January is the perfect time for a reset in practically every area of life, including your home. When the snow is falling outside, get working on the interior of your home (and do a few things to winterize it, too). Here are a few to-dos you should add to your January list.

Clean the Kitchen

January is a perfect time to give your kitchen and pantry a once-over. Take everything out of the cupboards and refrigerator; throw out anything that’s gone bad, is stale or has passed its expiration date; wipe the shelves; and then put everything neatly back. This is also a good time to make a shopping list, since you’ll be taking stock of what you do and don’t have.

Declutter Each Room

Once the kitchen is finished, it’s time to move on to the rest of your home. Slowly go through each room, tackling areas that are extra cluttered, like closets or catch-all drawers. Decluttering the entire house is a huge undertaking, so it’ll be a lot easier if you break it up into steps.

Make Sure Your Safety Detectors Work

Your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors should be routinely checked to make sure they’re working properly. During the winter, when you’re using your heat or fireplace more frequently, it’s especially important that your detectors are in good shape. Each detector should have a test button that you can press to make sure it’s working. If it isn’t, try replacing the batteries, then testing it again.

Shake Snow From Branches

Even strong trees can get weighed down by a lot of snow. If there are branches close to your home or property, you’ll want to get snow off them as soon as possible to prevent them from breaking and causing damage. If the branches aren’t too high, or if you can reach them from a window, remove the snow gently with a rake or broom. Make this part of your post-storm routine.

Keep Your Pipes From Freezing

If your pipes freeze, they’re more likely to burst, which can end up costing you more than you bargained for. Insulate any pipes that are exposed outside. In the meantime, familiarize yourself with where your water’s “off” valve is – if the pipes do burst, you’ll want to shut the water off as quickly as possible. If you’re heading out on a winter vacation, have someone you trust come over every few days to turn the water on for a short period of time.

Ward Off Ice Dams

An ice dam occurs when ice accumulates and snow then melts in between the ice buildup. This commonly happens on the roof, which can cause the roof to leak. You can safely get rid of the snow on your roof with a roof rake – make sure to get up there before the snow starts melting. Ideally, you should remove the snow after every snowfall. If an ice dam has already started forming, break up the ice as soon as you can.

Sometimes home projects are too advanced for you to handle on your own. Maybe you don’t have the expertise or tools for the job. When this happens, consider turning to a professional contractor, like Alair Homes Saskatoon.