10 “Must Do” work around the house and garden in November

The Halloween decorations are already packed and the big Christmas crafts are soon around the corner. The cooler weather in November makes it an ideal month to stay home with friends and family. But before the festivities begin in December, you'll want to spruce up your houseMaking the most of autumnwhile also preparing for early winter storms. Here are our 10 “Must Do” jobs around the house and garden in November!

1. Stop drafts

If you haven't winterized your home yet, now is the time to do so. Keep warm air in and cold air out by sealing cracks around door and window frames and applying weatherstripping. Sealing the gaps will save you energy and money on your next electric bill.

2. Choose the right firewood for your fireplace

Gathering the family in front of the fireplace is a hallmark of the cold season. But for the cozy fireplace you needthe right firewood. Choose woods with a good calorific value such as oak and beech. Woods with resin such as ash and spruce are better suited for closed stoves because they give off sparks when burned.

3. Prepare the guest room in November

If friends and family are regular guests during the cold season, you should prepare the guest room now. A fresh coat of paint or new bedding can make the room inviting. Don't have a separate guest room? Then check out these ideas for yourselfCombined guest room and study rooman!

4. Set up a bird feeder

Many birds migrate to warmer climes at this time of year, but you can welcome bird species that overwinter in Germany, such as blackbirds, robins, house sparrows and bramblings, into your garden with a bird feeder. You can also watch the colorful birds from the house. You can find beautiful ideas for a homemade bird feederin this article.

5. Organize the garage

With ice and snow on the way, it's important that you keep your...Car and bicycle if possiblepark in a garage. This not only protects your car from damage, but also makes it easier to start the engine in the morning. So now is the time to declutter the garage: throw away old stuff or donate it, and then buy or build oneStorage solutionfor what is left.

6. Install a thermostat

Consider replacing your old heating thermostat with a programmable thermostat or purchasing a smart home thermostat. Many models can be controlled via app and can even detect when someone is home and increase the temperature for optimal comfort. Or lower it when everyone is gone. With this system you can optimize energy consumption and thus save on electricity costs.

7. Get ready for winter service in November

You never know when a sudden snowstorm will catch you unprepared. Have rock salt, sand, or fresh kitty litter on hand to make icy steps safe, and stock up on snow shovels (and even snow blowers) now—before the forecast of a snowy weekend sends other homeowners flocking to the hardware store.

8. Insulate hot water tank

Your hot water tank is probably installed in an unheated room, e.g. B. in a basement or garage. This makes insulating the device an absolute must to avoid heat loss. Choose an insulation mat that is appropriate for the size of your tank and follow the installation instructions. This quick project can save you 4 to 9% on water heating costs.

9. Repair cracks in concrete

In most regions, now is the last opportunity to repair cracks in concrete surfaces before the truly cold weather sets in. Obtain a concrete repair mix and prepare the area before patching the hole. Make sure you get your work done before temperatures drop below 7 degrees to achieve lasting results.

10. Clean the kitchen

To prepare your kitchen for the upcoming holidays, you should organize your kitchen cabinets andOrganize kitchen supplies. Also clean the oven with or try a mixture of baking soda, water and vinegarLife hack with shaving foamout of.