TO DO LISTS + WHAT COME NATURALLY
FEB CLEAN INTERIOR WINDOWS. It may be too cold and icy to clean windows outside, but cleaning interior windows can still help boost light — something we could all use a bit more of during the winter. CONSERVE ENERGY and stay warm. Block drafts coming through cracks around doors with door sweeps or good old-fashioned door snakes. Keep doors shut to rooms you’re not using, and warm up with cozy rugs, throws and duvets.
FEB BATH a spa-inspired makeover. Details can make a big impact in a small space like the bathroom. Bring in fresh white towels, a new shower curtain and liner, and a few organic accents, like potted plants and a wooden stool. Then be sure to make time for a relaxing soak in your refreshed bathroom!
FEB PLANT PAINTS swatches. Fight off winter doldrums by focusing on ways to enhance your home with color. Visit a paint store and scoop up swatches. Play around with potential color combinations by pinning your favorites to a bulletin board. By the time spring rolls around, you’ll be ready to break out the paintbrushes.
MAR STORMS & SCREENS. If you used storm windows during the winter, take them down and put up window screens. If the weather has warmed where you live, take this opportunity to clean the windows, too. Check the exterior. Once winter storms have passed, check the exterior of your home for signs of damage, from roof to foundation. Check the exterior. Once winter storms have passed, check the exterior of your home for signs of damage, from roof to foundation.
MAR Pull out the porch furniture. Whether or not it’s porch-sitting weather yet in your neck of the woods, just seeing your porch furniture out there can be enough to lift your spirits. Plus, getting things set up early will give you time to inspect your chairs, benches and cushions, and replace or repair worn-out pieces.
MAR Remove winter layers and rotate mattresses. Feeling a bit stifled under a pile of thick duvets? Swap out heavy winter bedding for lighter-weight quilts and coverlets. Also consider changing deep-pile rugs for flat-weave or natural-fiber versions for the warmer months. While you are sprucing up the bedroom, don’t forget to rotate your mattress.
MAR Get organized for tax season. Be proactive and start sorting paperwork and computer files now, so when tax time arrives next month, you will be prepared. If, while organizing, you realize your record-keeping system leaves a little to be desired, take the time to set up a more effective system now for the year ahead.
MAR Clean light fixtures and fan blades. Have you taken a close look at your light fixtures lately? Dust and, yes (as gross as they are), dead bugs build up in and around light fixtures. Use a vacuum with an attachment or a long-handled duster to clean pendant lights, chandeliers and fan blades. If you need to get closer, use a sturdy stepladder, not a chair. And don’t forget to clean the floor when you’re done — some of that dust is bound to end up there.
AP Set up outdoor furniture. If you haven’t yet gotten the outdoor furniture out of storage, now is the time. Give everything a good cleaning, and go shopping for new pieces as needed. Wish you had an outdoor dining area or place to sit with a good book? Jump on the project now so that you have all season to enjoy using it.
AP Clean siding. Wash the exterior of your house to remove road salt and grime that has accumulated over the winter. Use a pressure washer or a regular hose with a cleaning attachment, depending on the type of siding. 4. Check fences, driveway and paths for damage. Particularly for regions that experience freezing and thawing conditions, driveways and paths can become cracked over the winter. Take a walk around your home, looking out for signs of damage on the driveway and walkway, as well as the foundation, fences and gates. Schedule repairs as needed.
AP Refresh your MANTEL. Take everything off your mantel, and wipe down the surface. Bring in something fresh and green — potted ferns, blooming bulbs or cut branches will last longer than cut flowers. If you have a mirror hanging above the mantel, clean it as well. Add a few SCENTED or plain beeswax candles as a finishing touch.
AP Clean windows. Boost natural light throughout your home by cleaning the windows, inside and out. If you have second-story windows, either hire a service to clean the outside or use a hose attachment to clean them yourself (while standing safely on the ground!). 8. Have air conditioning serviced. If you use air conditioning and haven’t had it serviced yet this spring, now is the time. If you use window air conditioning units, change the filters before installing them.
