As a homeowner, staying on top of important tasks and chores can be tricky. With the start of a new year, it’s an excellent time to review your home maintenance checklist and ensure you're prepared for whatever 2023 throws at you. To help get you started, here are 5 must-do tasks that every homeowner should add to their January home checklist.
After taking down the decorations and packing away the holiday cheer, it’s essential to clean your home thoroughly. Vacuum carpets to get rid of any leftover tree needles, dust off surfaces and furniture, and mop or steam clean hard floors. Remove the Christmas tree and recycle it according to your local guidelines. Or, put it in your compost or garden for extra nutrients. Let's not kid around - tidying up after the holidays can be a hassle but it's an essential part of the post-Christmas process. You'll feel so much better once everything is spick and span.
The post-Christmas period is a great time for a deep clean of your kitchen. This involves wiping down cupboards and drawers, checking the seals on your refrigerator, and cleaning all appliances, so they're ready for use. Consider wiping down walls. Pull appliances out from their resting places to clean thoroughly behind everything. Make sure you give special attention to cleaning your oven after all its hard work during the holidays.
For more deep cleaning ideas, check out this helpful Kitchen Cleaning Checklist.
After the holidays, it’s important to make sure that all seasonal storage space is organized. When you take down all the Christmas décor, sort through it and make sure that everything is in good condition. If something needs repair, do so now, or replace it if necessary. Store your decorations in a clearly labelled box to avoid the scramble for unorganized décor next year.
You can also take the time to prepare for the next holiday. This includes stocking up on decorations, setting aside room for holiday clothes, and donating any unwanted items. Taking time to do this now will ensure you're prepared well in advance when the next event rolls around.
January is a great time to check that your plumbing is running efficiently and there are no potential problems on the horizon. This includes inspecting pipes, checking for leaks, and ensuring all fixtures are clean and in working order. Taking care of any small issues now can help you avoid costly repairs down the road. You don't want your home to be flooded this winter! If you're planning a holiday, you can also turn off your water at the main valve to prevent any watery disasters while away.
Winter is the busiest time of year for heating systems. Making sure they are in good working order should be one of your top priorities. Have a professional come by to inspect, clean and service your furnace or boiler. Change the filter on your furnace to keep the air clean. This will help you stay safe and warm for the rest of winter, free of any unexpected breakdowns.
With these 5 must-do tasks taken care of, you’ll have peace of mind that your home is ready for whatever 2023 brings. So why not take the time to get organized this January and give yourself an early start on home maintenance for the year ahead?
For more information on winter home maintenance, check out our article It's Time to Winterize Your House!
