Protect your home from the harsh winter weather and jump-start your top project of the year.
January can be cold and dark, but it can also be a bold start. Make the most of your month, clean up the space in your home, add warmth, and dream about plans for the coming year. Here are 13 to-dos that can give your home a little midwinter home joie.
Modern country houses organize board games
When bad weather keeps you stuck indoors and you're looking for an alternative to screen time, board games and cards are a person who pleases the crowd. Take out everything you have and check that each set has all the pieces. Put aside games that your family no longer likes, and then put the rest of the games back neatly.
Tidy up cold weather accessories
Keep warm with plush thick socks, a comfortable hat, scarf and gloves or mittens. Organize your sock drawers, entryway baskets and hooks as well as cold weather accessories anywhere hidden and take stock of what you have. Replenish as needed.
Complete these tasks over the weekend to protect the pipeline from freezing
Why? Because frozen pipes can burst, resulting in expensive repair costs. If you haven't already done so, be sure to insulate any exposed outdoor pipes. If you're planning to run away from home, ask a friend or neighbor to open your trickle of water. Also, find out the location of your home's water shut-off valve so that you can quickly cut off the water when the pipe bursts – and make sure to show your babysitter where it is.
Refresh the game space
Attract small children trapped indoors to creative games and reduce "I'm bored!" The shouts. Try adding blackboard or whiteboard walls, game tents or tepee tents, messy art areas, "stages" for performances or tumbling mats.
Give potted plants some TLC
If your house becomes very dry by turning on the heater in the winter, you may need to increase the air humidity around some of the plants, especially citrus trees and ferns. You can use a humidifier, or just occasionally spray them with boiled water.
Remove household and wardrobe debris
Start over in the new year and clean up the clutter. If you feel overwhelmed by the handling of the whole house, focus only on a few categories of items such as clothes, books, and children's toys.
Clean the kitchen and storage room
Take everything out of the pantry, throw away old and expired food, wipe down shelves, and put everything back again.
Clean the fridge and freezer and clear the countertops. Let the renewed space motivate you to stay true to your healthy resolve in the new year.
Heavy snow fell from the branches
The thick snow coating can cause branches to break – which can be especially dangerous if a large piece of branch is placed near a house. After each storm, use a long-handled broom or rake to gently knock snow off the branches.
Festive decorations and proper storage
When you're ready to put away your holiday decorations, take a moment to be careful (you'll thank yourself later). Wrap delicate ornaments in tissue paper and wrap stringes of lamps on cardboard to prevent tangles. Consider giving away ornaments that didn't appear on the trees this year, and fix or throw away broken items. If you're not ready to say goodbye to the white twinkling lights, leave them behind. In the middle of winter, we can all cheer a little more.
Succumb to the urge to hibernate
In winter, it's natural to want to spend extra time relaxing at home. Make yourself a haven to snuggle up to watch a movie or read. Layer on warm textiles, pour some hot tea or make cocoa, and settle in.
This month's maintenance and additional budget measures were taken to prevent ice dams
Ice dams are areas of snow that can accumulate around roof lines and cause leaks when the snow behind them starts to melt. Use a roof rake to clear the snow after each storm. And, if you notice that an ice dam is starting to form (if you can safely reach the area), break it down immediately to prevent future damage.
Large-scale residential projects planned for the coming year
Consider revamping your kitchen or bathroom, painting the exterior or adding? Save your ideas, resources, and inspiration, and start contacting professionals to help make your project a reality.