AP Swap towels and bedding. Rotating linens with the seasons is an easy way to perk up your home, and it extends the life of your textiles. You can’t go wrong with classic white towels and sheets, but if you are looking for something a little different this spring, why not pick a bold color instead?
JN Paint your home’s exterior. If you are planning to have your home painted this year, the warm, dry weather makes summer the ideal time. How to paint your house 2. Check for cracks in the foundation. Take a walk around your home and check carefully for cracks in the foundation — even a small crack that doesn’t pose a structural threat can let in water and pests.
JN Repair and seal fences and garden structures. Keep wood fences, gates, arbors and pergolas in good repair for many years to come by adding a fresh coat of paint or clear wood sealant each summer. Also make sure trees and shrubs are not growing too close to fences — tough branches and roots can cause a lot of damage.
JN Streamline the kitchen. Take a day to box up some of the stuff in your kitchen cupboards that you rarely use. Store the box in an out-of-the-way closet for now — but if you find you don’t miss it, consider donating or selling the contents. Get the seven-day plan for a beautifully organized kitchen 8. Put in screen doors. Screen doors are a must in areas where mosquitoes or flies are an issue. If you haven’t installed yours yet for the season, now is the time.
JN Set up a beach-towel drying spot. Instead of tossing wet beach towels directly in the washer, allow them to dry first. The sand can then be easily shaken off, instead of clogging up your washer and dryer. 10. Wash the washer and dryer. Run an empty wash cycle with white vinegar instead of detergent. Carefully clean the rubber areas around the washer and dryer doors, plus inside the doors. If your washer or dryer has sand inside, allow the appliance to dry completely, then vacuum the interior using an attachment.
JN 11. Lighten up decor. Making a few simple decor swaps is a great way to welcome the new season. Try lighter pillow covers, a new art print or a piece of accent furniture made from rattan or sea grass. 12. Switch the direction of fans. If you use ceiling fans and haven’t done so yet, now is the time to flip the switch so cool air is directed downward.
JUL Sort and toss old toiletries and medications. Streamline your bathroom cupboards and medicine cabinet by tossing out products that you no longer use or that are past their expiration date. Take stock of your first-aid kit and note any items that need replenishing. If you do have old medications (whether or not they are expired), it is best to get rid of them. Ask your local pharmacy if it takes back medications, and check the label — some medications include specific instructions about how to dispose of leftovers.
JUL Declutter and host a yard sale. Lighten up this summer by spending a day clearing unwanted and unneeded items out of the house. Host a yard sale and use the cash to treat yourself to a fun, summery experience (like a day at the fair or lobster rolls at a favorite clam shack) rather than more stuff to clutter up your home.
JUL Cut energy and water bills. A hot summer can mean huge water and energy bills, thanks to constant air conditioning and a thirsty garden. Do what you can to cut down: Fix leaks in faucets and irrigation systems. Water your garden in the early morning or evening, when you will lose less water to evaporation. Consider collecting rainwater to use in the garden. Set your thermostat higher during the day when you are out. Keep window shades pulled down during the day to block sun. Use fans and open windows instead of air conditioning to cool your home on not-so-hot days.
AUG Get prepped for dinners at home. With fall around the corner, meals are likely to shift away from the grill and into the kitchen. Encourage family dinners at home by making the dining room a place you can’t wait to sit down in. Clear the table, bring in flowers or potted plants and keep stacks of fresh table linens at hand. If you want to make things even easier, consider storing silverware and cloth napkins in a CADDY right on the table.
Organize family photos. Don’t let months go by after summer vacations to print and organize photos — get on top of it now, so you can enjoy your snapshots! Set yourself up for photo organizing success through the rest of the year by creating files for digital photos organized by month. If you want to have new family portraits taken in time, start hunting for a photographer now. If you have a big backlog of printed photos to organize but lack the time to go through each one, at least get them into acid-free storage boxes to prevent damage. Label the boxes by year if possible.
AUG Croma Design Inc Save Email 4. Edit your wardrobe. Sort through your summer clothes before putting them away; give away anything that is no longer working for you. Look over your fall wardrobe, setting aside anything that needs repairs or that you no longer like. Make a note of anything missing. 5. Boost closet organization. While you’re at it, see if there is a better way to organize your closet. Could you use a small chest of drawers? A few baskets to collect dry cleaning and delicates? Hooks for necklaces and scarves?
