First Aid, Emergency, and Medical Supply Checklist

Don’t wait until you need them to stock up on your first-aid kit and emergency stash. Here is a list of what to get and where to keep it.

1. First-Aid Kit

Too much stuff can be confusing to sort through in an emergency. Keep your supplies streamlined and well organized, and take the time to get familiar with each item in your kit before you need them. Taking a first aid and CPR course from your local Red Cross is smart, particularly for those with kids or elders in the house.

Where to store it: Keep your first-aid supplies in a centrally located place (such as the kitchen or mudroom) for easy access in an emergency, and make sure every member of the household knows where it is. If you have young children in the home, store it up high. For homes with both young and older kids, show the older children how to use a stepladder to retrieve the kit if needed, stressing that it is for emergencies only, and is not a toy.
What to include: In addition to any personal medications (inhaler for asthma, etc.), consider adding the following items to your kit.

  • Bandages in assorted sizes
  • Absorbent compresses
  • Sterile gauze pads
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Cloth tape
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Space blanket
  • Non-latex gloves (in case of allergy)
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Thermometer
  • Instant cold compress
  • Roller bandage
  • Hydrocortisone ointment
  • First aid booklet

See the Red Cross for a complete list.

2. Medical Kit

Being prepared for common illnesses, aches and pains can save a lot of hassle and midnight drugstore runs. Check expiration dates on your prescription medications, and return leftovers to the pharmacy (call ahead: most will accept them). Medications flushed down the toilet can enter our water supply; be on the safe side and take the time to dispose of them properly.

Where to store: Humidity and heat can damage ingredients in most medications, so do not store them in the medicine cabinet, which tends to be humid. Try a hall closet or high kitchen cupboard (away from the stove) instead. If you have medications that must be refrigerated, and you have kids at home, store them in a locked box in the fridge to prevent accidental ingestion. Because both over-the-counter and prescription medications can be dangerous when not taken as intended, it is best to keep them high and hidden, whether or not you have kids in the house. Safely dispose of unused, unneeded and expired medications.

What to include: Consider keeping the following items in your medical kit.

  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Band-Aids
  • Tweezers
  • Fever reducers and pain relievers
  • Aspirin
  • Thermometer
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Antacids
  • Antihistamines
  • Anti-itch lotion
  • Laxatives
  • Anti-diarrhea medication
  • Cold, cough and flu medications

You may wish to consider adding some natural remedies that serve the same purpose as one or more of the items above. Consult your health care practitioner for more ideas.

3. Emergency Preparedness Kit

If you’ve been putting off creating an emergency kit, make a point of doing so soon. Be prepared!

Where to store: Don’t hide your kit so deep in the basement or garage that you can’t find it when you need it. In the garage near the back door, in a coat closet near the front door or in the pantry are all good choices. Storing your supplies in a brightly colored backpack is a smart choice, as it can easily be found and toted along if you ever needed to evacuate your home.

What to include: The quickest and easiest way to ensure you have a well-stocked emergency kit is to order one from the Red Cross store. If you want to create your own, consult the list on the kit they offer, and gather the items yourself. Supplement your basic kit with personal items you would want in an emergency: medications, favorite shelf-stable foods, a change of clothes for each person in the house, pet food, plus something to read, play or do. Finally, tuck in a list of emergency numbers and a solar charger for your cellphone.

4. Supplemental Kits for Pets, Car, and More

Depending on your lifestyle (city dwellers may not need a car kit) and household (pets or not) you may want to put together a few smaller kits tailored to your needs. Homes with kids may want to keep a spare first-aid kit in the backyard or favorite play space where injuries are likely to occur, while very large homes may require several first-aid kits.

Maintaining your kits: Try to tie in maintaining your medical and emergency kits with another chore you do every six months or so, such as steam-cleaning your carpet or inspecting your gutters. Check for and dispose of expired items, and replace as necessary. Then give yourself a big pat on the back and revel in the feeling of being prepared.

I hope you find this checklist helpful! Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

October Home Maintenance Checklist

It’s time to cover and store outdoor furniture and grills. Get your home ready for more time spent indoors with the checklist below.

1. Check Safety Devices

    • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the house, replacing batteries as needed. Check the expiration date on the kitchen fire extinguisher and replace it if needed.

