⛄ We’re asking the same question you are — is it really December already? With the days flying by and things slipping through the cracks, take time this month to recalibrate. Get your home ready for the upcoming holiday chaos with this checklist and the helpful folks at Kenyon Noble!
1. Protect your entryway flooring.
Winter weather can wreak havoc on your flooring. Between the melting snow tracked in on boots, ice melt you may use on your sidewalk, and bulky winter clothing cluttering up the space, it can be difficult to keep damage at bay. To make things easier on you (and your floors!), take a few minutes every day to clear any clutter, make sure puddles are cleaned up, and clean up any ice melt residue as needed. Set up a boot scraper outside and a boot tray inside the door to keep water from pooling, get a new door mat, and keep a mop or old towel handy to handle any messes in a jiffy.
2. Check safety equipment.
With smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and HVAC filters being more “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” than other home systems, it’s easy to overlook maintenance for them. Test all batteries and replace your air filters to ensure all your systems are in good working condition and are performing efficiently. Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace if needed.
3. Prevent ice dams.
Spoiler alert: treating ice damming is way harder than preventing it. Get ahead of potential roof and siding damage by installing roof cables (don’t forget the clips!) that keep ice from building up in your gutters and on your roofline. While you’re up there, take a few minutes to clear out your gutters to prevent clogging and further prevent any damage to your home.
4. Keep walking paths clear of snow and ice.
This one seems like a no-brainer, I know, but the majority of falls happen during the winter time. Reduce your overall risk of taking a tumble with an appropriate snow pusher or shovel. Have more than a sidewalk to clear? Now’s the perfect time to splurge on a snowblower (“but honey, I need it”). Ice melt is also great to have on hand and comes in various formulas, including a pet safe option!
5. Put up outdoor decorations.
🎵 It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas 🎵 and your house should reflect that! String up those holiday lights with the appropriate hooks and clips. Need a new ladder? Look no further! Your local Kenyon Noble has ladders of all sizes for your holiday decorating needs. Why stop there? Maybe you need a 6ft tall inflatable snowman to one-up your neighbor or a 7ft tall Christmas tree tower to wow the kids. However you decide to decorate your home this holiday season, let Kenyon Noble help you along the way!
6. Prepare for winter storms.
We’ve all seen that guy driving down the interstate with a tiny square of windshield cleared off. Don’t be that guy. Locate your snow brush (or buy a new one) and make sure it’s within easy reach every time you get into your car. Check on your tires and make sure they’re in good enough condition for the upcoming snowy season. Keep an extra set of gloves and hand warmers in your glovebox, and while you’re at it, restock your car emergency kit. Like mama always says: better to have it and not need it.
7. Keep your home safe while away.
With the holiday season comes quality time with friends and family, increased travel, and lots of time away from your home. Make sure your house doesn’t become a target by maintaining your outdoor lighting, double-checking door and window locks, and trimming bushes and trees away from your windows. Want an extra layer of security? Install a security camera and motion-activated floodlights to further deter any unwelcome visitors!
8. Organize your entryway.
Stop the clutter before it comes into your home by creating a space for all your winter essentials. Add wall hooks for jackets (we love this removable option for renters!), boot trays for your snowy shoes, and over-door storage for smaller items to keep things off the floor. A couple of times per week, take a few minutes to tidy the space up, clear any clutter, and sweep the area.
9. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
This month is going to fly by. Take a few minutes this week to map out all your to-dos, set deadlines for them, and get them on your calendar. Everything from gift shopping to travel should be planned out, because something unexpected will always pop up, and it’ll be easier to handle when the rest of your life isn’t chaotic.
10. Designate a calm space
It’s no secret that the holidays, while fun, can be stressful. Take care of your mind this year and carve out a small section of your home that you can retreat to when things become overwhelming and you need a few minutes to unwind. Place a basket of fluffy blankets next to your favorite chair, set out a book you can get lost in, and pop in your earbuds with a calming playlist.
While do-it-yourself projects can be fun and fulfilling, there is always a potential for personal injury or property damage. We strongly suggest that any project beyond your abilities be left to licensed professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk, and we assume no responsibility or liability for the contents of this article.