❄ With the early snowfall, winter may be upon us sooner than we expected! Keep reading to prepare for the season and keep your home running smoothly this month.
1. Get the car in for maintenance.
There’s no good time for a car emergency, but it’s especially unwelcome during a freak snow storm. Get your wheels up to speed (ha ha) with any routine maintenance you’ve been putting off this year. Oil change, tire rotations or replacements, fixing that “weird shimmy you get on the interstate” — these are all things you will thank yourself for handling now instead of waiting for it to become a problem. Get on the schedule with your mechanic today!
2. Car emergency kits
While we’re on the subject of cars, let’s talk emergency kits. A few basics you should always have on hand are bottles of water, non-perishable snacks, a basic first-aid kit, an emergency blanket, road flares, and jumper cables. Add in the complications of a standard Montana winter, and you’ll need to up your game to include hand warmers, snow chains, traction mats, a collapsible shovel, and a hat and gloves. Store it all in the Rubbermaid Action Packer — ruggedly constructed containers with lockable latches that can be secured with bungee cords or strapped to your roof racks!
2. Check the sump pump
If you have a sump pump in your basement to protect your home from flooding, there’s no time like the present to make sure that everything is in working order. Make sure the unit is working properly and schedule any repairs or replacements before the rainy season really sets in.
3. Inspect walkways & railings
Fall prevention becomes increasingly important as the icy weather approaches us. Be sure to inspect all walkways for uneven concrete, unstable hand rails, and potential trip hazards. Take this time to replace or repair any cracks or wobbly railings. Maybe you’ll add in some heavy duty safety treads to your back steps, or some path lighting to your sidewalk. Stop in at your local Kenyon Noble today for any supplies you may need to get the job done right!
4. Clean out & organize the garage
With the dry weather coming to an end, it’s likely that your garage or shed has become a bit of a catch-all. Take an evening after work to remove everything from the space, sweep the entire floor, and install new wall-mounted storage if needed. Go through all the contents and dispose of anything you don’t need anymore, and organize what’s left over into categories that make sense to you and your lifestyle.
If you’re planning to add new storage, make sure to order your system soon to have in time for your garage clean-out. Build your new system with OutdoorLiving.com and bring your product list to your local Kenyon Noble to place your order today!
5. Get ahead of your holiday prep
Have guests coming in? It’s time to start cleaning up the catch-all that is your guest room. Make sure to launder all guest linens and go over all the furniture with a Swiffer duster. It’s also a good time to start any holiday shopping since the next 7 weeks are going to fly by! Put any early gifts into a storage tote for safe keeping until Santa’s elves are ready to wrap everything.
6. Deep-clean the house
The last thing anyone wants to do when expecting company during holiday chaos is dust baseboards. Take a Sunday afternoon to deep clean your house, so that each room will only need a quick once-over when the time comes to welcome family and friends into your home.
Not sure where to start? We like the method of starting in one room, cleaning left to right, and top to bottom. Remove everything from flat surfaces like countertops and shelves, purge anything that doesn’t serve you anymore, and put everything back. Designate piles for things that need to be put away, thrown away, or donated and follow through when you’re finishing up each room. Low on supplies? Stop in at your local Kenyon Noble for a new mop and bucket, all-purpose cleaner, and holiday scented soaps.
7. Inspect and repair caulking
Check the bathroom shower and sink to make sure your caulk is in good condition. Cracked or missing caulk can be a catalyst for water damage down the road. Stop in to your local Kenyon Noble for all the supplies you need to repair and replace caulking before your houseguests come in, and repair over the weekend.
8. Look over your home’s exterior
Snow has begun to fly, and before you know it everything outdoors is going to be either buried or frozen shut. Take a half hour this week to inspect your home’s exterior for any gaps that need filling, planters that need emptied or stored, or vents that need secured to prevent any furry houseguests from taking up residence. Whether you need a can of gap filler, a new dryer vent cover, or replacement weatherstripping, let the friendly staff at Kenyon Noble help you find what you need!
9. Hang outdoor holiday lights!
Before you ask “Isn’t it too early for that?” — the answer is no. Would you rather be on a ladder when it’s unseasonably warm and you have more daylight, or when the temperatures drop to frigid levels and the wind picks up? Make sure to test your holiday lights from last year, untangle, and replace bulbs or strands as needed. Stock up on deck railing clips or gutter clips and pick a sunny afternoon to get the job done! Future you will be grateful you handled this before the holiday chaos picks up.
10. Replenish your winter stockpile
Better to have it and not need it! Make sure you’re stocked up on firewood, ice-melt, and a proper shovel before the worst of the snow hits. If you have a snowblower, have it serviced and purchase fresh fuel to get you through the next couple months. If you don’t have one, consider getting a snowblower or at least a small handheld blower, if you don’t have a lot of area to clear. Locate your snowbrush and ice scraper and replace if needed.
While do-it-yourself projects can be fun and fulfilling, there is always a potential for personal injury or property damage. We strongly suggest that any project beyond your abilities be left to licensed professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk, and we assume no responsibility or liability for the contents of this article.