RSS

January Checklist

Protect your home from harsh winter weather and get a jump-start on your top projects for the year

January may be cold and dark, but it can also be a time for bold beginnings. Make the most of this month by clearing space in your home, boosting warmth and dreaming up plans for the year ahead. 


Things To Check Off Your List In An Hour Or Less


Check Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors 


With more heater use and wood fires in the fireplace, it is especially important during winter to make sure those smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Use the test button on each device, and change batteries as needed.


Organize Board Games

 

When bad weather has you stuck indoors and you’re looking for an alternative to screen time, board games and cards are a crowd-pleaser. Pull out everything you’ve got and check that each set has all of the pieces. Put games your family no longer enjoys aside to give away, and put the rest back neatly.


Organize Cold-Weather Accessories 


Stay toasty warm with plush, thick socks, cozy hats, scarves and gloves or mittens. Sort through your sock drawer, entryway baskets and hooks and anywhere else cold-weather accessories are hiding, and take stock of what you have. Replenish as needed.


Tackle These Tasks Over a Weekend


Protect Pipes From Freezing


Why? Because frozen pipes can burst, leading to costly repairs. If you haven’t done so yet, be sure to insulate any exposed outdoor pipes. And if you’re planning to be away from home, ask a friend or neighbor to turn on your water to a trickle. Also, find out where your home’s water shut-off valve is so you can cut off the water quickly if a pipe does burst — and be sure to show your house sitter where it is.


Refresh Play Spaces 


Entice little ones stuck indoors to creative play and cut down on cries of “I’m bored!” Try adding a chalkboard or whiteboard wall, a play tent or tepee, an area for messy art, a “stage” for acting or a tumbling mat.


Give Potted Plants Some TLC 


If your house gets very dry in the winter with the heater on, you may need to add humidity to the air around some plants, especially citrus trees and ferns. You can use a humidifier or simply spritz them with plain water occasionally.


Clear Home And Wardrobe Clutter 


Make a fresh start with the new year and clear out the clutter. If dealing with the whole house feels overwhelming, focus on just a few categories of items, such as clothes, books and children’s toys.


Clean Out The Kitchen And Pantry 


Remove everything from the pantry, toss out stale and expired foods and wipe down the shelves before putting everything back.


Clean out the fridge and freezer, and clear off countertops. Let the refreshed space motivate you to stick with your health resolutions for the new year.


Knock Heavy Snow From Tree Branches 


Heavy snow can cause tree limbs to break — which can be especially dangerous if a large limb is positioned near your home. Using a long-handled broom or rake, gently knock snow from branches after each storm.


Take Down Holiday Decorations, And Store Them Well


When you’re ready to put away the holiday decorations, take the time to do it with care (you’ll thank yourself later). Wrap delicate ornaments in tissue paper, and wrap string lights around cardboard to prevent tangling. Consider giving away ornaments that didn’t make it onto the tree this year, and repair or toss broken items. And if you’re not ready to say goodbye to the white twinkle lights quite yet, leave them up. We can all use a little extra cheer in the middle of winter.


Give In To The Urge To Hibernate 


In winter, it’s natural to want to spend extra time at home, just relaxing. Make yourself a haven for snuggling up to watch a movie or read. Layer on warming textiles, pour some hot tea or make cocoa, and settle in.


Maintenance and Extras To Budget For


Take Steps to Prevent Ice Dams 


Ice dams are areas of built-up ice that can accumulate around your roof line, causing leaks when the backed-up snow behind them begins to melt. Using a roof rake, remove snow after each storm. And, if you notice an ice dam beginning to form and if you can safely reach the area, break it up to prevent future damage.

Read

December Checklist

Spruce up your home for days and nights spent indoors and close to home this holiday season. December is a busy month preparing for cold weather and the holidays. But with a little preparation you can experience the best of the season, a winter walk or hot cocoa.


Things to Check Off Your List In An Hour Or Less


Disconnect Hoses


If it freezes in winter where you live, now is the time to shut off the water supply to your outdoor faucets if you haven’t done so yet. After shutting off the water, turn on the faucets outside to allow any water left to drain out. Then disconnect garden hoses, drain the water and roll them up to store indoors until spring.


