Once again, I’m surprised by how quickly the holidays are approaching. It always seems to catch me off guard, and what should be a time to enjoy friends and family often turns into a hectic blur. But this year, I’m making a promise to myself that things will be different, and I thought you might like to see how I’m setting myself up for winter and holiday success.
First, I’ve organized my seasonal home maintenance into a checklist to ensure everything gets done. I check the smoke alarms, replace air filters, and have the heating system serviced to avoid more expensive repairs during the colder months. If you have a wood stove, make sure the pipe and chimney are free of creosote and debris. Lastly, I check the insulation around windows and doors and replace any that have cracked or become brittle.
Twice a year, I go through my home to clear out items that can be donated. I check the attic, closets, and basement for things that have served their purpose but are still in good condition. With thrift and consignment stores more popular than ever, drop-off locations are easy to find, and I’m helping keep items out of landfills.
While I’m considering donating that collection of novelty cookie tins I was gifted, I’m telling myself now to be sure to check my Christmas lights. More than once, I’ve found myself halfway through decorating, only to discover that lights that worked last year refuse to light up this year. I replace burnt-out bulbs and toss any strands that look worn or frayed. LED lights are a safer, more energy-efficient option than traditional lights, and they come in a wide range of colors and temperatures to suit anyone’s decorating style.
Speaking of lights and decorating, I plan ahead to avoid overloading outlets and blowing fuses. I follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid using indoor-only lights outside. I also spread the demand for electricity by using multiple outlets rather than relying on just one. Once again, LED lights help reduce the risk of overloading circuits and tripping fuses.
Finally, the optimist in me is preparing for a snowy winter. We haven’t had a big snowstorm in years, but I have a feeling this might be the year. I’m making sure my shovels are in good shape and waxing the blades to prevent snow from sticking. If you have a snow blower, make sure it’s in working order and that you have fuel on hand. Keep everything easily accessible—after all, a shovel buried in the shed won’t be much help when there’s a foot of snow on the ground!
If you have any questions about getting ready for a smooth and stress-free holiday season, remember that here at Randy’s Hardware, we don’t mind your questions. We don’t mind them at all!
