With guest season and the holidays coming fast and furious, you want to be sure your home is cozy. Here are some tips from Realtor Magazine on how to make that happen, along with a few other timely tips:
Wash your bed pillows
You love your trusty, old, perfectly-snugged-to-your-head pillow. But guess what’s also snug against your head? Fungus – four to 16 species to be precise. Not very welcoming!
With fall being the height of guest season, you’ll want your guest pillows fresh, too. Pop them in the washing machine and dryer for an all-over clean feeling. But be sure to check the manufacturer’s advice, too. Some pillows shouldn’t be washed, so replace them instead.
Clean your mattress
Sleeping soundly gets even better when you know you’re lying on a clean and fresh mattress. Over time, skin cells and sweat get into the mattress, then dust mites show up for a dinner party featuring those tasty morsels.
You’ll want your guest mattress to be at its freshest. It’s easy to do: Vacuum it and then wipe it down with a cloth dampened with an upholstery shampoo. But be sure to let it dry; otherwise, you’re inviting mold. Also, be sure to rotate it 180 degrees to help keep it lump-free. If you’ve got a flippable mattress, go ahead and flip it. That, too, can help kill the yucky mites.
Insulate your windows
Bone-chilling drafts seriously detract from the cozy vibe you want. Keep it cozy by hanging drapes as close to your windows as possible to help keep the heat inside. You can even add clear Velcro strips or dots to the back of the drape and attach to fasteners on the wall to help insulate. Be sure to cross one drape over the other when you close them for the night. Insulating shades can do the trick, too.
Trim your tree branches
The last thing you need is a winter storm knocking down a mighty tree whose branches are angling over your roof. Long limbs invite pests to explore your roof or excess water to seep into cracks in the roof or siding. Homeowners should keep limbs and branches at least 3 feet from the house. Plus, it’s easier to trim branches after leaves have fallen. And if it’s an evergreen, you’ll have greenery for the holidays!
Get a chimney sweep to inspect the fireplace
It’s time to dust off and sweep the chimney! Best to hire someone who knows wood-burning fireplaces. A professional chimney sweep will ensure your wood-burning fireplace burns more efficiently and will help prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter.
Also, if you don’t already have a chimney cap, this is also the time to add one to stop wild outdoor critters from crawling down it and into your house.
Realtors are glad to help their clients and community get the most out of their property investment all year long. That’s Who We R.
Greater Chattanooga Realtors is The Voice of Real Estate in Greater Chattanooga. A regional organization with more than 2,000 members, Greater Chattanooga Realtors is one of some 1,300 local boards and associations of Realtors nationwide that comprise the National Association of Realtors. Greater Chattanooga Realtors services Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee and Catoosa, Dade and Walker counties in northwest Georgia. For more information, visit www.gcar.net or call 423 698-8001.