you are thinking about putting it on the market. The outdoor space of your home is a potential buyer's first impression — small improvements and upkeep go a long way! If the outdoor cleanup at your house feels beyond your abilities, your agent can help recommend some ways to improve its appearance, as well as some companies that can help you complete those tasks.

When I was finally done, I felt good that I put in the time and effort to improve the look of my yard. It only took a few hours, and it was worth it. I made a list of a few other tasks I can begrudgingly complete by myself, and a few I will be delegating to people who are much more skilled in the yard cleanup department than me. Overall, with an afternoon's worth of effort, the yard will be looking much better than it has for a while, ready for summer, and I won't have to worry about cleaning it up again until next year. To me, this feels like a win, and I will take them whenever and wherever I can.

Paige O. Roberts has a degree in Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. Her work has appeared or is forthcoming in The Henniker Review, Sidereal Magazine, Rejection Letters, and Cypress. She has been nominated for a Best of the Net and Pushcart Prize. She lives in northern New Hampshire, where she owns and operates a pet boutique called Tailswag.