AUG Conduct an energy audit of your house. Find places to increase energy efficiency and improve the health of your home (and save money) by conducting a home energy assessment, either on your own or with the help of a pro. This assessment will help locate air leaks and check ventilation, insulation, heating and cooling systems, appliances and more. Check out Energy.gov for more information on conducting your own home energy audit.
AUG Refresh the pantry. If you haven’t done so yet, invest in a set of matching, airtight storage containers in a variety of sizes. Decanting food into clear, airtight containers makes it easier to find what you need and helps food stay fresh longer. Bonus tip: Use erasable or removable labels, so you can customize the container to the contents. If you’re storing pasta or something else with a specific cooking time, note the instructions on the label as well.
AUG Clean and replace caulk and grout. A proper seal around sinks, toilets, shower stalls and tubs, and between tiles, is essential to keep water from seeping into cracks and causing damage. Clean grout and caulk with a narrow scrub brush and inspect its condition. Replace caulk or grout as needed.
AUG Put away summer gear. As the summer winds down, inspect your summer gear for damage and clean it before storing it for next year. Scoop up a few new items at end-of-season sales to replace anything that needs to be tossed.
SEP Curling up with popcorn and a movie, simmering a big pot of soup or chili on the stove, and getting the house and yard in shape after the lazy days of summer — in September, the comforts of home beckon. From feeding the birds to having the chimney cleaned, see if any of these to-dos make your list this month. 1Remove A/C units. If you use window air conditioning units, now is the time to either remove them (preferable) or cover them outside with protective insulation. 2Add weather stripping. If you have old weather stripping that has loosened, remove it and replace it with new material. New double-pane windows may not need weather stripping, but most older windows can benefit from it, and if you notice a draft, you should add weather stripping no matter how new the windows are. 3Inspect the roof. Either get help and carefully climb a ladder so you can look at your roof, or hire someone to do this for you. Problems like damaged shingles and worn-out seals around vent pipes and chimneys are much easier to remedy if you catch them early.
SEP Give the family room some TLC. Beef up the family room for the cozy season ahead by upgrading technology, bringing in extra cushions and a cozy throw, or simply cleaning and tidying up. Movie night is more fun when the family room is comfy and welcoming.
SEP Put some fall-blooming plants on the porch. Sweep away summer sand and dirt, and set out a few pots of chrysanthemums or other late-summer plants in gorgeous fall hues. It’s an affordable way to give your porch a quick fall makeover.
SEP Order firewood. If you use a woodstove for warmth or enjoy using your fireplace a lot, now is a good time to order a delivery of firewood. Try not to store it directly against the house, since that can encourage critters to take up residence, but do put it in a covered outdoor area to protect it from rain. 8. Seal gaps where mice could enter. Speaking of critters, take a close look around the exterior of your home and cover any and all gaps you find (even tiny ones!) so mice cannot get in. A heavy-duty screen or hardware cloth works well to cover exterior vents, and door sweeps attached at the bottom of doors will prevent furry critters from squeezing in.
SEP Have chimney maintenance done and add a chimney cap. Don’t even think about using that fireplace until you’ve had it cleaned! Built-up creosote inside the chimney can cause a house fire. Also, there’s always the possibility that an animal family has taken up residence inside — and even if the critters have moved on, the nest itself could cause a major problem if it’s not cleared out. If you do not already have one, speak with your chimney sweep about adding a chimney cap. This metal cap with screened sides will stop animals from getting in and can protect your roof from any burning embers.
SEP Steele Canvas Basket Corp Save Email 11. Clean the laundry room. A fresh, clean laundry room can make getting chores done more pleasant. Start by cleaning out the dryer vents to prevent lint buildup, which can lead to fires. Wipe down surfaces, mop the floor and declutter. Are you missing anything that would make doing laundry easier? Consider adding a surface for folding clothes, better lighting, a rolling laundry basket with dividers or a garment rack.
