Monthly Homeowner Checklist: December To-do’s

December in Orlando is all about celebrating the holidays and making your home a welcoming retreat for family and friends. From festive decorations to practical maintenance, this month offers a chance to blend holiday cheer with seasonal upkeep. Follow this December checklist to keep your home safe, efficient, and ready for the most wonderful time of the year.

Originally published on November 30th, 2024. Updated for accuracy.

Holiday Preparation & Safety

Set Up a Gift-Wrapping Station: Keep wrapping supplies like paper, plain boxes, ribbons, tags, and tape in an accessible spot near a work surface. Having everything ready makes it easier to wrap gifts as you buy them instead of leaving it all for the last minute.

Simplify Your Holiday: If the season feels overwhelming, set meaningful intentions for your celebrations. Prioritize activities you enjoy and confidently decline ones that add stress.

Plan for Holiday Safety: Take precautions to protect your home this season. Light up exterior spaces, lock windows and doors, and trim bushes to improve visibility and security.

Add Cameras or a Doorbell Cam: Prevent porch theft with an outdoor camera or video doorbell. These tools let you monitor deliveries or greet guests via your phone without leaving your tasks.

Set Light Timers: Program smart plugs for your lights when you’re out of town. Simulating occupancy with intermittent lighting deters burglars.

Outdoor Maintenance & Seasonal Prep

Put Up Outdoor Holiday Decor: Test and replace nonworking lights early. Use only exterior-rated lights and safely plug them into outdoor outlets.

Add Winter Evergreens: Beautify outdoor spaces with potted boxwood, twinkling lights, or evergreen wreaths. Living Christmas trees also create a festive front porch display.

Clean Out Your Gutters: Ensure water drains correctly to avoid foundation damage. Use a gutter-cleaning brush and watch for shingle granules, a sign of roof wear.

Inspect Your Foundation: Check for cracks wider than 1/8 inch or shaped like a “stair-step.” Address issues early to prevent costly repairs.

Do Winter Lawn Care: Fertilize and overseed lawns now for lush growth in spring. Trim branches near power lines or fences and store patio furniture securely.

Indoor Organization & Safety

Spruce Up Indoor Play Areas: Refresh kids’ play zones with a quick reorganization and new supplies like fresh markers or craft paper.

Practice Safe Storage: Avoid injuries when fetching decorations by keeping stable step stools handy and splitting heavy loads. Always have someone steady a ladder during use.

Carve Out a Space to Relax: Create a personal retreat for yoga, meditation, or quiet reflection. Even a small corner can provide a much-needed mental break.

Do a Bathroom Checkup: Add non-slip mats, grip bars, or shower stools for elderly guests. Restock first aid kits to handle cuts or burns during the busy holiday season.

Appliance & Energy Efficiency

Check Your Oven & Range: Inspect your oven seal and heating element. Clean or replace filters and drip trays. Keep appliances in good shape to prevent holiday cooking mishaps.

Sharpen Your Knives: Use an electric sharpener to make cooking safer. After sharpening, store knives with blade covers.

Check Appliance Hoses: Inspect hoses on dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines for leaks. Consider installing water leak detectors for extra protection.

Get Your HVAC Serviced: Schedule professional maintenance to optimize energy efficiency. Regularly replace filters and consider solar panels to cut electricity costs.

Change Detector Batteries: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries to prevent fire hazards during heater or candle use.

Home Repairs & Inspections

Get a Professional Roof Inspection: For shingle roofs: Look for softened, permeable areas and replace missing granules. For tile roofs: Replace cracked tiles and check for sliding. For metal roofs: Inspect every two years unless there’s storm damage.

Look for Signs of Mold: Florida’s humidity can lead to mold growth in bathrooms, garages, or ceilings. Promptly address leaks to prevent black mold.

Check Window & Door Seals: Repair gaps or cracks with caulk or weatherstripping to improve energy efficiency. Replace cracked windows with dual-pane options.

Hurricane Supply & Fire Safety

Replenish Your Hurricane Supplies: Stock up on essentials like canned food, water, batteries, and flashlights. Ensure a gallon of water per person per day and replace expired items.

Schedule a Chimney Cleaning: Hire a certified chimney cleaner to remove creosote and reduce the risk of house fires.