How to get your home ready for the winter

Got a list of jobs around the home as long as your arm to tick off before Christmas? Unfortunately it always seems that list continues to grow before you even get a chance to address the top one.

Christmas is little over a month away and you’re bound to be entertaining in some way over the festive period. So you’ll want your home in tip top condition. Take a look at 10 things you should take care of before carving the turkey.



The front garden

You know just how important a first impression is and this is the same with the front of your home. There are a number of things to address in the front garden. Make sure your garden gate closes properly and consider repainting if it’s looking worse for wear. You could also repaint the exterior of your property to give it clean finish. Don’t neglect the driveway either and make sure to give it a good scrubbing down before the colder months.

Front garden landscapeImage from pinterest

The windows

Embrace the cold months ahead by ensuring your home is as efficient as possible. By doing so you’ll be able to slash your heating bills and enjoy a much warmer property. And if you can’t afford new double glazing then not to worry, because simply draught proofing the windows can be very effective too. A professional window fitter can remove the old frames and add draught proofing strips to help lock more heat in your home.

WindowsImage from pinterest

Your curtains

In the summer months you’ll be keen to let in as much light as possible, but during the winter your curtains can also act as insulation. It’s advised to have a different pair of curtains over the colder months which are heavier and will keep more of the heat in your home. As the festive season draws nearer, consider a check pattern or berry tones to add warmth to the property.

CurtainsImage from pinterest

Prepare for guests

The chances are you’ll be hosting more people at some point over the next month or so, which means you’ll need the extra room to seat them. Consider an extendable table to give you the much needed breathing space and even invest in some formal chairs which can be used elsewhere in the home until needed for Christmas dinner. A collapsible and uncomfortable chair won’t sit well with your guests.

TableImage from pinterest

The lighting

With darkness creeping into your afternoons during the winter, lighting becomes an important feature in your home. There are certain ways to go about improving the lighting in your home, such as adding dimmers or putting an extra lamp into the corner of your room. You could also consider a timer for when you arrive home after dark.

LightingImage from pinterest

The boiler

During the winter months your boiler will be working harder than ever to provide heat and hot water on demand. The last thing you want is a breakdown which could leave you without both for days and possibly even weeks. Cold showers in December are definitely to be avoided. So to prevent any problems over the next few months, ensure to have a professional boiler engineer carry out a service to ensure there are no faults likely to rear their ugly head. For even greater energy savings you could invest in a boiler jacket or pipe insulation, which will help to cut your bills.

The carpets

By having your carpets and upholstery cleaned you can quickly freshen up your home and boost the appeal of your property. Steam cleaners are very popular for this job, but are to only be operated by a professional. The good news is these steam cleaners provide a fantastic service and won’t wear your carpet, ensuring it looks good as new.

CarpetImage from pinterest

The roof and gutter

The exterior of your home remains important throughout the year, but it’s often not until the winter that any hidden problems surface. Take a look up at the roof to try and spot any visible damage. Are there any tiles missing? If your roof is damaged you risk there being a leak which can cause serious expense later down the line so it’s crucial to have the problem addressed as soon as possible. Also keep an eye on your guttering. You should look to clear out debris such as leaves and twigs at least once a year to prevent blockages.

GutterImage from pinterest

Tom

I have been managing online projects since 1999 and I'm a experienced marketeer, who is well versed in international brand management, online business strategy and developing long term relationships. Through my academic and professional background I am a specialist in generating online loyalty towards brands. My experience has taught me that ultimately business is about relationships and people. For more information see my Google+ page.