November Home Maintenance Tips
Getting Ready for the Holidays and Winter.
As November rolls in, so do cooler temps and the start of the holiday season. Now is the perfect time to prep your home for winter, while also sprucing it up for guests and cozy gatherings. Here’s your November maintenance checklist to keep everything running smoothly and looking its best!
1. Spruce Up the Kitchen
Practice Safe Cooking
With Thanksgiving on the horizon, your kitchen is about to get a lot of action. Before you fire up the stove, let’s make sure you’re practicing safe cooking habits. Between 2017 and 2021, the NFPA reported over 158,000 home fires from cooking. Avoid accidents with a few basic guidelines:
- Keep flammable materials (curtains, rags) away from the stove and oven.
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Turn off appliances when done cooking.
- Follow cooking instructions carefully.
- Have a fire extinguisher within reach.
Want more tips? Check out my guide on Thanksgiving safety to learn more.
How to Cook a Turkey Safely
Make sure your turkey is cooked to perfection (and safely!) with these tips:
- Clean the oven before cooking to prevent smoke or fires.
- Thaw the turkey completely before cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s done.
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before serving.
And if you're frying a turkey, follow your fryer’s safety guidelines carefully to avoid accidents.
Remove Crumbs from the Toaster
Cleaning the toaster is often forgotten, but those crumbs can be a fire hazard. Most toasters have a tray or trap door for easy cleaning, so give it a quick clean before the holiday rush.
Clean Out the Pantry and Fridge
An organized kitchen is key during the holidays. Toss out expired items and organize your pantry and fridge. Not only will this free up space, but it’ll also make your holiday meal prep much smoother.
Clean the Dishwasher
The dishwasher needs a good scrub every now and then. Wipe down the interior, remove any buildup, and run it on a “clean” cycle to keep your dishes sparkling clean.
2. Tidy the Bedroom
Launder Throw Pillows and Blankets
Guests coming over for the holidays? Freshen up your guest room by washing the sheets, pillowcases, throw pillows, and blankets. This will keep allergens and dust mites at bay, and ensure everything feels fresh and cozy.
Vacuum Under the Bed
Don’t be afraid—there’s nothing lurking under there except dust bunnies! Move the bed and give the floor a thorough vacuum to eliminate dust and allergens.
3. Prep Around the House
Check Dryer and Hoses for Lint
Make it a habit to check for lint buildup beyond just the trap. Clean the dryer’s hoses to prevent fires and keep your dryer running efficiently.
Check the Water Softener
If your dishes are coming out spotty, it might be time to check your water softener. Add salt to the reservoir if it’s empty to keep your water flowing smoothly.
Clean Cleaning Tools
Your brooms, mops, and vacuums do a lot of the dirty work—literally. Take time to clean these tools so they can keep doing their jobs effectively.
Wrap Pipes for Winter
If you haven’t wrapped your pipes yet, now’s the time. Insulating exposed pipes can prevent freezing and costly water damage during the colder months.
Polish the Stair Handrail
The stair handrail is one of the most touched surfaces in your home. Give it a good clean and polish to remove dirt and grime.
4. Bathroom Checkup
Check for Leaks Around Sinks and Toilets
Leaks can lead to major damage if left unchecked. Inspect around your sinks and toilets for any puddles or drips, and address any issues before they escalate.
Run Water and Flush Toilets in Unused Spaces
That guest bathroom that rarely gets used? Give it some attention by running the water and flushing the toilets to keep everything in working order.
Deep Clean the Bathroom
With guests arriving, now’s the time to do a deep clean of your bathroom. Scrub down the floors, shower, toilet, and sink to keep things sparkling clean for the holidays.
5. Check Smoke and CO Detectors
With all the cooking and heating going on, don’t forget to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. A quick test or battery change can be a lifesaver this season.
6. Prepare for Winter
Stock Up on Salt
Winter weather can strike quickly in Seattle, so stock up on road salt or ice melt for slippery sidewalks. It’s also a good idea to have sandbags on hand for any vehicles that need extra traction in icy conditions.
Prepare an Emergency Kit for Home and Car
Winter can be unpredictable, so make sure you’re ready for anything with a fully stocked emergency kit. This is especially important for your car if you’re planning holiday road trips.
Protect Your Packages
Online shopping ramps up during the holidays, and so do package thefts. Consider installing a video doorbell to keep an eye on your deliveries and deter porch pirates.
Arm Your Security System
If you’re traveling for the holidays, be sure to arm your home security system before you go. This extra layer of protection will give you peace of mind while you’re away.
Stay on top of these tasks, and your home will be ready for winter—and all the fun the holidays bring! 😊
