As the weather gets colder and the holidays get closer, now is the perfect time to give your home a little extra TLC. Whether you’re hosting family, prepping for winter, or planning a future move, these simple seasonal steps can help keep your home cozy, safe, and ready for the months ahead.

Here’s your checklist for a smooth, stress-free holiday season. ✨

1. Stock Up on Driveway Salt Before the First Freeze 🧂❄️

NKY weather can change fast, and icy mornings sneak up on everyone. Driveway salt sells out quickly once the temperature drops!

Why it matters:

• Prevents slips and falls 👟

• Protects your driveway from ice damage 🛠️

• Makes early-morning commutes safer 🚗

Tip: Keep a small container near the front door so you can spread it quickly.

2. Replace Your Furnace Filter 🔧🔥

One of the most overlooked winter tasks — but one of the most important.

A clean filter:

• Improves air quality 💨

• Helps your system run efficiently ⚡

• Lowers your heating bill 💵

• Keeps your home evenly warm 🏡

If it’s been 30–60+ days, now’s the time.

3. Check Your Home for Drafts 🌬️🪟

Older NKY homes are especially prone to hidden drafts around windows and doors.

Draft checks help you:

• Save on heating costs 🧾

• Stay warmer without blasting the furnace 🔥

• Reduce moisture build-up and cold spots 🚫💧

Weather stripping and door sweeps are quick, affordable fixes.

4. Clean Your Gutters Before Winter Storms Hit 🍂🌧️

Fallen leaves + winter rain = clogged gutters.

Ignoring them can lead to:

• Ice dams ❄️

• Roof leaks 🏚️

• Siding damage 🔨

• Foundation problems ⚠️

A quick cleaning now prevents major headaches later.

5. Prep Your Home for Holiday Staging 🎁🏡

Hosting guests or thinking about selling soon? A few cozy touches go a long way.

Try:

• Warm, neutral décor 🤎

• Soft lighting and candles 🕯️

• A clean, clutter-free entryway 🚪✨

• Winter scents like pine or apple spice 🍎🌲

• A fresh welcome mat to combat slush and salt 🧽

Perfect for both holiday gatherings and future buyers.

‼️6. Test Your Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors 🔋🚨

With more heating and more holiday cooking, safety checks are a must.

Be sure to:

• Replace batteries

• Test all alarms

• Make sure each floor has a CO detector

A five-minute check keeps your home safe all season long.

7. Protect Your Pipes from NKY Temperature Swings 🧊🚿

NKY is known for sudden arctic dips. Protect your home by:

• Disconnecting garden hoses

• Covering exterior spigots

• Letting faucets drip during deep freezes

• Opening cabinet doors under sinks on extremely cold nights

Preventing frozen pipes = preventing expensive repairs. 💸

Your NKY Real Estate Resource — All Year Long 🏡💙

Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or prepping your home for the spring market, you deserve a team that truly understands Northern Kentucky.

This Girl Sells Houses Team at ERA Real Solutions Realty is proud to be the #1 ERA Team in Northern Kentucky, with over 913 closed transactions and more than 25 years of combined experience helping local families move with confidence.

If you need guidance, a contractor recommendation, or a free home value review, I’m here for you.

— Deanna Parson, REALTOR®
This Girl Sells Houses Team at ERA Real Solutions Realty

📞859-512-4444

✉️Deanna.ThisGirlSellsHousesTeam@gmail.com