Do Daylight Saving Time right with these smart semi-annual traditions
The nights are getting longer and the days are getting shorter, and that 7 a.m. wake up call is even more brutal when it’s still as dark as midnight outside. The one reprieve we get this time of year is that delicious extra hour of Daylight Saving Time. And while you’re resetting your clock after a glorious extra hour of sleep, why not use the change in time as a reminder to set some other good habits?
WARDROBE REVAMP
As the season changes over into cooler weather, it’s the perfect time to pack up your shorts and sundresses and make room in your closet for cozy sweaters. While you’re in there, make room for your warm clothes by pulling out the summer clothes you never got around to wearing this year, and set them aside for a donation or a clothing swap!
THE SEMI-ANNUAL HARD CLEAN
Everyone talks about spring cleaning, but what better way to prepare for the next several months inside than by doing a deep fall house cleaning to make your home as clean and cozy as possible? Tackle the tasks that often get ignored during the course of your usual chores -- wipe down the baseboards, clean under the sink, vacuum behind the stove.
CHANGE YOUR CAR TIRES
Here in Canada, you never know when the first snowfall might be -- so be prepared and get those winter tires on now before it’s too slippery.
RESTOCK YOUR MEDICINE CABINET
Check the expiry dates on any vitamins or medication, and dispose of any expired pills safely.
CHECK YOUR CALENDAR
Are you due for a visit to your doctor or dentist? Check your calendar to see when your last visit was, and schedule a check-up if you’re overdue.
CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS
Leaves have been falling off the trees for a month now. Make sure your eavestroughs aren’t overflowing.
HOUSE SAFETY CHECK
Make sure all the smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide alarms in your home are functional, and replace any batteries that need it.
AND WHILE YOU’RE REPLACING THOSE BATTERIES... RECYCLE THE OLD ONES
“As we prepare to turn back the clocks, it’s also a good time to change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and then recycle the old batteries,” says Joe Zenobio, president of Call2Recycle Canada. “Call2Recycle makes it easy as 91% of Canadians have access to a Call2Recycle-established collection location within 15 km of their homes. ”
To find a drop-off location nearest you, visit www.call2recycle.ca/2017falldst and/or www.appelarecycler.ca/automne2017CH or call 1-888-224-9764.