The holiday season is going to look much different this year in many ways. But one thing is certain – your home won’t be taking any time off.
Your most valuable asset needs to be maintained, and the cooler temperatures and impending holidays might be the perfect time to check these items off your list.
Here are some helpful tips on how to make that happen:
Clean, flip mattress
We don’t like to talk about it, but there could be a variety of tiny critters lurking in your mattress if it’s not cleaned periodically. I know it can be a handful, but won’t you sleep better knowing you’re lying on a clean mattress?
Get your vacuum and use some upholstery shampoo. Once it dries, vacuum, and you’ll have a much cleaner mattress. While you’re at it, flip the mattress for a great night’s sleep.
And while we’re at it...
Wash your bed pillows
Soft or firm, the right pillows can make a world of difference for your night’s sleep. We know proper head, neck and shoulder support is important, but pillows often get overlooked when cleaning.
Many pillows are machine washable, so pop them in for a wash and then dry them (after you check with the manufacturer). People use tennis balls to help maintain proper fluffiness, so give that a try. If you can’t wash your pillows, consider replacing them.
Keep your fireplace safe
There’s nothing quite like firing up that fireplace and propping your feet up on a chilly fall and winter evening. But first, you need to make sure your chimney is up to the task.
How often should it be swept? The National Fire Protection Association says one inspection a year is crucial for “soundness, freedom from deposits and correct clearances.” Also, having a chimney cap will help keep any outdoor creatures where they belong.
Tree maintenance
Trees don’t care what time of year it is – or that you might have a house full of guests. Having a limb crash into your house in the middle of the night doesn’t sound too great, either.
Help keep your roof and house free of tree damage by getting those limbs trimmed and those dead trees out of the way.
Opinions vary, but most landscapers say tree limbs should be at least 3 feet away from your home. When in doubt, let a professional help.
Weatherproof your windows
When the temps are dipping, the last thing we want is a chilly draft to ruin our coziness. Outdated windows aren’t just drafty, their inefficiency is actually costing you money.
While you might not be able to replace your drafty windows now, there are ways to improve the efficiency of your existing windows. Home improvement stores have a variety of DIY kits that will help keep you warm and toasty and keep a little more money in your pocket.
Realtors help serve our clients throughout the year. That’s Who We R.
Greater Chattanooga Realtors is The Voice of Real Estate in Greater Chattanooga. A regional organization with more than 2,000 members, Greater Chattanooga Realtors is one of 300 local boards and associations of Realtors nationwide that comprise the National Association of Realtors. Greater Chattanooga Realtors services Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee and Catoosa, Dade and Walker counties in northwest Georgia. For more information, visit www.gcar.net or call 423 698-8001.