W hat to do THIS MONTH
Get your home organised and looking its tip-top best with these easy cleaning and DIY hacks
Christmas is a super-busy time of year with events to organise, presents to buy and the house to prep. Ticking off a few tasks in advance will make you feel better prepared. Whether it’s clearing out the fridge to make space for festive fare, organising bedding for Christmas guests, or draught-proofing ideas to beat the winter chill, there’s plenty you can tackle in advance to make the big day stress-free.
Get your fireplace winter-ready
If you have a fireplace or wood-burner, have it inspected and the chimney cleaned by a professional sweep once a year (or about once every 80 fires) as built-up soot is a fire hazard. Clean out the firebox weekly using a fireplace shovel to remove the ashes, making sure they are cold first, then using a brush and metal pan to sweep out any loose dust and ash. Put an old towel down to catch stray debris and sweep gently to avoid ashes flying around.
DRAUGHTPROOF YOUR HALLWAY 1
Gaps around doors and windows are one of the biggest causes of heat loss, but one that can be easily remedied. The space at the bottom of the front door is often a culprit, but simply fitting a brush strip will block the gap and prevent draughts. Alternatively, try a long cushioned draught excluder positioned at the bottom of the door. Sealing additional gaps around the top and edges of your front door will also prevent heat escaping and cold air from entering. Fit self-adhesive rubber, foam or brush strips all the way around and consider installing a thick door curtain to provide an extra layer of insulation. Letterboxes and keyholes can also let in unwelcome cold air, so if yours tends to rattle when the wind is blowing, fix it with a brush letterbox flap and fit keyhole covers. Keeping internal doors closed between the hallway and other rooms is another way to prevent heat from escaping and keep living rooms toasty. Heat rises too, so if the loft hatch is draughty, sealing around it will keep heat in.
2 3 4
GO FOR A POTTED TREE
Instead of choosing a cut tree that will have to be thrown out come January, why not try a mini potted tree that can be planted out when the festivities have finished and used again next year. The perfect centrepiece on a hallway console table or stood outside on a porch, just pop the tree into a suitably sized container, ensuring it has plenty of drainage and water it every couple of days so that it doesn’t dry out and the needles drop. Keep decorations to a minimum with just a few lightweight pieces and a set of battery-operated lights to add a touch of sparkle. Paper trees, from £7 each; festive woodland decorations, £20 for 6; all National Trust Shop
DO A MONTHLY BATTERY CHECK TO MAKE SURE SMOKE ALARMS AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS ARE WORKING