A Guide to Prepping Your Home for the Fall & Winter Holiday Season

Fall is here in full swing, and with it comes the festive energy of the fall and winter holiday season! Soon, our homes will be filled with family, friends, and the aroma of savory and sweet treats. Here are some tips to get our homes prepped so we can enjoy this season fully. Let’s prepare for the cozy gatherings ahead leaving behind the thrills and chills of Halloween.

1. The Heart of the Home: The Kitchen

The kitchen is the central hub of holiday prep, so let’s get it in tip-top shape!

– Inspect for Leaks: Look under your kitchen sink for any potential leaks that could turn into holiday heart ache. Bonus points if you take a moment to check under bathroom sinks, around toilets, and near your water heater to prevent other surprises down the line.

– Clean Your Garbage Disposal: Give your garbage disposal a little extra TLC before having to handle holiday scraps. Run cold water with ice cubes and salt through the system for about a minute to help keep the blades clean and fresh.

– Check Your Grout & Caulking: Inspect the grout and caulking around your kitchen countertops and sinks. Reseal if needed to keep moisture from sneaking in and causing damage in the long term.

– Freshen Up Your Dishwasher: To clean with vinegar, place a dishwasher-safe bowl filled with one cup of distilled white vinegar on the top rack. Run a pots-and-pans (or heavy/hot) cycle without detergent or dishes. For extra freshness, follow with a cup of baking soda sprinkled on the bottom of the empty dishwasher, then run a short cycle.

2. Safety First: Prepare for the Unexpected

With a sparkling kitchen ready for holiday cooking, let’s talk about safety measures. Holiday cooking can put your kitchen to the test, so let’s be ready for anything!

– Check Fire Extinguishers and Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors: These devices are essential, especially during the holidays, to protect your home from any unexpected issues especially in the kitchen. Make sure they’re in working order and easy to access.

3. Close Down Your Deck or Patio for Winter

Depending on your holiday hosting style, you might want to wrap up outdoor spaces for the season.

– Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture: If you’re not using your deck or patio regularly, store away outdoor furniture to protect it from the elements and reduce wear and tear.

– BBQ & Smoker Storage: If your grill or smoker won’t be part of your Thanksgiving feast, consider giving it a good cleaning and storing it until next spring.

Getting Ready To Say Goodbye To 2024

As the year winds down, there’s so much to be thankful for. I hope this guide helps you create a stress-free, warm, and welcoming home for the holiday season—whether you’re celebrating your 30th Thanksgiving in your home or preparing to host in a new space. I’m here to help make the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s to joyful gatherings, cherished memories, and finding the perfect place to call home.