Tag Archives: cleaning

Feb8

Simple Upgrades To Make Life Easier

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Simple Upgrades To Make Life Easier

With all of the additional stress that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought, I think we all deserve to treat ourselves to a few upgrades that will help make life a little easier. Our minds have been filled constantly this past year with concern for the health of our loved ones and any additional space we have left is spent worrying about work, bills, and how to keep our mental health in check. Give your brain a break by adding some of these simple and super handy upgrades into your life:

Remote Car Starter:

A remote car starter is an amazing tool to have, especially in the winter. I always find myself wishing that I had one, as it snows a lot where I live and nothing sounds more luxurious to me than getting my car to defrost automatically while I wait inside. A remote car starter will save you a lot of extra time in the morning since you can warm up your car as you finish getting ready for work. It will also save you from the frustration of having to slip slide around your car to brush your windows off. I hate that!

Air Fryer:

I know I’m about to sound like Every. Single. Adult who has an air fryer when I say this… But the air fryer is the best kitchen appliance ever. I am blown away by how good my food turns out whenever I use it and it is a much healthier option than greasy fried food. Air fryers are not only convenient in size but also really nice for when you’re feeling ravenous because you don’t have to wait for them to preheat.

Contact Free Shopping:

Did you know that certain grocery stores have employees that will gather the items on your shopping list for you, bag it, and either deliver it or put it all away in your car? As we are still in the midst of a pandemic, any way to cut out unnecessary contact is a good thing and is an immediate upgrade that you can make next time you need to restock your pantry.

It has also been said that people feel less likely to impulse buy when they shop for their groceries online, which can help save you money. Talk about a win/win!

Cleaning Appliances:

Endless time at home means an endless cycle of things to clean – That’s sure what it feels like, anyways. If you are constantly cleaning up at your place, you deserve to make the job easier with the right tools. Purchase a Swiffer WetJet instead of having to break out the mop and bucket. Or how about a Dust Buster for those hard to reach corners and spaces? There are also spot carpet cleaners which are great for if you have a new pet that you are house training. Cleaning is hard work and it is well worth it if you can make it any easier on yourself.

Upgrades don’t need to break your bank, despite the word sounding expensive. Simple upgrades, like the ones above, are budget friendly ways to make some improvements.

 

Feb6

Spring Cleaning: It’s Never Too Early To Start!

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Spring Cleaning: It’s Never Too Early To Start!

Although spring time feels like it’s just around the corner, we still have a while to go until moderate temperatures and beautiful flowers blooming. However, it is never too early to start some spring cleaning to breathe some freshness into your home after a long and claustrophobic almost year of living during a pandemic. I, myself, did a fair bit of pre-spring cleaning during a random day off last week and once I was done, the atmosphere in my apartment felt much more relaxed from pecking away at the clutter. I plan on utilizing the following mental bullet points I came up with as I continue to clean up my place:

Get Prepared:

This may seem like a no brainer to have all of the necessary supplies handy to employ in your cleaning but, sadly, it’s not for me because I always forget to buy them when I’m grocery shopping! Trust me, your motivation to clean will quickly dissipate when you realize you don’t even have a sponge. Prior to your cleaning day, make sure you have everything you will need. Whether this be renting a dumpster bin through Bins Toronto for a massive haul away or picking up all of the products to deep clean your bathroom with, it’s better to do it beforehand. This way, you won’t be scrambling (Or completely not want to clean!) on your planned spring cleaning day.

Work In Sections:

Lighten the mood of the overwhelming dread that comes with saying “I’m going to clean the house today” to “I’m going to clean the living room today”, instead. Breaking your cleaning process up into sections will make it much less daunting of a task. You will also be able to really deep clean if you work room by room as opposed to a lighter cleaning all over. Before I did my pre-spring cleaning, I decided that I wanted to put all of  my laundry away and clean the kitchen and coffee table that were both very cluttered. I set an achievable cleaning goal and I felt good about the fact that I spent the extra time to do it the best I could.

Providing individual attention to each room will make your entire house feel more open, lighter, and relaxed.

