During the chillier months of winter, it’s tempting to curl up into a ball on the sofa under a blanket, light the fire and binge watch your favorite show. But home ownership comes with a few responsibilities and there’s no time like the beginning of the year to get things done! The following is a list of items to tackle or start in January to make the rest of the year easier on you. 



ICE updates. Since Santa may have dropped off new phones and devices this year, make sure everyone is up to date on their In Case Of Emergency (ICE) contacts. Program in important numbers like hospitals, doctors, vets, poison control, schools, etc. and share them with everyone in your family. 

Purge. In with the new and out with the old, right? You likely racked up some new items like clothing, small appliances, toys, etc. over the holidays. Instead of putting them away on top of, behind and under the ones you already have, take some time to sort out what you have and determine what to say goodbye to. You’ll have more room for your new items, and your storage spaces will feel much cleaner. 

Clean the light plates. You may have had a lot of guests, young and old over the holidays, and sticky cookie and candy hands were turning lights on and off all throughout your house. Take a soft cloth, warm water and soap and wipe them all down. While you’re at it, wipe down the electrical outlets too to give everything a fresh start for the new year. 

Check the filter. Since the weather outside has turned cooler, your furnace may be running more. Check the filter at the beginning of each month and change it if necessary, to ensure your heater is running efficiently. 

Clean out the freezer. Leftovers have a way of multiplying in the dark reaches of these cold environments, especially after the holidays. Clean out the old food stuff and give your freezer a good wipe. You probably won’t eat those frozen sweet potatoes or leftover dinner rolls you saved from Thanksgiving. 

If you are searching for a new home, San Joaquin Valley Homes is still busy building homes throughout the Central Valley. Our model homes are open daily and virtual tours are available on our website for your convenience. Our model hours are Sunday and Monday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.