Keep An Eye On Trees


A buildup of heavy snow on tree limbs can make them more prone to breaking. Brush snow off tree limbs after each big snowfall, using a broom to extend your reach. If a limb does fall, have it removed as soon as the weather permits.


Set Up A Gift-Wrapping Station


Stock up on wrapping paper, plain boxes, ribbons, gift tags and tape, and store everything in an easily accessible spot near a work surface.


Having all your supplies ready to go will make it much more appealing to wrap gifts as soon as you buy them — instead of waiting until the last moment for a marathon wrapping session.


Make Space For Winter Coats, Boots and Scarves


With winter weather come bulky coats, boots and all sorts of mittens and scarves that seem to multiply when you’re not looking.


Clear out the closet nearest your main entrance to make room for those extra winter layers, or supplement a hall with coat hooks and a boot tray.


Tackle These Tasks Over a Weekend


Put Up Outdoor Holiday Decor


Dig out those Christmas lights early in the month so that you have ample time to test strands and replace nonworking ones before the holidays. Hang exterior lights and wreaths, being sure to use only exterior-rated lights, and plug them in safely in an outdoor outlet.


Add Winter Evergreens To Outdoor Spaces


Try boxwood in containers decked out with twinkling lights. Living Christmas trees and evergreen wreaths are also good choices for the front porch.


Simplify Your Holiday


If you tend to feel overwhelmed at this time of year, take a timeout to set some intentions for your holiday season. Focus on a few meaningful activities that you really enjoy, and give yourself permission to say, “No, thank you” to activities that stress you out.


Get Ready For Winter Storms


Check the condition of your snow shovels, gloves and window scrapers, and replace as needed. Store snowy-weather supplies near the door where you can access them easily in a storm, and mark the sides of your driveway and other key places with reflective poles, to help the snow plowers see where to go. And even if it doesn’t snow where you live, keeping the pantry stocked with food, bottled water, candles and flashlights in case of power outages is always a good idea.


Block Drafts


If you feel a draft, don’t just reach for another throw blanket — apply weatherstripping to the drafty area to warm up your house and save on your energy bill. If the cold air is getting in under a door, what you need is a door sweep. Usually made of hard plastic, a door sweep attaches to the bottom of your door, sealing off the gap that lets in cold air.


Maintenance and Extras To Budget For


Spruce Up Indoor Play Areas


When you have kids at home, harsh winter weather can mean more playtime indoors. Stave off cries of “I’m bored!” with a spruced-up play space. A bit of reorganizing and a few simple purchases (like a giant roll of paper and fresh markers) can make your same old space feel like new.


Create A Space To Find Your Zen


What with family stress, packed schedules and world events, it’s especially important for our well-being to create out moments for calm and reflection during this busy season. Create a personal retreat at home by clearing a space for yoga, meditation or relaxation. It certainly doesn’t have to be grand; it can simply be a space that’s slightly bigger than a mat, in any room. Just make the time to use it.


Have Your Chimney Cleaned


If you haven’t done so yet, be sure to clean your chimney with a certified chimney sweep before you light that first fire of the season. Creosote can build up in the chimney, increasing the risk of a house fire.


Update Your Emergency Kit


Be prepared for power outages and other emergencies by making sure your house and car are outfitted with well-stocked emergency kits. The basics include bottled water, a hand-crank radio, a flashlight with extra batteries, a cell phone charger, hand-crank or battery-powered, food, blankets and a first-aid kit. At home, keep essential documents in one easily accessible place.


Plan For Holiday Home Safety


A few simple precautions — such as illuminating the area around your house, locking doors and windows, and trimming bushes — can go a long way toward keeping your home safe.


And with night falling earlier this month, it pays to be extra safety-conscious, whether or not you are going anywhere.

Read

Your September Home Checklist

September is a time of change, so get your home ready for the season ahead by ticking off these to-dos, from adding cozy layers to scheduling necessary maintenance — and then curl up in your favorite chair and savor the comforts of home.


