The New Year is not just a great time to make personal resolutions, but also to prep your home and plan for the year ahead. After the rush of the holidays, January is the perfect time to focus more energy on settling into your new home. Maintenance and preventative care are important aspects of homeownership and will ensure many happy days ahead.
Are you ready to make the most of your home in 2020? Follow our simple guide to smart January homeownership.
A January Checklist for Southern California Homeowners
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Clean gutters and drains. If your home attracts any fallen leaves or general plant debris during the year, start off with a clean slate in January. Clear out gutters and check the roof for any potential issues.
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Replace water filters.
Most water and ice maker filtration systems need to be replaced about twice per year. The New Year and 4th of July make good seasonal reminders. Check with your manufacturer for recommendations on your specific unit.
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Declutter.
It’s easy to accumulate more than we intend to. Start the spring cleaning early by decluttering inside the home. Check closets for clothes you don’t wear, old books that can be donated, replace old linens or towels, old moving boxes that never got emptied.
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Garage Clear-Out.
Along with the inside of your home, check the garage for excess clutter and debris and make space for the year ahead.
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Take inventory and update insurance.
After the holidays, it’s a good idea to update your home insurance – especially if the holidays brought any expensive gifts.
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Clear drains.
Drain maintenance is an important preventative measure to keep your plumbing working properly. The start of the new year is a great time to revisit your drains, clear them out, and use a preventative drain clearer to avoid trouble later in the year.
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Do a deep clean.
What better way to start the year than a sparkling, fresh, clean home? Even if you are new to your home, it’s likely that the holidays have brought some extra guests through your home and that regular cleaning was traded in for festive parties or family outings. In January, put on some gloves and do the dirty work. Clean sinks, floors, baseboards, windows, and under furniture. Keep surfaces clean and clutter-free to encourage a sense of clarity and space.
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January Done Right
To start your year off right, get down to business in January. Develop regular cleaning and home maintenance plans to keep your home in tip top shape all year long.