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December Home Maintenance Checklist
Wrap up the year right with help from Woodstock Hardware.
December is about finishing up before the Holidays.
As the year winds down and winter takes hold, December is the time to finish holiday preparations, winterize your home and ensure your space is ready for the season ahead. Let Woodstock Hardware help with everything from festive decorations to the tools and supplies you need for winter maintenance.
December Around The House
✓ Home Safety & Maintenance
- Roof Inspection: Check for leaks or damage caused by ice or snow accumulation; repair as necessary to prevent leaks inside.
- Walkways & Driveways: Inspect exterior stairs, walkways and driveways for ice or snow accumulation to prevent slips and falls.
- Snow/Ice Removal: Regularly remove snow or ice from paths, driveways and porches to prevent buildup.
- HVAC Maintenance: Change filters to improve air quality and heating efficiency.
- Thermostat Check: Ensure thermostat is maintaining the right temperature and adjust as needed.
- Draft Prevention: Check for drafts around windows and doors, sealing any gaps with weatherstripping or caulk to prevent heat loss.
- Draft Stoppers: Use draft stoppers on doors to help prevent heat from escaping.
- Insulation Check: Inspect insulation in the attic, basement and walls to ensure your home is energy-efficient.
- Pipes Inspection: Check for leaks and repair pipes before freezing weather sets in. Insulate water pipes in unheated areas to prevent freezing and bursting.
✓ Electrical & Emergency Preparedness
- Cord Inspection: Inspect electrical cords for fraying or damage, especially if using space heaters or holiday lights.
- Emergency Supplies: Review flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, and bottled water to ensure readiness for winter storms or power outages.
- Space Heaters: Consider using space heaters in rooms not frequently used to conserve energy.
- Electrical Outlet Test: Test all electrical outlets to ensure they are functioning properly and safely.
✓ Holiday Preparations, and find your Christmas tree stand and over-the-door wreath hangers.
- Light and Decoration Inspection: Inspect holiday lights for safety and replace any damaged bulbs or frayed cords before putting them up.
- Electrical Safety: Avoid overloading electrical circuits when decorating with lights to prevent fires.
- Fire Safety: Check for any fire hazards, especially around space heaters and candles.
- Chimney & Fireplace: Inspect and schedule cleaning if needed before use.
December In The Yard
✓ Lawn & Garden Care
- Foot Traffic: Avoid heavy foot traffic on the lawn when it’s frozen to prevent damage to the grass and soil.
- Tree Care:
- Check for snow and ice buildup on tree branches and gently remove excess snow to avoid breaking branches.
- Wrap vulnerable young trees in burlap or protective tree wraps to prevent frost damage and rodent chewing.
- Prune dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs if the weather allows. Avoid pruning spring-blooming plants (like lilacs or magnolias) until after they bloom next year.
- Mulch around tree roots with 2–3 inches of mulch to protect from freezing and thawing cycles.
- Animal Protection: Check for signs of animal damage around trees or shrubs and protect plants from browsing animals like deer or rabbits.
✓ Wildlife & Environmental Care
- Bird Feeders: Fill bird feeders with high-energy seeds to help wildlife survive the winter months.
- Animal Shelter: Provide shelter for small animals by leaving natural debris like fallen leaves or tree limbs in corners of your yard or garden beds.
- Insect Shelter: Create a safe haven for overwintering insects by leaving some plant stalks standing or creating a small pile of twigs and branches.
✓ Winter Safety
- Pathway Maintenance: Check paths and walkways for ice accumulation or hazards, and keep them clear for safe navigation during snowy conditions.
✓ Property & Planning
- Organization: If you care for a large property, small farm, or large animals, use December as a time to get organized and summarize the past year. Detailed planning can come after the holidays.
December In The Garden
✓ Garden Tool & Supply Maintenance
- Clean Garden Tools: Clean up garden tools before storing them for winter to prevent rust and ensure they are in good condition for spring.
- Organize Supplies: Organize seeds and garden supplies for the next growing season. Take inventory of what you need for spring and order seeds or supplies if needed.
✓ Plant Care & Protection
- Perennials: Cut back perennials that have died back, but leave some for-winter interest (e.g. ornamental grasses or seed heads for birds).
- Fertilizing: Avoid fertilizing plants in December, as most plants are dormant, and fertilizing can lead to nutrient imbalance.
- Bird Feeders: Set up bird feeders and fill them with high-calorie seeds to help support wildlife during the cold months.
- Seed Heads & Plant Stalks: Leave seed heads on plants or allow some plant stalks to stand in your garden to provide food and shelter for birds and beneficial insects.
- Winter Shelter: Provide winter shelter by creating a small brush pile or leaving natural debris like fallen leaves and twigs in designated areas of your garden to attract overwintering insects and animals.
✓ Planning for Spring
- Review Garden Layout: Review your garden layout and note any changes you’d like to make for next year, such as adding new plants or rotating garden beds to maximize growth.
- Order Seeds & Plants: Order seeds and plants for spring planting while they’re still fresh and available.
- Spring Garden Planning: Start planning your spring garden by deciding which vegetables, flower, or herbs you’d like to grow next season.
✓ Garden Structures
- Check & Repair Structures: Check on garden structures (e.g., trellises, fences, or raised beds) and repair any damage caused by snow, ice or freezing temperatures.
- Greenhouse or Cold Frame: Ensure your greenhouse or cold frame is secure and ready for winter if you use one for overwintering plants.
Make This Your Best Year of Homeownership Yet
With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Woodstock Hardware is your trusted local partner for professional advice, quality tools, and everything you need to keep your home, yard and garden thriving.
We are here to help.