Tasks To Accomplish In An Hour Or Less


Cozy Up With Warm Layers 

Have you felt that first nip in the air? When you do, think about swapping out lighter-weight bedding for flannel sheets and fluffy duvets. Bring added warmth to the other rooms with throws and pillows in rich fabrics. Thicker area rugs and curtains not only feel cozier, but they also can actually help your home feel warmer — and cut down on your energy bills.


Order Firewood

If you have a wood stove and use it for actual warmth or just for coziness, now is a good time to order firewood. Don’t store large quantities of wood directly against the house, which can encourage pests, but keep it protected from rain and snow beneath a shelter.


Check Safety Devices 

Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries as needed. Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace if needed.


Set Up Kids’ Schoolwork Area 

Give children an area to do their schoolwork that is comfortable, attractive and well-organized. Ideally, make a large surface available for spreading out big or messy projects. The dinner table can work, but if you have the room, consider adding a dedicated project table or large desk surface and keep the necessary supplies nearby.


Tackle These Over a Weekend


Clean Leather Furniture 

It’s important to know whether your leather furniture has a finish before treating it with any products, so check labels or look up the item on the retailer’s or manufacturer’s website before you begin.


  • For unprotected leather (also called aniline), less is more when it comes to cleaning: Wipe with a clean, dry or slightly dampened cloth with distilled water.
  • For protected leather (also called semianiline or pigmented), you can make your own cleaning solution by adding a few drops of mild nondetergent soap to distilled water, or use a commercial leather cleaning product. Apply with a microfiber cloth.


Remove Window AC Units 

If you use window air-conditioning units, now is the time to either remove them or cover them outside with protective insulation. Removing the units is the better option because this will allow you to close the windows, minimizing winter heat loss. If you choose to leave them in over the winter, be sure to pick up insulating covers made for this purpose and securely attach them.


Add Weatherstripping

Newer double-pane windows may not need weatherstripping, but it will help most older windows retain heat and stop drafts. Check areas with previously applied weatherstripping and remove or replace as needed.


Freshen Up Your Fall Wardrobe 

Take the opportunity to sort through your wardrobe and remove pieces you no longer wear. Collect clothes that need repair and move summer clothes to an out-of-the-way spot so that your fall wardrobe can be front and center. Polish shoes, remove pilling from coats and sweaters, and clean out handbags and totes.


Inspect The Roof And Gutters 

It’s generally fine to wait until most of the leaves have fallen in autumn to clean out the gutters and downspouts, but giving these areas a quick visual inspection now is a good idea. Pull out any sticks or other debris blocking the gutters, and make note of any worn-out seals around vent pipes and chimneys. If you do not feel comfortable on a ladder, or have a home of two or more stories, hire someone to do a quick inspection for you. Schedule any needed repairs now so that your home will be ready for winter.


Maintenance and Extras to Budget for This Month


Schedule Chimney And Furnace Maintenance 

Make sure your fireplace and heating system are clean, safe and ready to go by having a pro look at them now. Having your chimney cleaned will also ensure that you don’t try to start a fire when an animal family (or an old nest) is inside. And if you don’t have a chimney cap yet, speak with your chimney expert about adding a one. The metal cap with screened sides can prevent critters from getting in and helps protect your roof from burning embers.


Maintain The Washer And Dryer 

Cleaning out the dryer vents can be a job you do yourself, but if you don’t feel comfortable doing so (or if you’ve been putting it off), you may want to hire a pro to do washer and dryer maintenance for you. Washing-machine hoses need to be replaced from time to time, and a cracked hose can cause a leak — which can mean costly damage to your home. Clean dryer vents and hoses will help your machine work more efficiently and reduce the risk of fire.


Consider Increasing Insulation 

Looking for a way to save on your energy bills this winter? You may want to think about adding insulation to your attic space or inside walls. This can make a big difference in how well your home retains heat in winter and stays cool in summer.

Read

How To Clean A Glass Shower Door

Most people loathe household chores. But is any cleaning task more difficult to stick to than squeegeeing shower walls and doors after use? The squeegee rule, a seemingly reasonable request to reduce hard-water stains, mineral buildup and mildew, is great unless you’re short on time, patience, energy or all of the above.


