December tends to be when most of us are scrambling to ensure everything is in place for the coming holidays. But taking extra time to ensure that you (and you’re home) are prepared can go a long way.
In a recent article on Houselogic.com, by the National Association of Realtors®, Stacey Freed provided a great checklist to help make sure that you’re prepared for (almost) everything this holiday season might bring, along with some tips on saving money for next year:
Clean Light Bulbs and Fixtures. Two great reasons to clean your light bulbs: You want as much light in your house as you can get as the days grow shorter, and you’ll save money. Dirty bulbs apparently shed 30% less light than clean ones, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Wipe bulbs with a cloth dampened by a mix of one ounce of dish soap, one-fourth cup of white vinegar, and three cups of water. Get to this task in early December, so you’re ready for the curtain fall on the shortest day of this year – December 21.
Evaluate Homeowner’s Insurance. The holidays. You love them, but they do seem to eat up more cash than other times of the year. Sure, you can scrounge around for change under your couch cushions, but that’s not going to offset much. So why not get a home insurance checkup? Call your agent to go over the type of coverage you have, how much you really need, and how you can lower your premiums before your next monthly installment.
Pack a Home Emergency Kit. The last thing you want during the holidays is for an emergency to chill your family’s cheer. Prepare for power outages and weather-related emergencies with an easy-to-find emergency kit. Some items to include are bottled water, a hand-crank radio, a flashlight, batteries, a portable charger for your phone, warm blankets and, of course, a first-aid kit to patch up any nick or scrapes. Singing carols ’round the flashlight may not be ideal, but it’ll beat trying to celebrate in the dark.
Buy Holiday Lights (After Dec. 25). It’s tough to think about next Christmas when you’re still stuffed from a holiday dinner with all the trimmings. But think you must if you want to save on next year’s holiday. From December 26 through year’s end, big-box stores try to clear the shelves of all that glitters.
Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, remember that Realtors are glad to help our clients and community get the most enjoyment out of their property investment. That’s Who We R®.