2. Vacuum Radiators, Baseboard Heaters, and Heating Grates

    • Prepare for heating season by vacuuming up dust from radiators, baseboard heaters and heating grates. If you have radiators with covers, remove the covers and vacuum beneath them before replacing.

3. Tidy Up Your Mudroom

    • The flurry of activity this time of year can leave the mudroom looking a little worse for the wear. Take some time to regain sanity: sort through papers and put away stray summer items. Clean the floors and invest in a new doormat if needed. Keep a recycling basket near the entrance to make sorting mail and school papers easier, and dedicate a tote or bin for items that need to go out.

4. Rake Leaves

    • To make quicker work of collecting leaves from a large lawn, rake the fallen foliage onto a large plastic tarp. Then bag it or add it to your compost pile.

5. Cover or Store Outdoor Furniture and Grills

    • If you plan to leave your patio furniture or grill outside through the fall and winter, cover them well and stow them beneath an overhang that will protect them from rain and snow. Even if you live in a mild climate, covering your grill between uses is a good idea to preserve the finish.

6. Clean Carpeting and Area Rugs

    • Have area rugs and carpeting professionally cleaned if needed, or spot-clean on your own. Rotate area rugs before putting them back in place. This will help prevent one side from becoming more worn or faded than the other.

7. Maintain Your Wood Stove or Fireplace

    • If you have a fireplace or wood stove, it is a safety essential that you have it serviced before lighting the first fire of the season. If you haven’t done so already, schedule an appointment to have your chimney inspected and, if necessary, cleaned.

8. Decorate for Halloween!

    • If you’re planning to participate in Halloween festivities — whether you’re working on an elaborate lawn display or simple door decor — it helps to get an early start on shopping (or crafting).

I hope you find this checklist helpful! Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

July Home Maintenance Checklist

Summer is in full swing! The first day of July is tomorrow which means swimming, BBQs, and fireworks. Knock out some of these home maintenance checklist items and enjoy all that summer has to offer.

1. Clean Your Porch Lights

    • If you have glass light fixtures that are easily removed, bring them inside and wash in a dishpan of warm water with gentle soap. If the fixtures must stay in place, turn the power off and carefully wipe the exteriors with a damp microfiber cloth; dry with a soft cloth. When finished, change lightbulbs as needed.

2. Clean Windows Inside & Out

    • Keep that summer sunshine streaming in by giving windows a quick rinse with glass cleaner or a vinegar solution, then squeegee them dry or wipe with a clean microfiber cloth. If you want to avoid using a ladder outside, reach exterior windows with a window-washing hose attachment or telescoping window washer, or hire a window-washing service to get the job done.

3. Check Safety Devices

    • Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors should be tested monthly; replace batteries as needed, and replace the entire device if it is more than 10 years old. Interconnected smoke detectors (when one alarm goes off, they all sound) are the safest because it is more likely that everyone in the house will hear the alarm. Also, take a moment to check the expiration date on any fire extinguishers in the house and replace them if needed.

4. Check Window Screens for Holes

    •  It’s summer, and the mosquitoes are out in full force. If you’ve been getting bitten inside the house, check your window screens and screen doors for small holes and tears. Use a screen patching kit to repair any damage, and keep those pesky bugs outdoors where they belong.

5. Keep Your Landscaping Fire Safe

    • It’s important to remove weeds, fallen leaves, needles and other items that could become fuel in a fire, particularly from the area immediately surrounding your home.

6. Add Shade to Your Yard

    • Make your backyard more comfortable with an umbrella or shade sail. With ample shady spots to sit, you’ll likely find yourself wanting to spend more time in your outdoor space — and shade is a must for summer backyard gatherings.

7. Refresh Summer Whites

    • Fresh, clean and crisp, nothing says summer quite like white linens. Keep your white textiles looking their best by laundering slipcovers, cushion covers and curtains, or sending them out for dry cleaning if they’re not machine washable. Keep white upholstery and Roman blinds looking fresh by vacuuming them regularly using your vacuum’s upholstery attachment.

8. Prepare for Summer Guests

    • Before guests arrive, be sure to clear out your own personal items, make up the beds with fresh sheets and set out a stack of fresh towels. Small extras such as bottles of water, a basket of travel-size toiletries and a card with the house Wi-Fi password will be much appreciated. If you host frequent overnight guests, consider adding a trundle bed or bunk to make the most of the space, especially if you know you’ll be having kids visiting.