In fact, for the squeegee-averse, opting to use the guest bathroom and its shower with a curtain instead of a glass door is a timesaving trick that is not uncommon. There’s got to be a better way. And I think there is.


First, the bad news. Hard water and soapy buildup allowed to accumulate on glass shower surfaces can cause etching and permanently damage the glass. If glass shower doors have a cloudy look, this may be the culprit. Cleaning will eliminate buildup, but it will not reverse etching, which is why the first and best defense is to prevent it from happening by wiping down the shower after each use with either a squeegee or a microfiber cloth.


Squeegees And Microfiber Cloths


A squeegee is a windshield-wiper-like tool with a handle and a long, flat rubber blade used to clean or remove something from a surface.


Some squeegees have suction cups for attaching to walls for easy access and storage, while some come in colors or stainless steel for the style-conscious. Do they all work the same? Yes.


For many, microfiber cloths are the weapon of choice against water spotting and buildup and are prized for their ability to get into hard-to-reach places, such as beneath door handles or in tight corners.


After each use, experts advise, wring the cloths out tightly, and launder them at least once a week.


Daily Shower Cleaners


Either way, once the shower has been wiped down, finish the job with a quick misting of daily cleaner or make your own. The best part about daily maintenance: You won’t need to deep-clean the shower as often and the glass will stay sparkly.


Make Your Own Daily Shower Spray


In a 32-ounce spray bottle mix:  

1.5 cups hydrogen peroxide 0.5 cups of rubbing alcohol 

1 tsp liquid dish soap 1 Tbsp dishwasher rinse aid 

Fill the bottle with water mix gently. Store away from sunlight.


OR


In a 32-ounce spray bottle mix:  

1.5 cups water1 cup white vinegar     

1/2 cup rubbing alcohol1 tsp liquid dish soap 

15 drops lemon essential oil    15 drops tea tree essential oil


Deep Cleaning


Life happens and daily maintenance can take a backseat. For glass shower enclosures, this means buildup, grime and the bath time blues. Sadly, it also means it will take more than a simple squeegee to get back to clean.


For scrubbing scum and hard-water stains, many consumers swear by products such as the Magic Eraser sponge, while others suggest repurposing dryer sheets, simply wet and scrub. Since these products contain chemicals, wear gloves to protect your skin.


A Natural Alternative


A mixture of baking soda and water makes a scum-fighting scrub that many swear by. Measurements for the mixture will vary depending on how much you need. To get started, try using a half-cup of baking soda, then add water as needed to make a thick paste. Using a nonabrasive sponge, scrub the glass and rinse it with vinegar then squeegee.


Long-Term Solutions


Once you’ve achieved a clean, sparkly surface, there are a few things you can do to make it last longer.


The big idea here is that hard water and soap scum won’t build up if they can’t stick to the surface. Several products are designed to wick water away from surfaces, but they weren’t created for bathroom use. Rain-X and Water Armour, both found in the automotive department, can repel water off glass-walled showers.


How To Apply:

Spray the product on clean glass (being careful to avoid tile, metal and the shower floor) and reapply every three to four weeks. 


Cleaning Metal Tracks


To clean the buildup and grime that accumulates in the hard-to-clean metal tracks that often frame glass doors, plug any drainage holes or crevices in the track and fill it with vinegar. Let the vinegar sit overnight and wipe clean in the morning.


Ban Bar Soap


Finally, if you want to significantly reduce the amount of soap scum on glass without eliminating showers: Ban bar soap.


Almost all bar soaps contain talc, which produces the buildup. Consider switching to a non-talc-containing soap, or opt for liquid soap instead.


Of course, there’s no escaping water spots, so some regular maintenance will still be required. It just won’t be as much.

Read

July Checklist

Fireworks, swimming and clambakes. With summer in full swing, the month of July can seem to zip by. Make the most of your month with these to-dos.


Things to Check Off Your List In an Hour or Less


Clean Porch Lights


If you have glass light fixtures that are easily removed, bring them inside and wash in a dishpan of warm water with gentle soap. If the fixtures must stay in place, turn the power off and carefully wipe the exteriors with a damp microfiber cloth; dry with a soft cloth. When finished, change lightbulbs as needed.


