The days are getting shorter, the air cooler and we are continually reminded of how life is always changing. Friends move away, new ones join our lives. Our kids go off to college, comeback briefly and leave again. These transitional periods in life are a great time to reflect on what we need to do to be ready for the changes that will affect us on a daily basis.
The colder weather draws us inside more, and we spend fewer hours in the sun. How can we prepare adequately for the coming cold? I have a mental check list of what needs to be done to prepare. So, I am sharing it here.
First, bring in your plants! If their leaves are changing colors, get them in quickly! Don’t wait too long!
Pack up the summer clothes, a perfect opportunity to donate gently worn clothes or never worn items to a charity or thrift store.
Pull out extra blankets and wash them.
Bring out hats, coats, gloves coats, sweaters, warmer weather clothing from storage and wash if necessary.
While in your in the storage area, it’s also a good time to pull out the fall/Halloween décor.
Don’t’ neglect the chimney and fireplace get it cleaned soon; order firewood or inspect last year’s firewood for termites!
Look for pipes below the house that may need additional insulation and don’t wait until it’s too late.
Inspect the roof line so critters don’t move in to your attic.
Check caulking around doors and windows and purchase any needed weather stripping.
If your heating system is a boiler with radiators, bleed your radiators or have the boiler serviced and your heating serviceman bleed them for you.
Plan some indoor activities that are fun for the entire family, game night, piecing together puzzles, family DYI pizza night and of course who can resist a few Netflix movies? My favorite past time is reading a great book and sipping on a hot cup of tea! Enjoy.