I hope you find this checklist helpful! Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

Steps to Homeownership: Spring Clean Your Finances

The Spring season is in full swing, and it’s time to wipe away the dust and grime from winter. But this physical and mental refresh doesn’t just apply to your home. Use these seven steps to clean up your finances!

Refresh Your Budget

    • Start to make a budget by gathering your bills and pay stubs. When you have your bills and pay stubs:
      • Step 1: Make a list of your bills and other expenses and the amounts. Bills include things like rent, electricity, water, or telephone service. Expenses are things you spend money on, like food, gas, clothes, and entertainment.
      • Step 2: Use your pay stubs to write down how much money you make each month. This is called income. Also include any other money you get, like child support.
        • Some people don’t get paid every month. If you don’t get paid every month, use your income from last year to estimate your monthly income. Add all your income last year. Then divide that number by 12 to find a monthly income estimate.
      • Step 3: Subtract your monthly bills and expenses from how much money you make in a month. This number should be more than zero. If the number is less than zero, you’re spending more money than you make. Look for things in your budget you can change.

Review Your Credit Report

    • To review your credit report, you can request a free copy from AnnualCreditReport.com. This website is authorized by the Federal government and provides free annual credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can usually access your report immediately after verifying your identity. 

Take Inventory of Your Debt

    • To effectively take inventory of your debt, first gather all your financial statements and credit reports, then create a detailed list of all your debts, including balances, interest rates, and monthly payments. Next, track your income and expenses to understand your financial situation and identify areas where you can cut back to free up more money for debt repayment. Finally, choose a debt repayment strategy that aligns with your financial goals and track your progress. 

Bolster Your Emergency Fund

    • To effectively bolster your emergency fund, start by setting a specific, achievable goal, such as saving $1,000 or covering three to six months of essential expenses. Then, consistently save by automating transfers from your checking account to your savings account. Additionally, explore ways to increase your income, cut expenses, and save any unexpected windfalls. 

Boost Your Retirement Investing

    • If you’re just beginning to put money away for retirement, start saving as much as you can now. That way you let compound interest — the ability of your assets to generate earnings, which are reinvested to generate their own earnings — have an opportunity to work in your favor. Open/contribute to a 401 (k) account and consider establishing an individual retirement account (IRA) to help build your nest egg.

Maximize Your Credit Card Rewards

    • To maximize credit card rewards, choose cards that align with your spending habits, earn welcome bonuses, pay off balances in full each month, and leverage bonus categories and redemption options. Understanding your spending patterns and the rewards structures of different cards is key to maximizing your earnings. 

Revisit Your Financial Goals

    • To effectively revisit your financial goals, regularly assess your current financial situation, adjust your goals based on life changes, and prioritize those that remain relevant. This includes reviewing your budget, checking emergency funds, and ensuring you’re on track with your long-term goals, like retirement planning. 

Until next month!

PNW Spring Gardening Tips & Tricks

As temperatures warm, many garden plants are unfurling new leaves and bursting into bloom. It’s a great time to set out starts of annual flowers and cold-hardy vegetables, because by planting now you’ll catch that first flush of spring growth and have a head start on the growing season. Read on to learn what to do to your garden in April.

Condition Your Soil

    • Many garden favorites prefer alkaline soil to best soak up the its nutrients. But most of the Pacific Northwest tends to have more acidic soil, so these garden plants need a little help to perform well. Sprinkle garden lime in a circle around the base of each lime-loving plant to make sure the pH in your garden stays alkaline enough for these beauties. Lawns also prefer alkaline soil, and likewise, April is the perfect time to adjust the pH with a fast-acting garden lime.

Plant Flowers

    • Annual flowers to plant in April include snapdragons, sweet William or annual dianthus, nasturtium, calendula (shown), marigold, pansy, dusty miller and sweet alyssum. Sweet alyssum and calendula are great choices of annual flowers to incorporate into vegetable garden areas, because the flowers attract pollinators that will help you get a good crop.