Unfurl a Flag For Canada Day


Get in the Canada Day spirit by putting up an Canadian flag on your porch in time to celebrate the July 1st. Don’t have room for a full-size flag? Try lining your walkway with mini flags, or hang a pleated fan above the door instead.


Check Safety Devices


Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors should be tested monthly; replace batteries as needed, and replace the entire device if it is more than 10 years old. Interconnected smoke detectors (when one alarm goes off, they all sound) are the safest because it is more likely that everyone in the house will hear the alarm. Also, take a moment to check the expiration date on any fire extinguishers in the house and replace them if needed.


Care For Furry Friends


Summer poses some unique challenges for our pets, but with a little extra care, you can ensure your furry friends are healthy all season long. If you will be traveling this summer without your pet, be sure to plan ahead to set up care. Most pets are more comfortable in their own homes, so consider using a professional pet sitter rather than a kennel, which can be stressful. To keep pets safe in the heat, you should provide access to shade and ample fresh water and never leave pets in a car unattended.


Tackle These Tasks Over a Weekend


Clean Windows Inside and Out 


Keep that summer sunshine streaming in by giving windows a quick rinse with glass cleaner or a vinegar solution, then squeegee them dry or wipe with a clean microfiber cloth. If you want to avoid using a ladder outside, reach exterior windows with a window-washing hose attachment or telescoping window washer, or hire a window-washing service to get the job done.


Check Window Screens for Holes 


It’s summer, and the mosauitoes are out in full force. If you’ve been getting bitten inside the house, check your window screens and screen doors for small holes and tears. Use a screen patching kit to repair any damage, and keep those pesky bugs outdoors where they belong.


Refresh Summer Whites


Fresh, clean and crisp, nothing says summer quite like white linens. Keep your white textiles looking their best by laundering slipcovers, cushion covers and curtains, or sending them out for dry cleaning if they’re not machine washable. Keep white upholstery and Roman blinds looking fresh by vacuuming them regularly using your vacuum’s upholstery attachment.


Conserve Water


Cut down on unnecessary water use by watering your lawn and garden during the cooler, early morning hours. If you water when the sun is high, much of the water will simply evaporate instead of sinking into the soil where the roots can access it — and it can even scorch tender leaves. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends using a WaterSense-labeled timer for your sprinkler system, which acts like a thermostat for your lawn and can reduce water use by up to 15 percent per year. Inside the house, keep an eye out for leaky faucets and have them repaired promptly.


Keep the Landscape Fire-Safe


If you live in an area with dry summers, it’s important to remove weeds, fallen leaves, needles and other items that could become fuel in a fire, particularly from the area immediately surrounding your home.


Maintenance and Extras to Budget For


Check Fences and Repair or Replace 


Inspect fencing and gates around your property. If you find damaged areas (for example, broken boards, sagging areas and soft or rotted wood) schedule repairs or replacement as needed.


Upgrade Pool Safety Measures 


If you have a pool in your backyard, it is essential to keep it securely fenced with a self-closing, self-latching gate at least 4 feet high, to prevent children from jumping or falling in. Place a safety cover on your pool when not in use, and never allow anyone to swim in your pool alone. The American Red Cross also recommends installing a pool alarm that will go off when anyone enters the pool. And if you have children, it’s important to make sure they all learn to swim well, whether or not you have a pool of your own.


Add Shade To The Yard


Make your backyard more comfortable with an umbrella or shade sail. With ample shady spots to sit, you’ll likely find yourself wanting to spend more time in your outdoor space — and shade is a must for summer backyard gatherings.


Keep Your Home Safe When You’re Away


Before you leave on a trip, take some time to put safety precautions in place. Let your neighbors know when you will be away and ask a friend to check on your house from time to time. Motion-sensing exterior lighting, timed interior lighting and well-trimmed hedges can make your home a less appealing target for break-ins. If you will be away for a longer period of time, have your mail held for you at the post office and hire a lawn service to keep your yard from getting overgrown while you are away.

Read
Reciprocity Logo The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.