Decorating for the holidays is a big part of what makes the cold months feel so magical. When decorating this is an excellent time to perform basic home maintenance. Maintenance items to keep in mind include storage areas, gutters, and fire safety for the ultimate holiday experience.
Storage Areas
When it comes to cleaning your home, storage areas often get forgotten about. Searching for holiday decorations may remind you that you need to clean these specific areas. Clear dust from boxes, shelves, and corners. In a dark area that doesn’t receive much traffic this is the most likely place to find pests. Look for signs of pests or other damage that could indicate an infestation. Invest in quality storage bins to protect all your décor year-round. Plastic bins are great because they are waterproof and are difficult for pests to access.
Gutters
During the year, your gutters collect leaves, dirt, and other debris that can block drainage. When these materials accumulate, they can cause flooding and extensive damage to your home. Clogged gutters can cause serious damage, especially in the winter. Ice dams can form, posing a serious risk for the integrity of your roof. When decorating for the holidays, this is an excellent time to check your gutters. Hanging lights requires you to get out your ladder, you may as well check the gutters while you are at it. Look for debris that has accumulated and clear it prior to hanging your lights.
Fire Safety
With the extra decorations laying around, there are extra trip hazards and fragile items. Electrical outputs can be overwhelmed with too many sources pulling from it. When decorating for the holidays, it is important to check all the decorations to optimize safety. Keep trees and other flammable decorations away from heat and well-watered. Turn the lights and other electric powered decorations off when you go to bed. Consolidate the wires and tape them in a way that won’t trip someone walking by. These practices will protect the individual and your home from an accidental fire.
Ultimately, when it comes to decorating for the holidays, it is all about showcasing your unique personality and how you celebrate. Decorating for the holidays should be a fun and memorable experience. Prepare yourself for a safe and clean season by checking your storage areas, cleaning gutters, and paying attention to fire safety.
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