Plant Cool-Weather Vegetables

    • April is the perfect time to set out starts of cold-tolerant vegetables. While it’s not yet time to set out starts of heat-loving plants like tomatoes, squash, corn or peppers, by planting less-sensitive veggies now you can get a great jump on the season. Vegetables to plant now include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Chinese vegetables such as pak choi, Swiss chard, carrots, beets, celery, lettuce, onions and herbs such as parsley, chervil and cilantro. Hold off on basil for now. Onion sets are available at nurseries now, and these already-sprouted starts take off quickly in the damp, cool weather.

Get Your Starts and Seedlings Going

    • A package of seeds will usually announce if the plant should be started indoors, with instructions that include various phrases. Choose the right container to start off the seeds. Be sure to select the right spot with enough light for your seeds to germinate and augment the space with grow lights or a heat mat if necessary. It’s important to keep the seeds moist, but not too wet. Gently prepare seedlings for the outdoors by hardening them off if you plan to move them into your garden.

Pull Weeds

    • April is also an important time to stay on top of weeding. While no herbicide works in cool weather, there are a number of tools that can help you weed more quickly and easily. The hori-hori, or Japanese soil knife, is an effective tool for slicing into soil and removing weeds even with a deep taproot.

Control Snails

    • You’ll want to protect your new starts and seedlings from the ravages of snails and slugs. It’s also smart to protect the shoots of emerging perennials, which are susceptible to damage. Place pet-safe iron phosphate bait around growing seedlings. Simply sprinkle a small amount of bait around new plants. Just don’t set it into piles, which can mold or be easily eaten by pets or kids. By sprinkling, you make it less likely that anyone would consume the quantities necessary to cause iron poisoning.

Happy gardening and I hope you all have a wonderful April!

Resources: Houzz.com

March Home Maintenance Checklist

The first day of Spring is quickly approaching – March 20th! Whether you have an hour or a weekend to spare, get your home ready for the season with the checklist below.

1. Inspect Your Home for Any Winter Damage

    • Once winter storms have passed, carefully inspect the exterior of your home and make repairs as needed. If you had an ice dam on your roof during the winter, now is the time to repair any damage it caused. Check doors and windows for any leaks and broken seals.

2. Start Removing Winter Layers

    • Swap out heavy winter bedding for lighter-weight quilts and coverlets. Also consider changing deep-pile rugs for flat-weave or natural-fiber versions for the warmer months.

3. Refresh Your Entryway

    • As the weather thaws, begin putting away heavy coats and wool hats and make room for those mucky spring boots. Clean or replace the doormat, clear off the hooks (or hangers, if you have a coat closet) and be sure to put out an umbrella holder stocked for spring showers. A clean boot tray lined with river stones will help water drain away from your footwear.

4. Dust Off Mirrors and Table Lamps

    • Use a duster or soft rags to remove dust from table lamps and wipe down mirrors with a damp microfiber cloth. These freshened-up surfaces will enhance the light throughout your space.

5. Clean Up Patio Furniture

    • Outdoor furniture can get really grimy over the winter, so be sure to give everything a good scrubbing before you start using it for the season. Launder washable outdoor cushion covers and replace worn-out pieces if needed.

6. Deep Clean Your Kitchen

    • Give your kitchen a fresh start by cleaning some of the areas we often skip during quick daily tidying: Clean small appliances; wipe grease and grime from the range hood, backsplash and light fixtures; clean grout; and vacuum hard-to-reach places (like under the stove) using an attachment.

7. Make a Garden Plan

    • Sketch out a plan and jot down ideas for this year’s plantings, as well as any ideas you have for changes to the hardscape, like putting in a new path or fence. Start some seeds indoors or pick up seedlings at your local nursery. Check botanical gardens for plant sales too, as these can be great places to find native plants that do especially well in your region.

8. Get Organized for Tax Season

    • The tax-filing deadline isn’t until April 15, but taking care of things this month will make the process a lot less stressful. Sort through paperwork, update your files and gather all important documents in one place.

I hope you find this checklist helpful as we get closer to Springtime weather! Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

Houseguest Prep Checklist

The holidays are quickly approaching which means your home might be filled with great food, cozy nights and out of town guests! Follow these easy steps to get your home ready for any upcoming overnight guests.

1. Tidy Up

    • Things don’t need to be perfect! Spend a few minutes gathering stray items and putting them back where they belong. Clear out your mail tray, take out the trash and recycling, and wipe down surfaces.

