This year we compiled a list of the many tips we have learned as, property managers, renters, homeowners and real estate professionals. Here is what we came up with.
Make Your home smell like the holidays, without candles.
Candles can be a major fire hazard and they set off smoke detectors. Here are some other ways to make your home festive that are safe for the whole family, including pets.
- Use a diffuser. Combine scents like cinnamon, peppermint, pine, and sandal wood to create a holiday smell.
- Make a Pomander with oranges and cloves.
- Use Fresh Greenery like garlands and wreaths. You can buy them at Trader Joes.
- Scent pinecones with essential oils.
Travel for holidays without worry.
If you plan on traveling this holiday season its important to be prepared with a few of these tips.
- Let your neighbors know your going out of town and ask them to bring in any packages left on your doorstep.
- Put a stop on your mail and newspaper delivery.
- Install a security camera like Ring or Nest.
- Be careful what you post on social media.
- Have lights set to timers.
Get ahead of common holiday maintenance issues.
- Make sure your appliances and all clean and in good working order.
- Check smoke detectors and heaters. If a smoke detector is old get it replaced now before that annoying beeping starts.
- Get your fire extinguishers ready! It’s the holidays and you will likely be doing more cooking than normal. A good working fire extinguisher is an important item in every home. Check the expiration date. They do get old and stop working. When using one remember the acronym PASS:
- Pull pin
- Aim at base of flame
- Squeeze handle
- Sweep from side to side across the base of the fire
Think about your pets.
Holidays can be stressful on some animals. A lot of people coming and going can upset some pets and there is a lot more in the house that can harm them if you aren’t careful.
- Make sure to Anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t fall
- Beware of poisonous plants. Poinsettias, holly, mistletoe are just a few plants that can harm pets.
- If you must light candles, keep them high enough that your pet can’t’ get to them.
- Keep wires, batteries, and ornaments out of paws reach.
- Give your pet a quiet space to retreat when there is company or loud holiday noises.
- If you leave your pets, make sure they have a secure, safe, escape-proof area to be.
- Keep food away from pets’ noses.
Keep safety in mind with Christmas Tree.
- Keep trees away from heat sources and keep a fire extinguisher near your tree.
- Hydrate your tree. Check the water level every other day to ensure proper hydration.
- Purchase a freshly cut tree, as they are more resistant to ignition.
- Buy an artificial tree and sure it’s labeled “fire resistant.”
- Turn off lights when you go to bed and before leaving the house to avoid a short that could start an electrical fire.
- Place fragile ornaments out of reach of pets and kids
- Property dispose of your tree by making sure you know your city’s rules. The City of San Diego Environmental Services Department hosts its Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program beginning the day after Christmas, December 26- January 23th.
Make a clean home a priority.
This Holiday season it can be hard to keep your home clean when there is so much to do and so many people to entertain in your home. Here are some of our tips to avoid the “Stress Mess”.
- Wash as you go. How easy is it to leave dishes until morning… but if you are entertaining guest
- Declutter and donate now. There are plenty of organizations that would really appreciate your donation of gently used items. Its and easy way to spread the holiday cheer.
- Give everything a quick wipe down. It doesn’t have to take along time, just wipe any surface that is visible.
- Have the basics at the ready. Guest spill things and having some basic stain removal items will make sure that you get to the stain before it sets.