Make It Fun:

Cleaning is hard work but it doesn’t have to be a totally miserable process! I always seem to get my best cleaning done when I have music playing. Then, not only am I cleaning but I am also starring as lead vocals, back up vocals, and guitar in all of my favorite songs. Hey, whatever works! Whether it be listening to music, motivating yourself with Starbucks, or dictating your memoirs – do what you can to make cleaning an, if not enjoyable, than slightly less awful of a chore for you.

Starting your spring cleaning early will make it feel like your house fast forwarded into April and, I don’t know about you, but that sounds great to me!

Jan30

Preparing Your Home For Spring

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Preparing Your Home For Spring

The holidays already seem like a distant memory but it is not quite time for donning the summer wear just yet. Spring will be here before we know it, which brings with it the joys of spring cleaning and getting your place ready for the warmer months.

Deep cleaning in the early months of the year is a given and is perfect for creating healthy homes, removing dust, and eliminating any harmful bacteria that may be lurking. There is nothing quite like the feeling of knowing how beautifully clean and sparkly your home is! But what about those forgotten aspects of our homes? What else could you be doing to make sure your home really is super clean and perfect for you and your family? Consider the following:

Air Conditioning:

Are you lucky enough to live somewhere that gets super hot during the summer months? If so, now is the time to act if you need to upgrade your air conditioning system. Air conditioning systems not only help you and your family to stay cool indoors but also offer many other benefits too.

Low-quality air intake can cause a range of health conditions and exacerbate existing conditions too, such as asthma and allergies. Air-conditioning units need regular maintenance and cleaning so it’s worthwhile to spend some time on this before the weather heats up. Imagine getting to the height of summer and it not working then!

Aside from spring time check ups, you should learn more about your AC system because there are, typically, noticeable signs that it might not be working properly. This can include higher electric bills, weird noises, and the machine having an unpleasant odor. Having a professional repair the system when you notice something off will prevent it from getting too out of hand, which can happen quickly.

Drains:

Something else that needs regular maintenance and cleaning is your drains, although they are often forgotten. Clogged lines, jammed sewers, and sinks that will not drain properly should not be ignored. They are more than just an inconvenience and could be indicative of further, more serious problems. These problems could even be hazardous to you and your family’s health. Stubborn clogs can be resolved by hydro-jetting or drain snaking, but it is definitely worth calling a drain specialist who will be able to advise you on the best method to look after your home’s drains. This is a task that should not be completed using the DIY route unless you truly do have the skill set. Even then, it is always good to have a second opinion. To find a specialist in your area, simply enter a search for “Guelph Plumber” (or your local area) to get everything in working order.

Guttering:

Clogged guttering is also something that can be more than just unsightly. Problems with gutters can cause substantial water damage to your home so it is a must to give your gutters some love prior to the heavy rainfall come spring. By preventing overflowing gutters or water from leaking into your home, you are likely to save considerable amounts of money in the long-term. Not only can gutter cleaning prevent leaks but can also help to prevent mold and mildew, rodents and pests, as well as woodwork damage.

While you could clean your gutters yourself, it is wise to call in a professional. With a Gutter cleaning service in Pace, FL or one in your local area, you will have peace of mind that the job is done well and safely. The pros will also be able to see things that you might not be keen to like areas in need of replacement, which can save you a whole lot of hassle in the future.

Outdoor Spaces:

Now that most of the severe weather is passing, it is the perfect time to pay attention to those outdoor spaces and get them prepared for the warmer months ahead. Using a jet wash will really help to clean spaces up and you could even start planning for how you would like to use the space throughout the summer. Consider your landscaping and furniture to create an awesome outdoor hang out for you, family, and friends.

Don’t forget the advice above as you begin your spring cleaning to keep all of your house in tip top shape!

Featured Image By: Valentina Locatelli on Unsplash

Jan26

Need A New Hobby? Try The Following!

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Need A New Hobby? Try The Following!

