Done with Thanksgiving? Move on to more pressing issues. And we don’t mean shopping for the Christmas holidays. If you still haven’t prepared your home for the winter, don’t put it off anymore at a later date. Snowflakes can be due anytime and you have to make sure that your home is safe and snug for the chilly months. Here’s a simple checklist of the chores that you have to do to prepare your home for the cold months.

• The winter weather can do a lot to your trees. If branches hang over your roof, prune them. Trim all the branches that touch your home.
• You need ample drainage for water especially from your roof. Be sure to clear your rain gutters from all fall debris such as small branches and leaves that may have gotten stuck. If you want, invest on some gutter screens to save you the hassle for the following year.
• While you’re on the roof, check for loose or missing shingles. If you have any, repair or replace them.
• Clear out junk from your garage to make way for storage. To prevent your outdoor furniture from rotting or rusting, store them in a dry place indoors.
• If blizzards frequent your area, put up storm windows. While you’re at the business of windows, check the frames is they need to be caulked.
• Check for drafts to make sure that you have optimum insulation for your heating system to work properly.
• If you plan to use your fireplace (and chances are, you will), make sure that you check the chimney for cracks and have it repaired if necessary. You can also check if birds (and bats!) have nested inside your chimney. If there’s a good amount of soot, hire a chimney sweep to clean it for you. Also, check the fireplace damper to make sure it works properly and is snug.
• Check the drains for any blockage. You’ll be needing good drainage especially if you get a lot of rainfall and once the snow melts.
• Have your heating system serviced. There’s nothing like an expert eye to do it for you. Make sure that your humidifier is clean and in great working condition. You might also have to stock up on air filters especially if your system uses the disposable types.