You may be getting ready for your first “normal” get-together in a while as the holidays approach. Even if the thought of having an indoor gathering makes you nervous, the host has the added pressure of ensuring that everyone has a good time. Furthermore, hosting events involves more than just food and decor. You should also get those long-neglected house maintenance tasks done before your visitors arrive and before you host any holiday events.
1. Declutter
It’s a good idea to go through your linen closet and drawers the day before guests arrive. Clean up the house, paying special attention to the bedrooms and the main spaces where guests and family will gather. Everything that isn’t necessary should be taken off of tables, shelves, and cabinets. When time is short, stuff unwanted items into trash bags and stash them in dark corners. Once your company has left, you can begin cleaning up.
2. Heating System
The best time to change the filter in your furnace is before the winter comes. Check your heater if it is working properly and get it maintained if it’s not, or if it’s an older system to prevent a breakdown when you need it.
3. Holiday Lights
Decorating your home with holiday lights is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit. Incorrect use, however, can result in catastrophes like electrical fires. Always use GFCI-protected outlets and power cords of the correct grade and certification while working with electrical equipment.
4. Clear Snow From Your Driveway, Sidewalks
Those of you who are accustomed to a chilly, snowy climate, take note! If necessary preparations have not been taken, snow and ice can become dangerous in areas with high foot traffic. No one wants to spend Christmas in the hospital because a visitor tripped on some ice. Remove snow from your driveway and walkways yourself or have someone else do it.
5. Frozen Pipes Can be a Big Problem
Just imagine the complications that could arise if you had to clean up with a clogged pipe. Here are some things you can do to keep things clean if your water main freezes:
- Let the faucets drip overnight.
- Put in some good insulation and cover the pipes.
- Keep the heat on in the house
- Cabinets should be left open in the bathroom and kitchen so that warm air may reach the pipes.
- Maintain a closed garage door.
If your pipes do freeze, you can try to defrost them by directing heat at the affected region; a blow dryer or even some warm clothes could do the trick. Call a professional Leaside plumber if you are unable to locate the source of the problem.
6. Give Your Kitchen A Quick Makeover
The kitchen is the center of most holiday gatherings. If you have enough time to prepare, you might think of updating the kitchen. New paint, updated cabinet hardware, and modern faucets can make a huge difference in the overall aesthetic of a room. You can handle any size party with the addition of a mobile island for food preparation and serving. If you’re looking for a unique and sustainable way to update your kitchen, consider incorporating wooden pallets in Mississauga into your design.
7. Inspect Major Appliances
If you don’t have time to update the kitchen’s aesthetic, at least check the primary appliances. It would be a shame if the oven broke down in the middle of preparing the big meal or if the freezer thawed out all the food. Make sure they are clean and in working order before checking their functionality. Since the oven is likely to become soiled throughout the holidays, you can put off a thorough cleaning until after the celebrations are done. If the filters appear to need replacing, do so for optimal performance.
8. Seal Windows and Doors
Drafts can enter your home through the cracks and gaps in your windows and doors. Seal any drafts you find around your windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulking before the holidays arrive. This will make your home more comfortable for visitors by preventing cold air from entering and warm air from escaping.
9. Insulate Your Home
As the weather becomes colder, it’s crucial that your home has adequate insulation. Insulation can save heating and cooling costs by preventing air leakage. Inspect your home for cold spots and add insulation if necessary before the holidays. Attics, basements, and shared walls are all examples of public spaces. Hiring a professional insulation installer is a good idea if you have no idea where to begin.
Remember to Relax
Relax and pamper yourself. Make time every day, no matter how hectic, for a twenty to thirty-minute break. Read a book and a cup of tea in your favourite recliner. Browse for your favourite trees for sale in Brampton that you plan to plant in spring. Do whatever makes you happy, even if it’s just for five or ten minutes a day. If you guarantee yourself a brief vacation every day, you will improve as a person.