Hey! Hobbies, hobbies, hobbies. That’s all you hear about when people talk pandemic and, as it has been almost a year since the start of this craziness, you might have exhausted all of the options of things to keep you occupied. Believe you me, I feel it completely and have felt like I’ve been stuck in a never ending loop of work, video games, Netflix, and bed. It can be hard to break that cycle but maybe these ideas below will help inspire all of us to keep on trying new things, despite all of the boredom blues. Let’s get to it:

Library Programs:

If your local libraries are anything like the ones in Ohio, then the events calendar on their website should be full of virtual programs that you can enjoy. There are events for every age group to participate in from story time for children to concerts from local talent and craft nights on Zoom. Take a look at your library’s website, see what sparks your interest, and sign up. The best part? If you don’t like it, all you need to do is close out of the Zoom call!

Make Some Money:

I used to be a huge fan of garage sale style apps like LetGo and they can be a great tool when you are doing a big home clean out. Start your spring cleaning early and see if you have anything that you’d like to try your hand at selling. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, as they say, and you could put your earnings towards a vacation fund when it is safer to travel. Plus: Clean house. It’s a total win/win.

Check Out Local Specialty Shops:

In my neck of the woods, there are plenty of small businesses that you can support and a lot of them have programs offered online. Perhaps your local game shop has an online Dungeons & Dragons community? Or maybe the craft store offers online tutorials on completing an art project from their employees. Not only will you help support their business but it will be a great way to meet new people and possibly develop a brand new hobby.

Fresh Spins On Old Favorites:

There is nothing wrong with sticking with the same old if it’s what you enjoy but how about putting a spin on it? Love pampering yourself in your free time? Try your hand at making your own soaps or lotion. Handy in the kitchen? Open your cook book to a random page and whip up something you never tried before. Book worm? Start your own book club with your friends over Zoom! Incorporating some new things into a hobby that is already your favorite will keep things exciting and you can become skilled in all areas of your craft.

We still have a long way to go before things go back to “normal”, which means we are going to be confined to our homes for a bit longer. Try the ideas above and, before you know it, nicer weather will be here and seeing friends safely outdoors will be possible! 😀

How do you spend your time in lock down? What is something new that you’d like to try? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan20

How To Keep Your Home Healthy During Quarantine

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How To Keep Your Home Healthy During Quarantine

Right now, you are probably growing used to spending pretty much all of your time at home. Rather than being a place that you spend your evenings and weekends; your home is now your gym, workplace, and everything else besides. During the quarantine, you may have spent time perfecting your work from home set up, trying to keep yourself entertained, and the majority of it trying to stay in touch with friends and family via Zoom.

One thing that you may not have considered is whether your home environment is beneficial for your health. As everyone is spending far more time at home, it is more crucial than ever to make sure that your home helps your health rather than damages it. Here is how you can ensure that your home is as healthy as possible so that you can quarantine in the knowledge that your home is the best place to be right now:

Deal with Damp:

Dampness is a common problem in many homes and can cause health problems if it is left untreated. Mold and mildew are things that no one wants to see in their house, especially when you are spending all your time there. Ensuring that your home has adequate ventilation can help reduce damp, but if mold and mildew have already developed, you will need to remove them effectively. Using a bleach solution or proprietary mold remover should help clean off the mold and kill the mold spores. Remember that you will need to take care when using these treatments.

Clear the Air:

There is nothing more important than the air that you breathe, but it is easy to forget that you can play a part in improving the air quality in your home. Breathing in low-quality air can lead to a range of health problems and cause some potentially serious issues. Asthma and allergies can flare up when air quality is compromised, and your HVAC system could be causing these issues.

If your HVAC system is not maintained by a reputable air duct cleaning specialist such as DUCTZ, it can cause a range of problems. Over time, dust and dirt collect in your air ducts and if they are not cleaned regularly, then they will be spread throughout your home every time you use your heating and cooling system and pollute the quality of the air that you breathe. For this reason, scheduling regular HVAC maintenance is essential to ensure that your system is working correctly and that your air ducts are kept clean. A quick search for ‘HVAC contractor in Frederick, MD‘ or wherever it is you are located will put you in touch with the right professionals to guarantee good air quality in your home throughout the year.

