Halloween has passed, and with Thanksgiving and the winter holidays quickly approaching, there’s a lot to look forward and prepare for this time of year. Pack up the skeletons and dust off the cobwebs; get a head start on holiday hosting preparations. Taking care of this now will allow you to spend more time with your family and relax.
Replace floor protectors
If you have hardwood floors, you want to protect your wooded investment. Check the feet of chairs and other furniture and replace the floor-protecting pads as necessary. Some felt pads are available with a self-adhesive backing. If you’re using the adhesive type, clean the base of each furniture foot and allow it to dry before applying the new pads.
Check Common Walkways for Safety
Colder months mean you can expect some nasty weather. Slips and falls on ice, snow or even wet surfaces can happen anywhere. They’re even more likely to happen if the footing is uneven or if a railing isn’t sturdy. Take a quick walk around your home’s exterior and the most traveled walkways. Pay attention to stairs and railings and make repairs as necessary.
Think of the birds
Not all birds migrate for the winter. Nonmigrating birds can use some extra help when looking for wild food during the winter months. Use this time to stock up on bird feed and a feeder if you don’t already have one. You can also consider providing a water source as well if you’re area is known to freeze quickly, just be sure to refresh the water regularly.
Get a jump start on the holidays
If you’re planning on hosting guests this holiday season, take some time to prepare a few things in advance. You can launder and iron the guest linens, pull the air beds out and check for any holes.
Deep Clean the bathrooms
Dedicate a time to give your bathrooms a nice deep clean. Do this a week before entertaining. When it comes time for your guests to arrive, you’ll only need to a quick surface cleaning.
While you’re in the bathroom, pay attention to the caulk inside the tub and sinks. Cracked and worn caulk can allow water to seep and build up inside your home’s framing. If you notice a problem area, take the appropriate steps to repair it.
Fix any plumbing issues
Before your home is flooded with guests, have that leaky sink or noisy toilet looked at before anyone arrives. A full house will put more pressure on the pipes and make it difficult for your plumbing to work as it’s supposed to. Don’t wait until the last minute when a plumber might not be available.
Stock up for winter
If you live in an area that’s prone to cold, snowy winters, taking the time to stock up on winter supplies will mean less stress when that first big storm hits. Make sure you do the following:
Inspect your snow shovel and ice scrapers; replace as necessary.
If you use a fireplace or a wood stove, order plenty of firewood.
Pick up a bag of pet and plant-safe ice melt.
If you own a snow blower, give it service and purchase fuel to keep on hand.