How to get your home Christmas-ready: Essential jobs to tackle

With just a few weeks remaining before Christmas, experts say now is the time to start getting your home ready to welcome family and friends.

Whether you’re planning a large sit-down lunch with all the trimmings or festive drinks for just a few, paying attention to key areas around the home will help it sparkle on the big day.

Here’s your guide to getting Christmas-ready!

There are a few jobs around the house that should be done before Christmas time.

Spruce up outdoor entertainment areas

With many families planning to enjoy Christmas outdoors, it’s important to address any signs of wear and tear on decking and give it a new coat of oil, said hipages chief marketing officer Jeff Lim.

Or, if your property lacks outdoor shade, consider a new pergola.

“There’s a distinct uptick in people wanting to do pergolas at this time of year so they have a bit of shade happening,’’ Mr Lim said.

“And there’s still time (to install a pergola before Christmas).

“There’s a good four weeks that people have got to really get the job done – but remember, everyone is thinking the same thing so you need to get started now (to secure tradespeople).’’

Bunnings Workshop DIY expert Mitch Mclean said a shade sail also provided all-important outdoor shade and was relatively simple to install.

“This DIY project requires a little pre-planning and a few helping hands but it can be achieved in a day or a weekend, allowing you to enjoy your shaded area in the lead-up to Christmas, during the holiday season and beyond,’’ he said.

While you are outdoors, tackle any paint chips in your front door or timber window frames, Mr Mclean said.

“Use a utility knife to cut away a piece of existing paint – about the size of a 50-cent coin – from an inconspicuous area and take it in-store for colour matching,’’ he said.

“Fill any small dents or cracks using timber filler.

“Once dry, sand it flush with the surrounding surface using 120-grit abrasive paper (and) touch up with paint.’’

If the bottom edge of a door or window frame had absorbed water and started to rot, it was time to call a tradie, Mr Mclean said.

It’s a great time to spruce up the garden, especially if you plan on having guests around for the festive season.

Get your garden blooming

First impressions matter so wow your guests the moment they arrive by removing weeds from pathways and adding a few new plants to enhance your property’s facade, Mr Mclean said.

You could even create a pebble or stepping stone path to lead guests to your front door.

Mr Lim said the key to a spectacular garden was good maintenance so now was also the time to install a watering system and adding watering agents to pots and soil to prevent plants drying out.

Light-up!

“If there’s one thing that makes it feel like Christmas, it’s draping your outdoor area in magical, twinkling festive lights,’’ Mr Mclean said.

Choose from fairy lights or more traditional and year-round lighting, as well as solar options if you want to keep running costs down.

When picking outdoor lights, safety, ambience, entertainment and security were all key considerations, Mr Mclean said.

It’s a good opportunity to tackle the jobs you hate doing most.

Don’t forget indoors

The inside of your home will also benefit from some attention, said Mr Mclean, who advised hiring a deep cleaner to remove allergens, stains, bacteria and pet hair from carpets and upholstery.

Wipe down walls and windows and deep clean the kitchen and bathroom too.

Blinds should be mended, if needed, and light bulbs swapped out for more energy-efficient versions.

With all the food likely to be prepared, Mr Mclean recommended homeowners clean the fridge and freezer, BBQ and even the Esky.

And while cleaning the oven often provoked dread, he said it was easier than most would think.

“Cleaning your oven can make Christmas cooking and baking more enjoyable,’’ Mr Mclean said.

“A good clean helps your oven retain heat and it’s also more hygienic.’’

Going away this Christmas?

If you’re travelling elsewhere, Mr Lim said making sure your home was protected with security cameras was a must.

“If you’re looking to go away for a period of time, it always helps to keep an eye on your home,’’ he said.

“There’s a lot of security systems that, even if you are not there, you can be looking at and keeping an eye on (your home through video technology).’’

If your home is in a bushfire prone area, it was also important to take preventive measures before an emergency.

“Take the normal precautions of the season – clean the gutters, remove any rubbish and minimise the risk,’’ Mr Lim said.

Mr Mclean said testing smoke detectors and changing the batteries, if necessary, was also wise.

“It only takes a few moments of your time and it could be a lifesaver,’’ he said.

Cleaning gutters and removing rubbish is a good idea before the brutal summer heat sets in.

– by Lauren Ahwan

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