8 Things To Do To Prepare Your Home for the Holidays

The holiday season is officially here, and if you haven’t already, it’s time to prepare your home. But before you drag out the full tupperware and bags from the attic, there are a few things you need to do first.

Whether you’re expecting guests this holiday season or not, or if you’re traveling the majority of the time, there are plenty of things you can do as you prepare your home (and we’re not just talking about decorating).

Here are 8 things you should do now as you prepare your home for the holidays:

1. Clean – inside and out. It’s time to clean, purge, and get rid of everything you don’t need anymore. You’ll want to start your decorating with a clean slate, which makes this the perfect time to clean. Plus, you’ll likely be adding a few new things at Christmas and you’re going to need some space!
2. Rake any leaves in the yard. As fall comes to a close, you want to get rid of any leaves in the yard. Need some ideas for what to do with them? Start here.
3. Clean out your gutters. While you’re up there hanging lights, why not make sure you get your gutters cleaned out? Material builds up in your gutters over time and it’s a good practice to clean them out at least once per year.
4. Get rid of wasp nests, cobwebs, or other pests still around the house. Whatever pests and bugs are left around your house in the summertime, it’s time to get rid of them. Take a close look at the areas around your home and use appropriate materials to get rid of what you find.
5. Seal up any leaks or gaps in your home. As the cooler weather comes, you don’t want it to get in your house. Check doors and windows for any air leaks and use caulk or weatherstrip to seal them up. Bonus: this can also help you save some money on your gas bill!
6. Clean the fireplace. This is a huge safety issue, and especially important before you turn that fireplace on for the first time this season. If you have never cleaned a fireplace or chimney before, you might want to consider hiring a professional.
7. Clean and store patio furniture. Unless you plan on sitting outside on your patio furniture during the winter, it’s time to put it up. Remember to clean it first and ensure it’s completely dry before storing it.
8. Check and replace any outside light bulbs. Winter means it gets dark early, and you don’t want to get caught outside in the pitch black because light bulbs are out. It’s time to get those replaced, and put a spotlight on your awesome outdoor decorations!

Now that you’ve gotten all that taken care of, it’s time to decorate! Hang up lights, wreaths, new plants, etc. and get your home ready for Santa Claus, family, and friends. Merry Christmas!