Whether your home was full of people this holiday season, or you used it as your cozy spot to get away from the holiday chaos, you likely spent more time there these past few months than usual. Follow these quick tips to get it back in shape after all the fun and festivities.
CLEAN THE KITCHEN
If you’ve been hosting holiday events, your kitchen has logged some overtime.
-Check your range hood filter
It’s an excellent time to clean your range-hood filter in boiling water and baking soda. This not only rids your filter of built-up dirt—it helps keep your kitchen air pure.
-Clean your cooling coils
Refrigerator coils are dust bunny magnets. Boost your fridge’s energy efficiency by vacuuming the coils regularly.
GET ORGANIZED
Now that the holidays are over, your bedroom and shared spaces deserve some TLC
-Create a home inventory
Make a list of the items your insurance company wants to know about. Don’t forget to add any big-ticket items you got over the holidays.
-Update home files
Gather all those instruction manuals and warranties and slip them into a single file. But first, check if the instruction manuals are available online so you can throw out the physical copy. While organizing, start a file for all the income tax paperwork you’re getting in the mail.
-Pack away decorations
You’ll thank yourself next year if you take the time to coil your lights carefully and pack ornaments securely so nothing gets broken.
DO HOME MAINTENANCE
For peace of mind, double check that your safety measures around the home are in working order
-Inspect pipes
Catching a leak before it happens can save you from costly water damage.
-Clean filters and vents
If you didn’t change your air conditioning filter as part of your Home Maintenance Checklist, now is the time. Clear debris from your dryer vents and other air vents so you can breathe easily.
-Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Ensure that these life-saving devices are functional, and change batteries if necessary.
INSPECT BATHROOMS
Your bathrooms need some love this month, too- make sure to replenish medical supplies and ward off water damage.
-Replenish medical supplies
Add more bandages, burn cream, and antiseptic to your first aid kit to make up for the holiday injuries you doctored in December. Keep plenty of cold and cough medicine and vitamin C on hand to prepare for flu season.
-Run water in unused spaces
It’s a good idea to flush toilets and run water in unused bathrooms to prevent hard water stains.
-Check for mold
Check for black mold and ensure your bathroom vent fans are working correctly.
