January is a time for new beginnings, which means it’s prime time for homeowners to pack up the holiday decor, organize indoor spaces, and take care of winter maintenance. Here are key tips for a healthy home and a healthy you!
Holiday Storage
- When packing the holiday decor, resist the urge to quickly toss everything into tubs and haul it to the attic or basement. Do your December self a favor and take the extra time to organize and label, label, label!
- Take cellphone pictures of this year’s displays for quick and easy setup next year.
- Pack outdoor decor separately.
- Ready to purge a few items? Pack a donation box for next year and mark it clearly. Pick a date and set a reminder in your calendar app. If you donate now, you risk having items trashed by overwhelmed charities and thrift stores.
Organize and Declutter
- Once you’ve made a clean sweep of the holidays, get the broom out and do a literal clean sweep. Vacuum and mop floors. Dust and admire those newly cleared shelves and countertops.
- Set aside a day — or two — to find new homes for all the gifts you received from family and friends. If you’re having trouble finding the perfect spot, it might be time to purge.
- Donate outgrown clothing and toys. Or pass along to family and friends.
- Before tossing the holiday cards, update your address book or contact list.
- Digitize family photos and home videos.
Make Your Health a Priority
- Make appointments for everyone in your household for annual (or overdue) doctor appointments and tests, including major preventatives such as mammograms and colonoscopies.
- Launch a healthier household with a thorough medicine cabinet cleanout. Contact your local pharmacy or police department for proper disposal of prescribed and over-the-counter medicines.
- Take stock of any indoor exercise equipment you own. Now’s the time to make any necessary repairs and commit to using them on a regular basis or donate them to someone who will.
Get a Jump on Tax Prep
- Mark a file folder for taxes and leave it in plain view for all the necessary documents as they arrive in the mail over the coming weeks.
- Make an appointment with your tax accountant.
- Tackle those piles of paperwork left lying on countertops and stuffed into dresser drawers. File important documents and purge and shred the rest.
Clean Out the Pantry
- Take stock of your pantry, freezer, and refrigerator. Toss the expired items and make a commitment to using up all those half-empty open boxes and bags of food.
- Donate any unwanted but still current goods to your local food pantry. January is typically a slow time for donations so your extras will be warmly welcomed.
Change Water Filters
January is a great time to change the water filters throughout your home. If you haven’t done so already, put a reminder on your smartphone to do this at the same time every year.
Prepare for Ice and Snow
- In snowy regions, beware of ice dams that occur when snow and ice melt and refreeze on roofs and in gutters. To prevent dams from forming, make sure you have adequate insulation in the attic. Inspect the underside of roof decking and seal seams and other openings. The attic temperature should be close to the outside temperatures.
- Whether you use a snow blower or a shovel, keep your sidewalks and drives clear. To improve traction and melt ice, use calcium chloride pellets instead of rock salt.
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