2. Make the Guest Beds

    • Put crisp, clean sheets on the bed and set out a stack of extra blankets and pillows. While you’re in the guest room, take a moment to tidy up, removing any items that belong elsewhere.

3. Check Lighting and Privacy

    • Change lightbulbs if needed in bedside lamps, and be sure windows have coverings.

4. Clean and Restock the Bathroom

    • While most guests couldn’t care less about a few dust bunnies under the furniture, the bathroom is one place where it’s essential to spend a little extra time cleaning. Clean the sink, mirrors, toilet, shower and tub, and mop the floor. Take out the trash, refill the hand soap and set out fresh rolls of toilet paper and stacks of towels.

5. Get Your House Info Together

    • If you plan to lend your guest a key, be sure to put it on its own keychain that is easy to distinguish from your guest’s own keys. Write down your Wi-Fi password, emergency numbers and any household instructions on a card — and keep a copy on your computer so you can find it easily the next time a guest comes to stay.

6. Stock Up On Morning Essentials

    • Most people are creatures of habit in the mornings and like to have their “usual.” Ask ahead what sort of hot drink or breakfast item your guests prefer in the morning, and put tea- or coffee-making supplies and food items (fresh fruit, cereal) together in one easy-to-access spot on the kitchen counter. Point this out to your guests when you’re giving them the tour, and they can help themselves in the morning without having to wait for you.

7. Kid-Proof Your Space if Needed

    • Have a friend with young children coming? Of course as the parent, your friend will need to be responsible for keeping an eye on the kids, but there are a few things you can do to smooth the way and make things easier on everyone. To prepare for toddlers and young children, move fragile items onto higher shelves, store medications in a secure cabinet and lock cabinets or rooms that you do not want kids getting into. If you don’t mind spending a few bucks on supplies, pick up a pack of outlet covers and use them to fill any unused outlets.

8. Finishing Touches

    • Consider adding some nice finishing touches like the following:
      • Bathroom:
        • Small basket of sample-size toiletries
        • Hair dryer
        • Fresh flowers
        • Bathrobe
        • Spare toothbrush (new in the package)
        • Hook for hanging a toiletries kit
      • Guest Room:
        • Carafe of water
        • Fresh flowers
        • Scented candle and matches
        • Stack of interesting books
        • Power strip to plug in laptop
        • Grab-and-go snack items: chocolate, energy bars, nuts

I hope you find this checklist helpful as we get closer to the holidays! Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

September Home Maintenance Checklist

It’s time to start prepping your home for cooler weather! Even though we still have plenty of Summer left, you can get your home ready for Fall with these tasks to do in an hour, over the weekend, or throughout the month. 

1. Maintain the Washer and Dryer

    • Cleaning out the dryer vents can be a job you do yourself, but if you don’t feel comfortable doing so (or if you’ve been putting it off), you may want to hire a pro to do washer and dryer maintenance for you. Washing-machine hoses need to be replaced from time to time, and a cracked hose can cause a leak — which can mean costly damage to your home. Clean dryer vents and hoses will help your machine work more efficiently and reduce the risk of fire.

2. Check Safety Devices

    • Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries as needed. Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace if needed.

3. Inspect the Roof and Gutters

    • It’s generally fine to wait until most of the leaves have fallen in autumn to clean out the gutters and downspouts, but giving these areas a quick visual inspection now is a good idea. Pull out any sticks or other debris blocking the gutters, and make note of any worn-out seals around vent pipes and chimneys. If you do not feel comfortable on a ladder, or have a home of two or more stories, hire someone to do a quick inspection for you. Schedule any needed repairs now so that your home will be buttoned up for winter.

4. Schedule Chimney and Furnace Maintenance

    • Make sure your fireplace and heating system are clean, safe and ready to go by having a pro look at them now. Having your chimney cleaned will also ensure that you don’t try to start a fire when an animal family (or an old nest) is inside. And if you don’t have a chimney cap yet, speak with your chimney sweep about adding a one. The metal cap with screened sides can prevent critters from getting in and helps protect your roof from burning embers.

5. Cozy Up with Warm Layers

    • Have you felt that first nip in the air yet? When you do, think about swapping out lighter-weight bedding for flannel sheets and fluffy duvets. Bring added warmth to the other rooms in your house with throws and pillows in rich fabrics like wool, velvet or faux fur. Thicker area rugs and curtains not only feel cozier, but they also can actually help your home feel warmer — and cut down on your energy bills.

