Helpful Home Tips For November
In more ways than one, the holiday season is certainly going to look much different this year. Family and friend gatherings might be different, but one thing is certain – your home never takes a holiday off. Your most valuable asset needs to be maintained, and the cooler temperatures and impending holidays might just be the perfect time to check these items off your list. Here are some helpful tips on how to make that happen:
Clean and flip the mattress. We don’t like to talk about it, but there can 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 much better knowing that you’re sleeping on a clean mattress? Get your vacuum and use some upholstery shampoo. Once it dries, vacuum, and you’ve got 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 Bed Pillows. Soft or firm, the right pillows can make a world of difference for your night’s sleep. We know that proper head, neck, and shoulder support is important, but often pillows get overlooked when cleaning. Many pillows are machine washable, so pop them in for a wash and dry them (after you verify with the manufacturer). People use tennis balls to help maintain proper fluffiness, so give that a try. If you can’t wash your pillows, look at 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 should be sure that your chimney is up to the task. But how often should it be swept? The National Fire Protection Association says that inspection once a year is crucial for “soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances.” Also, having a chimney cap will help keep any outdoor creatures outside 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 that tree limbs should be at least three feet away from your home. And 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 Outdated windows aren’t just drafty, their inefficiency is actually costing you money.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 help your existing windows be more efficient. 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.
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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 service 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.