What will you do in January to give your home some TLC?
January is the perfect time to give your home some TLC. You celebrated the holidays and rang in the New Year. Now make the most of the first month of the year by clearing space in your home, boosting warmth and dreaming up plans for 2018. Here are 6 things-to-do to give your home a little midwinter TLC.
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Even here in Santa Barbara, the cold mornings and evenings mean more heater use and wood fires in the fireplace. That makes it especially important to make sure all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Use the test button on each device, and change batteries as needed.
- Refresh play spaces.
Generate creative play places indoors 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, or 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 spaces, such as closets. Invest in new hangers (think wooden or flocked) to organize and pamper your wardrobe. - Clean out the kitchen and pantry.
Have your housekeeper remove everything from the pantry, toss out stale and expired foods and wipe down the shelves before putting everything back. Make sure he or she cleans out the fridge and freezer, and clears off countertops. Sharpen knives and prepare for a year of new culinary creations or smartly-sliced standbys. Let the refreshed space motivate you to stick with your health resolutions for the new year. - 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 binge on your favorite Netflix show, watch a movie or read. Layer on warming textiles, pour some hot tea or make cocoa, and settle in.
I hope you carve out the time to follow the items on this list of 6 things to do in January to give your home some TLC. Your home is an investment. If 2018 is the year to move to a new home in Montecito, Hope Ranch or any of Santa Barbara’s upscale communities, please call me at 805.886.9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com. I’ll happily list your home and find you a new place to live at the same time. I’ve been selling real estate in Santa Barbara for more than 25 years and would be delighted to help you with all your real estate needs.