6. Order Firewood

    • Whether you use a wood-burning stove or fireplace for actual warmth or just for coziness, now is a good time to order a delivery of firewood. If you can help it, don’t store large quantities of wood directly against the house, which can encourage pests, but do keep it protected from rain and snow beneath a shelter.

7. Clean Leather Furniture

    • It’s important to know whether your leather furniture has a finish before treating it with any products, so check labels or look up the item on the retailer’s or manufacturer’s website before you begin.
      • For unprotected leather (also called aniline), less is more when it comes to cleaning: Wipe with a clean, dry cloth orone slightly dampened with distilled water.
      • For protected leather (also called semianiline or pigmented), you can make your own cleaning solution by adding a few drops of mild nondetergent soap to distilled water, or use a commercial leather cleaning product. Apply with a microfiber cloth.

8. Add Weatherstripping

    • Newer double-pane windows may not need weatherstripping, but it will help most older windows retain heat and stop drafts. Check areas with previously applied weatherstripping and remove or replace as needed.

9. Remove Window A/C Units

    • If you use window air-conditioning units, later this month will be the time to either remove them or cover them outside with protective insulation. Removing the units is the better option because this will allow you to close the windows, minimizing winter heat loss. If you choose to leave them in over the winter, be sure to pick up insulating covers made for this purpose and securely attach them outside.

10. Freshen Up Your Fall Wardrobe

    • If you’ve bought new clothes recently, take this opportunity to sort through the rest of your wardrobe and remove pieces you no longer wear. Collect clothes that need repair and move summer clothes to an out-of-the-way spot so that your fall wardrobe can be front and center. Polish shoes, remove pilling from coats and sweaters, and clean out handbags and totes.

I hope you find this checklist helpful as we get closer to the colder months. Happy Labor Day!

Resources: Houzz.com

May Home Maintenance Checklist

April shower bring May flowers! Here is a home maintenance checklist that will help get your spaces ready for the nicer weather we have ahead of us. Tick these 10 items off your to-do list so you can get to the good stuff like hanging out around the grill, kicking back on the porch and savoring the season.

1. Get Ready for Grilling Season

    • Giving your grill a deep cleaning before the start of the season will help it work more efficiently and prevent flare-ups. Clean the grates and interior with a grill brush and wash the exterior with warm, soapy water. Clean and organize your grilling tools (tongs, spatula, skewers) and pick up charcoal or propane if needed. If you have a gas grill, be sure to check the fuel line for cracks and clean out any clogged burner holes.

2. Check Outdoor Lighting

    •  Make sure all outdoor lights are in working order, including porch lights, landscape lighting and motion-sensing security lights. Replace bulbs or schedule repairs as needed.

3. Maintain/Repair Garden Paths

    • Create neat edges, pull weeds, fill in gravel paths with fresh gravel and replace or reposition broken steppingstones.

4. Tend to Your Potted Plants

    • If you have potted plants that stay indoors over winter, bring them out once the danger of frost has passed. To help your plants acclimatize, find a protected spot out of direct sun for the first several weeks outdoors.

5. Inspect Kitchen & Bathroom Fixtures

    • Keeping an eye on these areas can help prevent costly water damage and repairs later on. Make a plan to re-grout or re-caulk around counters and tile as needed. If you come across any slow leaks, have these repaired as well.

6. Clean Walls & Touch Up Paint

    • Use a dusting attachment on your vacuum or an electrostatic duster to remove dust from walls, paying special attention to corners and baseboards. For a deeper clean, wipe down walls with warm, soapy water after dusting. Rinse with clean water, using a lint-free cloth. Touch up paint as needed on interior walls and trim.

7. Clean Items on Open Shelves

    • Infrequently used items stored on open shelves can get pretty grimy over time. For items with a thin layer of dust, swipe with an electrostatic duster. If there is a thicker layer of dust, of if the items are in the kitchen (where cooking grease can be an issue), wash each piece in a tub of warm, soapy water. Rinse and allow everything to dry before replacing.

8. Add a Relaxing Porch or Backyard Feature

    • Make your home’s porch or backyard more inviting with a cohesive piece of furniture. Furniture pieces to consider include a porch swing, rocking chairs, outdoor umbrellas or curtains, etc.

