Have you made your New Year's resolutions for 2009? If so, did you include some resolutions for your home? As the New Year approaches stop and look at your home and what jobs were done during this past year and what needs to be done in the future. A resolution is a firm determination to do something. Take a look around the home and see what you can do to improve it, or just general maintenance that has been left undone.<br />
<br />
Start on some of the smaller projects and work your way up to some of the projects that may take a long time. Also prioritize what should be done first. Installing a smoke detector is much more important than cleaning windows. Involve the entire family, even kids can do some of these jobs. It is their home too. They need to learn the responsibilities of taking care of a home.<br />
<br />
Some starter ideas are:<br />
- Make a home maintenance plan for the year. <br />
- Establish and practice a family fire escape plan. <br />
- Check smoke detectors or install one if you do not have one, change batteries every 6 months (easy to remember - change batteries when daylight savings time changes) <br />
- Check or install a carbon monoxide detector. <br />
- Clean fire extinguisher, refill or replace as needed<br />
- Test your home for radon gas (free kits are available from the Extension office, call Ginger Bennett, Radon Specialist at 770-535-8290)<br />
- Plan for spring and fall house cleaning. <br />
- Make a family plan for sharing regular jobs around the house. <br />
- Continue to recycle or start recycling at least a couple items. <br />
- Check home repairs needing to be done but have been neglected.<br />
- Caulk around windows and doors to prevent air leakage<br />
- Change your filters on a regular basis <br />
- Have your furnace and chimney checked. <br />
- Clean the gutters and downspouts. <br />
- Wash windows inside and outside. <br />
- Clean and organize the garage. <br />
- Clean and organize the attic or other storage areas. <br />
- Clean closets and sell or donate clothing not worn or outgrown. <br />
- Check outdoor equipment and prepare for the season - lawn mover, hedge trimmer, etc. <br />
- Visit your neighbors and meet those you don't know. <br />
- Plan a family activity or get away to celebrate your achievements.<br />
<br />
As the New Year proceeds you will find many tasks that seemed overwhelming but done with a little planning. You can mark off another item on your resolutions list.<br />
Adapted from: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Lancaster County<br />
<br />
Debbie Wilburn is County Agent/Family and Consumer Science Agent with Hall County Cooperative Extension (770)535-8290.