Try a Deep Clean:

Deep cleaning your home is an excellent way to freshen it up and remove any potential health hazards. Deep cleaning removes the dust that can cause allergies and aggravate eczema-prone skin. Having a thorough deep clean of your house will also help to eliminate any harmful bacteria that could be lurking on your surfaces. Tend to what you can clean safely and leave the rest to the professionals should there be high places you can’t reach or your home is in need of a professional air duct cleaning. A freshly-cleaned, healthy home will make staying in it a far more pleasing experience.

Make your home even safer to be at during the pandemic by following the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan14

Ugh! Annoying Problems With Easy Solutions

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Ugh! Annoying Problems With Easy Solutions

Have you ever had a problem that doesn’t bother you as much as just really annoy you? My prime example would be when I had a carpenter ant problem in my apartment last summer and was in a constant state of annoyance every time more ants appeared. What I thought was going to be a huge problem, however, was fixed quickly with traps and I was instantly able to breathe easier. Today, we’re going to a look at a few annoying problems and how to deal with them quickly:

Getting locked out:

Getting locked out of your car or house is the literal worst so it’s important to have the right contact info for help should the problem arise. Read reviews for the best professional locksmiths in the area or locksmith Toronto and save your choice in your phone. It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!

A messy house:

Do you ever look around your place and feel so blah at the thought of cleaning it? I know this feeling well but, I promise that you will be so much more annoyed when you have an even messier space to clean later. Take a deep breath, gather your cleaning supplies, and just do it. You will feel accomplished once the chore is complete and you will be able to relax much easier in a clean space.

Dandruff:

I am a human being and I will be the first to admit that I get dandruff. It was pretty bad a couple of weeks ago and I didn’t have any Head & Shoulders to help alleviate the problem. I did have olive oil, though, so I rubbed it into my scalp, left it for about ten minutes, and washed my hair afterwards and the following day. You could not imagine my surprise when I had a completely clear scalp the next day and my self-confidence instantly improved. Head & Shoulders, who?

Feeling bored:

Feeling bored is so annoying because you might have plenty of options for things to do but all of them seem less than appealing. If you feel like you need something to do and feel unimpressed with your choices, then grab a piece of paper and start writing. You might realize that you have a lot more on your mind or to say than you originally thought and it could turn into a really beneficial daily hobby. It also might make you feel less annoyed about other stressors so it’s a major win!

No matter how annoying the problem, there is always a solution. Remember that and all will be peachy keen!

 

Jan14

Pandemic Problems: Is Your Home Haven On Rocky Waters?

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Pandemic Problems: Is Your Home Haven On Rocky Waters?

For years, the human species has adhered to the fact that no person is an island. With that in mind, we’ve put ourselves out there and generally socialized as much as possible. In the last year, however, that advice has very much changed and, for many, this shift hasn’t exactly been a smooth transition. Luckily, as we seek new ways to communicate, many of us are finding that we can get by with far less extroversion than we’ve been led to believe. Unluckily, a failure to take care of your island could soon see your mental health suffering regardless.

Our homes have gone from being places where we sleep to being our entire worlds. In many cases, the landscape simply isn’t prepared for this level of usage. That’s bad news for your happiness and efficiency throughout these lock down days, and it’s something you need to address. To help you do that, we’re going to consider three common problems that could be leaving your home lacking:

You haven’t put a personal spin on things:

If you’re used to spending just a few hours at home, you may not have ever done much with the space. That needs to change sooner rather than later now that your home time hours have extended so much. Something simple like decorating to your tastes or framing a few personal snaps could make a huge difference to helping you settle despite what’s happening outside of your four walls.

There’s no space to breathe:

A cluttered home has never helped with mental health, and certainly won’t now. Sadly, getting rid of a mess is harder than ever at the moment, but that doesn’t mean you can keep putting it off. There’s no excuse to let clutter rein free when you consider that skip bin hire is still available, and companies have taken significant steps to keep it safe. By investing sooner rather than later, you can get rid of all of the rubbish that’s been building up through lock down. With space to play with, you’ll soon feel like you can breathe again despite continued restrictions.

rocky1

Pexels Image

You haven’t split the space:

Lastly, your trouble may be due to something as simple as a lack of segmented spaces. With many working from home, splitting work and living areas is fundamental. It also pays to have daytime and nighttime spaces to break things up. Even in a small flat, changing furniture or lighting could be a split enough from day to night, etc. If you have the space, though, keeping each room for a different purpose could soon see you feeling like you’re traveling a whole lot further than you actually are.

