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

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

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

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

Happy First Day of Fall! Get your home colder weather ready with this list of 10 to-dos.

1. Add Weatherstripping

• • Have older windows in your home? Inspect them and consider adding weatherstripping to help retain heat and stop drafts. If you’ve applied weatherstripping to your windows before, inspect the areas where it was previously applied and see if any need replacing.

2. Remove Window A/C Units

• • Used window air-conditioning units? Now is the time to remove them! Or if they are outside, cover them 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.

3. Cozy Up With Warm Layers

• • Yes, it’ll still be in the high 80’s this weekend, but now is the time to bust out your warmer bedding, blankets, coats, and shoes. 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!

4. 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. If you have unprotected leather (aniline), wipe it clean with distilled water and a cloth. If you have protected leather (semianiline or pigmented), you can be a little harsher and use a homemade cleaning solution or commercial leather cleaning product. Wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth.

5. Inspect Roof and Gutters

• • Give your roof and gutters a quick visual inspection. Pull out any sticks, leaves, or other debris blocking your gutters. Make note of any worn out seals around your vent pipes and chimneys.

6. Schedule Chimney and Furnace Maintenance

• • Speaking of chimneys, 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.

7. Check Safety Devices

• • Test those smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors! It’s also a good idea to check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace if need be.

8. Maintain Your Washer and Dryer

• • I cannot stress it enough! It is so incredibly important to clean out your dryer vents on a regular basis! If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning out your dryer vent, hire a professional to do it 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.

9. Consider Beefing Up Insulation

• • Energy bills can get fairly costly during the fall/winter. Consider adding insulation to your attic space or inside walls. Not only would this help save on your energy bills during the winter, it also helps to keep your home cooler during the summer months.

10. Order Firewood

• • Whether you use a wood stove 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.

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your September! Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com