With Thanksgiving approaching (just next week!) and the holidays nearly upon us, there are so many things to look forward to (and prepare for) this time of year. Get ready for winter weather and get a jump on holiday prep, so you can relax and savor the simple pleasures of the season, like family dinners and walks in the crisp air outdoors. Here’s my Top Ten things you should be adding to your to-do list – and I promise they’ll be quick and easy to get done!
1. Replace floor protectors on chairs. Avoid damage to your hardwood floors: Check their feet and add or replace floor-protecting pads if needed. Felt pads come in self-adhesive and nail-in varieties; if you’re using the self-adhesive type, be sure to clean the base of each chair foot thoroughly and allow it to dry before applying. I like the slip on covers personally!
2. Examine the sump pump. If you have a sump pump in your basement as protection in case of flooding, make sure it is working properly before the rainy season really gets going, and then repair or replace it if needed.
3. Check paths, stairs and railings for safety. Slips and falls on ice and snow can happen anywhere, but they’re even more likely if the footing is uneven or a railing isn’t sturdy. Take a walk around your home’s exterior, paying special attention to walkways, stairs and railings, and make repairs as needed. Also get those snow shovels and de-icer ready BEFORE you need it!
4. Deep-clean bathrooms. Schedule a deep cleaning of the bathrooms so a quick surface wipe-down will be all you’ll need to get things looking spotless again during the holidays. If you’d rather hire this out, I have a recommendation for you!
5. Check bathtub caulk and repair if needed. While cleaning the bathroom, pay attention to the condition of the caulk around the tub and/or sinks. Cracked or worn out caulk can allow water to do damage. If you spot a problem area, get it replaced as soon as possible.
6. Inspect the home’s exterior, and then cover gaps. Cover any gaps you find around the exterior of your home that may be large enough for a mouse to enter — which is the size of a dime! Cover exterior vents with hardware cloth, and attach door sweeps to the bottoms of exterior doors to stop furry creatures from squeezing in when the weather turns chilly. Also get those exterior spigots covered!
7. Fix plumbing issues before the holiday crunch. If you have a slow drain, stuck garbage disposal or finicky toilet, don’t wait until the busy holiday season to find a plumber who’s available. Fix it now.
8. Show some kindness to feathered friends. Nonmigrating birds can use extra help when wild food becomes scarce and water sources freeze. Stock up now on birdseed so you can keep those feeders full, and consider providing a water source as well.
9. Get a jump on holiday prep. If you plan to have a special holiday meal, take a bit of time now to prepare a few things in advance. Launder and iron the fancy linens (roll up freshly ironed linens on old wrapping paper tubes to prevent wrinkles), drop off the kitchen knives for a professional sharpening or polish some silver — you’ll thank yourself later.
10. Stock up for winter. Locally we have been getting cold, snowy winters. Take the time now to stock up on winter gear and supplies will mean less stress when that first big storm hits.
- Check snow shovels and ice scrapers; replace as needed.
- If you use a fireplace or wood stove, order firewood.
- Pick up a bag of pet- and plant-safe ice melt.
- Restock emergency kits for car and home.
- If you use a snow blower, have it serviced and purchase fuel.
- Cover those exterior hose spigots.
If you need help with any of the things on this list, or anything else at all, please reach out. I’d be glad to help with whatever I can and I have many contractors and other resources to assist as well! Happy Holidays!