SEP Drip-drying location. A drip-dry station in this spacious laundry room allows wet garments to dry without making a mess. In lieu of more cabinetry, this cavity was tiled all over for ultimate water protection. Tip: A bar from the top provides a spot to hang clothes, and the floor drain guarantees there is no standing water.
SEP Pull-out Ironing Board 2 Ironing board. For those short on space, a drawer ironing board can give you the benefits of a built-in board without taking up wall or cabinet space. You'll never have to wrestle with a squeaky freestanding board again. These are easy to retrofit into budget remodels, too.
SEP Hampers. Built-in laundry hampers like these can help you keep your laundry space extra tidy with minimal effort. When the clothes are piling up, just make sure the drawers are closed! This homeowner has a hamper for whites, colors and darks — all tucked away and out of sight.
SEP The wash and dry zone should include your washer and dryer, and shelving or other storage for your cleaning products. Tip: If you are designing a galley laundry, make sure you have at least 36 inches in front of the washing machine (front-loading washers need less) and 42 inches in front of a dryer, so you can access your appliances without bumping into cabinets.
SEP Drying racks are less expensive than drying cupboards. Installing drying rods above your sink or countertop and leaving enough room at the back for hangers can help double up on available room, too. Tip: If you'd rather not cramp your walls, consider using your ceiling to hold a drying rack. A pulley system can keep it neatly out of sight when it's not in use.
SEP Raised appliances are great ergonomic options and can help free up storage space. Certain front-loading models come with an optional drawer underneath. If you don't have a lot of space for baskets, you can use one drawer for clean clothes and one for dirty items. Tip: If your laundry is near bedrooms or living areas, choose appliances with extra insulation and quality suspension to keep the noise down. Dryers with no decibel rating and washing machines with a high-speed spin cycle of more than 1,000 revolutions per minute will likely be noisy.
SEP Ample lighting will help you see and fight stains better. Use a mixture of task lighting installed under your cabinetry and ambient ceiling lighting.
SEP Ellen Grasso & Sons, LLC Save Email Laundry flooring requires just as much attention during the design process. With so much water in the room and a risk of leaks and flooding, you'll need to apply a waterproofing membrane before you lay down your flooring. Nonslip tiles are the most practical in high-moisture zones, since hardwood floors may swell over time. Tiles are also a clever way of bringing a colorful design feature into a bland laundry. Tip: To prevent flooding ask your plumber to install a washing machine valve shutoff kit. These kits have a floor-mounted sensor that will detect any puddles and instantly shut off the water valve.
SEP 12. Swap out bedding. Dig out those thicker blankets, quilts and duvets, in preparation for the cooler nights ahead. If they smell musty, have them laundered now so they are fresh and ready to put on the bed on that first chilly night. If you are shopping for new bedding, try a richer color palette for fall. Warm spice tones, like the ones shown here, are classic — even a few new pillow shams can make a big difference.
OCT 1. Rake leaves. Clearing away leaves from lawns is hard work, so be sure to choose a rake that feels good to you. Plastic rakes don’t last as long, but they are lightweight — which helps if you get fatigued easily (or have a lot of leaves to contend with). Instead of bagging all of the leaves you collect, try chopping some with your mower and using them as mulch in flower beds, or add them to a compost pile. 5 Ways to Put Fall Leaves to Work in Your Garden 2. Clean gutters and downspouts. Schedule rain-gutter cleaning for after most of the leaves have fallen. Inspect gutters and downspouts for cracks and loose parts, and make repairs as needed. 3. Put up storm windows and doors. If you use storm windows or doors and haven’t put them up yet, now is the time.
OCT Shut off exterior faucets and store hoses for winter. Disconnect, drain and roll hoses before storing them indoors for the winter. Shut off the water supply to exterior faucets to prevent frozen pipes.
0CT Decorate with layers of warmth. Get toasty indoors with cozy throws, thicker curtains and soft rugs. If you haven’t done so yet, swap out your bedding for thicker blankets and fluffy duvets.
