Mid Winter Checklist

In the darkest part of the year, it´s tempting to try hibernating through the next couple months. If you can get a plan in place now though, you can get a jump on spring. The following home maintenance checklist provides a "to do" list for January, a list of seasonal sales, and a small kit to organize those items that you always seem to have to rummage for when decorating for Christmas next year.

After the work and mania that accompanies the holiday season, January provides an opportunity to regroup and reorganize.

-Do end of the year accounting. Set up file folder for current year´s taxes. Organize receipts and paperwork.

-Take down, clean, and store ornaments, decorations, and exterior lights. Recycle or store tree.

-De-clutter Christmas stuff. Give away or toss old, broken, or unused ornaments, decorations, lights, and those very sad ribbons.

-De-clutter a closet. Pick just one. Empty it. Sort by things to save, donate or sell, toss. Take the garbage out and set donations aside the same day. Clean the closet thoroughly. Of the stuff to save, put everthing that belongs somewhere else where it belongs. Organize the stuff that belongs in that closet and put it back. Pat yourself on the back and go have some fun. (If you have lots to declutter, pace yourself otherwise you´ll never be able to finish. Some experts suggest making decluttering appointments with yourself and making it a priority.)

-Replace drawer liners and shelf papers.

-Wander the house with a screwdriver and make a list of minor household repairs that can be done in a weekend. Tighten screws on drawers, doors, and furniture. Make a list of broken electrical face plates, missing pulls or knobs, locks that need lubrication, and spots that need caulking around sinks and tubs. Go to the home improvement store and buy everything you need to make all of your little repairs at once.

-Call the utility company to do an energy audit. By now you´ll have recieved your first big winter heating bill, and unless you live in Phoenix, you may be motivated to see how you can improve your home´s energy efficiency. While you´re at it, ask the utility if they can also test for radon gas—especially important if you don´t know if it´s ever been done.

-Plan annuals if you intend to start plants from seed. Start shopping for seeds and seed starting mix at the end of January. Use 1/2 gallon milk or orange juice containers cut down their length and stapled at the ends for starting trays.