Maintaining a Home that is Merry & Bright
Doesn’t it seem like everything breaks during the holidays – or at least at the most inconvenient time? Here are some simple tips to maintain your home so your Christmas is merry and bright:
Maintain your landscaping.
Throughout the year, set reminders to check the height of your shrubs and trees. Check with your county or neighborhood association once a year as well – there may be guidelines that you don’t know about or that have changed. When checking your outside greenery, be sure they are away from power lines, carports, wood and windows so you can enjoy hanging the greens inside with no worries.
Check water levels.
Checking how water is draining off of your home (and being aware of how your neighbor’s drainage system is set up) is important – especially before hanging exterior Christmas lights. You don’t want an extension cord sitting in a puddle or Santa’s gifts getting soaked under the basement Christmas tree. You want to stir up a recipe for eggnog (or hot chocolate, I don’t like eggnog) – not a recipe for disaster.
Don’t fall behind.
If you didn’t finish your fall cleanup, now would be a great time to think of some of the things you may need to get ready for the winter. You may consider moving your snow blower in front of your lawn mower or taking the gas off of your BBQ. If you need to mow your grass over the holidays or choose to grill a Christmas turkey, it won’t be difficult to get to if you store it nicely. But, knowing you have easy access to winter supplies during the holiday should bring peace of mind.
And, don’t forget that “obvious” home maintenance tasks can easily go forgotten – maybe add “check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, emergency ladders and home alarm systems” to a wish list or your honey-do list.
Visit our blog for more tips on organizing after the holidays.
Nationally recognized certified organizer, speaker and author, Kathy Jenkins is dedicated to helping her clients simplify their lives by reducing clutter, organizing their homes and offices, and managing their time. She is the President of Come To Order, a professional residential organizing company based in Richmond, Virginia. For more tips, click here to follow Kathy on Facebook.