NOV Decorate for the season naturally. You don’t need to spend much (if anything) to bring a seasonal touch to your home. Hang a wreath on the door, and collect acorns and pinecones from outdoors to make a simple centerpiece that will last indefinitely. Bowls of apples, pomegranates and nuts in the shell make for easy (and edible) table decor. DIY fall and winter wreaths 2. Make a donation to your local food pantry. Getting Thanksgiving meal essentials to families in need can make a big impact at this time of year. Check with your local food pantry before you go shopping to see what it is most in need of — it can be hard to keep fresh items that families need, like milk, in stock, so see which fresh items are needed. Of course, food pantries need support throughout the year, so consider making donating a monthly to-do.
NOV . Set up a humidifier — and keep it clean. When you’re running the heater a lot, the air can get very dry. Using a humidifier puts moisture back into the air, which can help your space feel warmer and more comfortable. But be vigilant about keeping the humidifier clean — it can easily become mildewed, which can be harmful, especially for allergy sufferers. 5. Check the sump pump. If you have a sump pump to protect your basement in case of flooding, be sure to check it and make sure it is working properly before the November rains take their toll.
NOV Deep clean the kitchen. Cleaning everything thoroughly now will give you a chance to take stock of what’s in those cupboards and pantry before any major holiday cooking happens. Clear expired food out of the pantry, fridge and freezer; clean appliances; and clean dust and grime from the light fixtures and range hood.
NOV Make a plan of attack. Of course there are certain things you already do each day and week to help keep your kitchen running smoothly, although the specifics differ from person to person. Make a quick mental list of the tasks you’re on top of already and focus instead on the jobs you haven’t done for a while. Plan to spend more time cleaning and decluttering during the first two days (plan these for a weekend or days off) to get a jump-start on the week; smaller tasks can be squeezed in on weekdays. Traditional Kitchen by Beach Glass Interior Designs Beach Glass Interior Designs Save Email Set goals that make sense for you. Setting a goal that relates to how you want your kitchen to function better is more helpful than blindly tackling a long list of cleaning and decluttering jobs, so consider what you personally want to get out of this week. Want help getting through hectic mornings? You may want to focus on clearing the kitchen cabinet and pantry clutter. Wish your evenings felt more peaceful? Getting the fridge and surfaces clean and clear so you are ready to cook could help. Dream of hanging out in the kitchen more? Focus on the social areas of your kitchen ...
NOV Cleaning tasks: ◦Wipe the shelves of the fridge; wash crisper drawers with warm, soapy water. ◦Degrease the stovetop. ◦Clean out the microwave. ◦Clear the crumb tray under the toaster oven. ◦Pull your fridge away from the wall and vacuum the space behind it and the coils. ◦Run your oven’s self-cleaning function (be sure to consult the manual for instructions first). ◦Run the dishwasher without anything in it.
NOV Day 1: Deal with appliances. Decluttering tasks: Take everything out of the fridge and freezer, one shelf at a time, and toss anything that has gone bad or that you know you won’t eat. There is no reason to let that salad dressing you tried and hated sit there for another year.
N0V Day 2: Tackle cupboards and drawers. Decluttering tasks: This is the day to get the most frequently used spaces in your kitchen decluttered and primed for easy cooking. Get rid of things you never use (be honest!) and move things you rarely use (like once or twice a year) to a nonprime position. ◦Take everything out of your cupboards (you can do this in two or more stages if you need to) and look over each item. Remove unnecessary duplicates, broken items and things you do not use or like. ◦Repeat the process with drawers and counters. ◦When it’s time to put back the keepers, be sure to put things near where they will be used (knives near prep area, spatulas near the stove etc.) Cleaning tasks: ◦Wipe down drawers and shelves. ◦Inspect pots and pans, and remove cooked-on spots and stains. ◦Have knives sharpened.
NOV -1. Clean out your pots and pans. Scrub cast iron with a soft sponge and coarse salt, then rinse away the salt. Stainless steel can in fact be stained by heat and hot water. Remove stains with a soft cloth and white vinegar, then dry with a clean cloth. Never soak stainless steel pots and pans because the surfaces will become pitted.
-2. Give your sink a good scrubbing. Keeping your sink clean is a good way to get inspired to do the dishes instead of leaving them to pile up. Fill the sink to the rim with water and pour in a cup of bleach to disinfect. Scrub the inside of your sink with baking soda to get rid of extra-tough stains. Rinse and finish with a shining spray or wipe.