We may have been existing solely at home for a while now, but this is still a difficult adjustment to make. Ease your passage by considering these home issues and doing what you can to get your island right at last.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan7

Choosing The Best Cleaning Company For Your Office

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Choosing The Best Cleaning Company For Your Office

Does your office look a little less than perfect? We get it, and sometimes you just need that extra bit of help to get things spic and span, such as a cleaning company, so that you can pick up where they leave off. Here are some recommendations for choosing the best company for you.

Choose a company that provides the service you need:

There is a significant difference between a residential and commercial cleaning company so it is important to find one that specializes in the exact spaces you need to clean. You can find out by examining the company’s website and checking the services it offers. Other than that, you could call and ask over the phone what the company specializes in.

Remember that there is also a difference between cleaning factories with a large amount of dirt and cleaner places like labs and hospitals. If your problems go beyond cleaning, such as pests, then you should consider hiring a pest control company that will be able to assist. Whether you need pest control or commercial cleaning London for overseas properties, many different companies will offer you a free quote for the services needed to help you find the best deal.

Need some assistance with how to find someone to help?

For the most part, the reviews you read online can be the best way to discover the pros and cons of cleaning services. Look up the company you’re considering and see what people have to say. It’s important to know if other customers were satisfied with the services provided before you enlist the help of anyone.

You might also want to narrow down your search to something more specific. For example, are you looking for a company that uses eco-friendly products like these business cleaning services in Indianapolis? Be sure to include that in your search terms to avoid companies that don’t have your preferred requirements.

Do I need the professionals?

On the face of it, cleaning seems to be a routine job that everyone knows how to do. However, the cleaning services of a professional office company are carried out according to a regular order and planning. In order for the services to be provided at the right pricing that does not burden the customer, it is necessary to specialize in the subject and to select the employees who are able to clean large areas very efficiently.

The cleaning team will focus on cleaning tables and other furniture, emptying garbage, washing floors, and more. In the bathroom, attention will be paid to the toilets, mirrors, and other accessories. In the kitchenettes, the counters, marble surfaces, and dishes will be cleaned. If you have a professional office space, then it is usually a procedure to ensure that you have someone who can undertake the task of cleaning, for the protection of yourself and your staff members.

Along with the normal cleaning, there is a thorough cleaning that is usually done once a week, and this involves cleaning ceramics, cleaning upper shelves that are not used regularly, washing floors in side rooms and closed warehouses, and more. Monthly cleaning is usually done for windows and lintels and other required elements. The job specifications can vary depending on the needs of the place and the requirements of the customers. Most often, these cleaning services are performed after or before the activity in the offices.

Choose the best cleaning company for your office carefully and see it sparkle once their job is complete!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Dec19

Thinking About Upgrading The Bathroom? Here’s Why You Should!

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Thinking About Upgrading The Bathroom? Here’s Why You Should!

You spend longer in your bathroom than most other rooms in the house, and yet the bathroom is always squeezed into the smallest possible space. Shower closets and toilets with a sink over the top of them are squashed into the space under the stairs and into the en-suite in the corner of the bedroom. The thing is, the bathroom should be more of a lavish space in which you can spend time. It shouldn’t be tucked away and hidden; and this is just one of hundreds of reasons why you shouldn’t neglect the space.

