6 tips to get your home holiday ready and prepare for the season.
1. Declutter
It’s time to store all the beach blankets, sun loungers, and swim goggles until next year. If you don’t already have a “go-bag” style tote for your kid’s various activities, it’s a good time to start. Organize your entry closet with a tote bag for every purpose. Some great options include a beach bag, a pool bag, a long car ride bag, piano lessons, dance class, etc. Whenever there are essential items for an activity, you can set it and forget it with tote bag organization. Tote bags are great because they don’t take up as much space as a hard plastic tub, and they’re already packed and ready to grab and go. But it’s time to push the summer activities to the back of the closet. Corralling all of those water wings and sand buckets now will mean they will be easy to find when summer comes.
2. Light it up
It’s getting DARK out there. and the day’s will only get shorter. Before you can’t see your hand in front of your face, get a jump on outdoor lighting. Make sure all of your flood lights, porch lights and garage lights are working and have new bulbs. Outdoor lighting doesn’t just make your home look happier, it improves the security of your property. While you’re checking your exterior lights, check those outdoor outlets and any plugs and cords you’ll need for holiday lights. Unless they’re still up from last year, it will be time to start stringing Christmas lights before you know it.
3. Water works
Since you already have the ladder out, check those gutters. Fall rain and winter ice will need somewhere to go. Don’t forget the downspouts. Check around your home for low spots where water might collect, or possibly drain toward the house. It’s also a good time to drain and store all the garden hoses and sprinklers before they freeze. If you have the option, turn off the spigots. Check for any tree limbs or branches getting too close to your house. Prune
4. Keep the home fires burring – safely
Tis the season to warm up with a fire, or light some pumpkin spice candles. Test all your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. If you can’t remember the last time your smoke alarm got a new battery, it’s probably a good time to replace it. If you have a fireplace or woodstove, call a professional chimney sweep to clean and inspect before you gather around the fire.
5. Don’t get left out in the cold
Before the temperatures dip, make sure your home is ready for winter. Check the weather stripping on your doors and windows. Change the air filter. Seal up any tiny holes where outdoor friends might sneak in to get warm. This is a good time to check your home heating system – before you need the heat. Clear away any dirt and debris from your outdoor unit. Besides testing the heat yourself, it’s a good idea to have a professional take a look at your system. They can help winterize your air conditioner and give you tips to have it working at it’s best next summer. A certified HVAC tech can test your furnace or heat pump for leaks, inspect the duct work, and test your thermostat. If you’re looking for a local company that offers personalized service you can trust, check out Preferred Climates Inc.
6. Home clean home
Shouldn’t fall cleaning be just as important as spring cleaning? Consider that you’re putting out pumpkins and chrysanthemums, but blink and it will be time for Christmas trees (maybe you already have a tree up – I’m not judging.) Before you deck the halls with all those little bits and bobs that will make dusting and vacuuming more of a challenge, get your Christmas canvas nice and clean before you decorate. If you need some help, take advantage of our fall promotion. Now through December 1st, take 20% off any one-time cleaning. Thanksgiving approaches – you know your family will look at your baseboards.
Tis the season for fall fun, cool weather, and lots of decorating. We wish you a safe, happy, and beautiful fall.