NOV 3. Don't forget cupboards and drawers. Empty out your cupboards and drawers, sweep out crumbs and dust and clean any stains with a wet cloth. If you're up for it, put new contact paper at the bottom. When you're cleaning out your drawers and cupboards, keep an eye out for broken dishes and other kitchen accessories. Donate or throw them away and add new versions of the items to your list. Clean the exterior of your cabinets and drawers. You'll be surprised at how different your kitchen looks when all of the fingerprints have been wiped off.
NOV Witt Construction Save Email 4. Organize your pantry. Throw out anything that's expired, including canned goods and herbs or spices that have been in there for too long. Anything that's been in there longer than a year may have gone stale.
NOV Normandy Remodeling Save Email 5. Clean your refrigerator and freezer. Do a thorough cleaning here. If your shelves are removable, take them out and wash them in the sink or dishwasher. Scrub out the inside of your fridge with a wet, soapy cloth. Throw out any expired goods. Wipe everything clean with a damp cloth. 6. Declutter the front of your refrigerator if needed and organize your kitchen calendar and desk area.
NOV 7. Clean your microwave. To get tough gunk off, fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and microwave it on high for a few minutes. Keep the doors closed for a couple more minutes to let the steam work on spills, then wipe everything down with a soapy rag. Rinse and wipe dry. 8. Have your knives professionally sharpened. Not only will sharp knives make prep work easier, but they'll make it safer as well.
NOV Conard Romano Architects Save Email 9. Wash windows inside and out. 10. Deep clean floors. Sweep under the oven and refrigerator. 11. Dust and wipe down walls, baseboards and the top of the refrigerator.
NOV 12. Wash the insides of your garbage cans. Try using a strong bleach-and-water solution. Rinse them out and let them dry outside. 13. Clean drains and garbage disposals. Run a lemon or a cup of white vinegar through your garbage disposal to get rid of any unfortunate smells.
14. Clean your oven and give your stove a good scrubbing. If you don't have a self-cleaning oven, make a paste with baking soda and water and slather it on the parts of your oven that need cleaning. Let it dry overnight and scrape the gunk off in the morning. NOV 15. Run your dishwasher while it's empty. Add a little white vinegar to it beforehand to get rid of any odors. If you have a food trap in the bottom of your dishwasher, clean it out.
NOV Every countertop — even stone— needs a trivet as protection from hot pots and pans. Burn marks are permanent, so it's best to be safe than sorry. Kitchen sponges often become germ-keepers. It's best to use dishrags instead. But if you're fond of your sponges, don't use the same sponge to clean dishes and your countertop.
DEC 9. Check walkways, railings and stairs for winter safety. Clear away gardening supplies and anything else that’s in the way on walking paths. Check that railings and stairs are in good repair. 10. Keep furry friends safe. Keep pets safe by storing antifreeze and other harmful chemicals securely. And with shorter days and longer nights, winter is a more dangerous time for pets to be outdoors. Get a reflective collar for your dog, especially if he or she tends to escape or you live near a busy street, and consider keeping indoor-outdoor cats inside for winter.
11. Have trees trimmed. Trees are dormant at this time of year, which makes it a good time to have the trees on your property professionally trimmed. Trimming trees helps prevent unstable limbs from falling and causing damage during winter storms. 12. Clear rain gutters and downspouts one last time. If more leaves have fallen since the last time your gutters were cleaned, be sure to have them cleared out one last time before winter. Leaves left clogging gutters and downspouts can cause water and ice to pool, potentially causing damage to your siding or even leaks. Tell us: What’s on your to-do list for November?
JANUARY GATHER INSPIRATION, SET GOALS. Whether you’re thinking of remodeling or simply picking a new paint color for the living room, use downtime in January to do some research and make plans. PLAN GARDEN. Scoop up a stack of seed catalogs, a notepad and a pencil, and pour yourself a mug of tea — it’s time to sketch out ideas for this year’s garden. Drawing your plans on paper is a good way to keep things realistic (can you really fit five kinds of tomatoes?) and plan paths and hardscaping components at the same time.
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