Your bathroom should be as beautiful as the rest of the house. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars at a time, but you could still upgrade the space and make it look good with a bathroom remodeler in peoria az or your local area. Working in sections as you remodel the restroom can be less daunting in tasks and financially. It’s always best to plan ahead before your renovations! Some people upgrade the bathroom because of a plumbing leak detection and others do it because they simply want a new color scheme. Either way, your bathroom needs some love, and we’ve got some of the best ways to do it:

  • That Spa-Like Feel: Your home needs to be your happy place, your safe space to relax. If you love the spa, then you need a place with a spa-like feel to it. Turning your en-suite into a wetroom with a rain shower is important if you want to capture that feeling. You can get inspired when you go to hotels and spas to create a bathroom space that makes you feel looked after. Once you have your inspo, look into a Bathroom remodeler in Chattanooga, TN or your local area to give you your spa retreat from home!
  • No More Leaks: Upgrading the bathroom often means bringing in a professional or two to look at the plumbing and the electrics. This is especially important if you see a leak in the bathroom and you know you need a plumbing upgrade. Bathroom maintenance can get expensive, and if you’re constantly patching up the same issues, you’re going to find it much harder to maintain your bathroom. Getting the full fix done once and for all can make a huge difference to how long your bathroom will last you. To find a plumber to assist with your remodel, simply enter a search for “plumbing services in Chattanooga TN” (or your local area). Be sure to ask friends and family for recommendations and seek a professional with excellent reviews.
  • Easy Cleaning: So many bathrooms are difficult to clean and the bigger they are, the harder it is. However, with the right materials and the right equipment, you can avoid it. Renovating the bathroom properly is going to help you to keep your bathroom cleaner. You want this job to be an easy one so that you don’t have to spend too much time on it.
  • A Makeover: There is nothing quite like a bathroom makeover. You can add value to your home and create a beautiful space without having to change too much if you don’t want to. Try a fresh coat of paint and some cute new decor to start the process!

Taking the time to plan out your bathroom is going to help you up the ante with the work you put into your home. Not only is this going to add value to the property but it will make you feel better about your house and it’s going to look fantastic. As always, with any of the renovations you make to your home, you need to ensure that you plan this out properly so get in the professionals to help!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov19

How To Ace Winter At Home

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How To Ace Winter At Home

Winter varies from place to place but unless you’re somewhere on the equator the likelihood is that it’s going to be cold. Sure, some places are worse than others and will need better home preparation but, in most cases, there’s usually a few things needing to be done to ensure the home is a functioning and comfortable place to be during the winter months. Some people love winter. The coziness of it is what attracts people, and Christmas, of course. Others hate it. They don’t do well with the darkness and cold, and that’s fine. Either or, here are some tips to help you succeed over the winter months:

Get your energy solutions sorted:

Energy prices fluctuate year in and out which is why you need to change your provider often. If you want a good winter, you don’t want to pay too much money for your energy, so make sure you consider changing providers. You might also want to look at your insulation. Of course, a heating and cooling company can check this out for you. If you know you don’t have any it could be a worthy investment which could save you a lot of money on energy. In the same vein, you’ll want to get your boiler and other burning devices serviced so that you know they’re safe to operate.

Clean the gutters:

Winter usually brings rain and snow. This will increase water flow and really clog up your gutters, especially if you live somewhere close to trees. The leaves are usually the key culprits of gutter blockage. You can buy the tools for these on amazon but you might just be better off approaching someone to do it for you. If you do it yourself, make sure there’s someone under you holding the ladder so you don’t fall.

If you are having consistent issues with your gutters, you might want to consider a new approach. Aluminum Seamless Gutters provide long lasting and durable protection and can make a huge difference if you live in a rainy climate. A reliable gutter system will better protect your home during inclement weather.

You might also need to clear the drains which the gutters run into. These can be more important because they’ll cause standing water issues around your home, small puddles might be manageable but when you get the bigger ones it’ll be a lot harder to handle in most cases. It’s just a case of lifting the lid with a gloved hand and pulling the leaves out.

Check the alarms:

You’ll be at home more often due to the winter weather and this is even more prevalent this year due to coronavirus. So make sure it’s safe. Check your smoke alarms first, then make sure you’ve got a working carbon monoxide alarm in place around any fossil burning appliance. Then you need to ensure the house alarm is working. If it isn’t, think about upgrading or at least making the current one work properly. If you can’t afford it don’t panic, just make sure your doors and locks are secure and be sure to check the windows too.

Get your home in tip top shape before the winter comes with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay