December 2018 | Karpoff Affiliates

It is that time of the year again where the temperatures drop and the tension rises in response to the stress of the season. There is a lot to do and not enough time to do it.

This leaves lots of room for things to be forgotten and accidents to happen both in and around the house. That’s not even including the potentially dangerous road conditions. The holiday season can be stressful enough without you slipping on ice or accidentally killing your plants.

Instead of being reactive this season, be proactive. Here are a few ways you can think ahead this holiday season and not be caught off guard by just how cold it gets.

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Bring your plants in now, especially if they are delicate. You can place them in unused bathtubs, in the garage, or against the wall. So long as they are out of the way and not outside. That way you don’t have to worry about replacing them later.
Keep closet doors closed. This applies to guest bedrooms and any other rooms you may have that you do not use all of the time. By keeping the doors closed, you waste less money heating those rooms.
Bundle up. Fuzzy socks, warm blankets, sweatpants. Take advantage of the fact you can walk around bundled up in a blanket and turn the heat down a tad. It doesn’t matter if you don’t match so long as you are warm. Also, keep an extra pile of blankets next to your bed for when it gets colder at night.
Protect your pipes. The last thing you want to deal with is having to call a plumber when you should be out Christmas shopping. On the inside of the house, it is as simple as leaving the cabinets open and the faucet dripping at night. Outside, though, consider disconnecting your hose and placing one of these foam faucet protectors over it to prevent freezing.
Insulate your windows. This is especially important in older houses, but it can be helpful anywhere. By insulating your windows, you can prevent drafts from coming in and raising your heating bill.

You have enough to worry about this winter. Take steps today to keep your home warm and accident-free without a crazy high heating bill.

Whenever you go outside pay special attention for any ice on the sidewalks or roads. If the weather has been below freezing make sure to avoid taking any back roads, as they may well be frozen. This can prevent you from getting into an accident.

Also, make sure to layer up. A pair of leggings on under your jeans can make a huge difference when it is 30 degrees outside.

Above all, stay warm and stay safe this winter.