9. Clean Your Laundry Room/Area

    • Run your washer with a speciality washing machine cleaner or white vinegar on a hot water cycle. Thoroughly wipe the rubber rim inside the washer and dryer doors and remove lint from the dryer vent with a vent brush or vacuum attachment. Clean countertops, mop floors and restock supplies.

10. And As Always – Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

    • Smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month and replaced every 10 years — even if they still appear to be in working order, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries as needed. Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace it if necessary.

Whether you want to get your backyard ready for Memorial Day weekend or want to wrap up some spring cleaning, I hope this checklist helps you tackle some house chores! Until next month! 🙂

Resources: Houzz.com

January Home Maintenance Checklist

Make a fresh start in the new year with a healthy pantry makeover, organized files and a decluttered home. Of course, once the energy of those new year’s resolutions begins to fizzle, you may be in need of a midwinter boost — when that time comes, try cozy accents and a few light-enhancing tips to keep the winter blues at bay.

1. Refresh Your Kitchen and Pantry for the New Year

    • Have you made a new year’s resolution to eat healthier foods or eat out less and prepare more meals at home? Kick things off by thoroughly cleaning your kitchen and pantry. Put your blender or juicer in a prominent spot on the counter to make it easier to whip up healthy juices and smoothies, and place fresh produce front and center.

2. Take Down and Store Holiday Decorations

    • Pack fragile ornaments with care, and wind tree lights around a piece of cardboard to avoid tangling. If there were any ornaments or decorations you didn’t end up using this year, consider giving them away, and save the space for things you really love.

3. Organize Your Papers and Digital Documents

    • It’s like going to the dentist: not exactly a pleasant task, but you know you’ll feel good when it’s done. So brew yourself a cup of strong coffee, put on some energetic music and start sorting, shredding and filing. And don’t forget the computer — back up everything (put an automatic backup system in place if you don’t already have one), and begin sorting your digital documents and records using a simple filing system.

4. Bump Up Coziness

    • Avoid the post-holiday slump by adding a few super soft and cozy accents around the house: think velvet cushions, fluffy faux-fur throws, knitted poufs, candles, fresh flowers or a new teapot. And while you may be taking down most of your holiday decorations in the early part of January, consider leaving up a few strands of white twinkle lights and swags of fresh greenery a bit longer — we could all use the extra cheer at this time of year!

5. Boost Light

    • Getting enough light can make a huge difference in how we feel in winter. Do what you can to boost light by pulling open window coverings during the day, adding lamps and candles, and lighting a fire in the fireplace or wood stove if you have one. Or consider decorating with white for a light, bright look — in the Scandinavian countries, white interiors are common, thanks to their ability to amplify light and cheer up homes during those long, cold northern winters.

6. Keep Your Heating System Running Smoothly

    • If you notice any strange new noises coming from your heaters, or if one area of the house suddenly seems colder, have the system looked at right away, as these can be signs something is wrong. Make sure to change the air filters in your furnace regularly. If you heat with oil, have your furnace or boiler cleaned every year. If you heat with gas, you can have it done every three years or so. For high-efficiency heating systems, make sure that PVC vent pipes are cleared of snow and debris.

7. Clear Home and Wardrobe Clutter

    • Post-holidays is a good time for decluttering, since there’s a good chance you accumulated some new things over the previous few weeks. Grab a cardboard box and fill it with clothes, books and other items you no longer love or use. When it’s full, take it to a charitable donation center.

8. Plan Decorating and Remodeling Projects for the Year Ahead

    • Thinking of remodeling the kitchen, adding a deck, putting fresh tile in the bath or painting your bedroom? Use your favorite resources to save inspiring ideas and begin contacting pros to see your project through in the new year.

9. Check Your Emergency Supplies

    • With winter storms comes more potential for power outages — be prepared with fresh bottled water, shelf-stable foods, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies and a hand-crank radio and smartphone charger.

10. Check the Exterior and Landscape After Winter Storms

    • Keep an eye out for ice dams on the roof, downed tree limbs and storm damage. Keep entrances and paths cleared of snow and ice, and be sure to arrange for snow removal around your home if you plan to be away this month.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season! Cheers to 2024! What’s on your home to-do list this January?

Resources: Houzz.com

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