‍Whether protecting your home from the harsh winter or getting a jump-start on the new year, here are some to-dos that will get your 2022 started on the right foot.

1. Check Your Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Especially since there’s greater use of heaters and fireplaces during these cold months.

2. Take Stock of Your Board Games

Sometimes bad weather means you’re stuck indoors. While everyone has a phone they can play with, board games are hands-on fun that the whole family can enjoy.

3. Protect Those Pipes

If you haven’t done so yet, be sure to insulate any exposed outdoor pipes. And if you’re planning to be away from home, ask a friend or neighbor to turn on your water to a trickle.

4. Take Care of Your Plants

If your house gets very dry in the winter with the heater on, you may need to add humidity to the air around some plants, especially citrus trees and ferns. You can use a humidifier or simply spritz them with plain water occasionally.

5. Clean Out the Kitchen & Pantry

With the holidays over, there’s a good chance you’ve got some old food in the back of that fridge. Remove everything from the pantry, toss out stale and expired foods and wipe down the shelves before putting everything back.