The November To-Do List
The end of the year will be here sooner than you realize, and there are still plenty of things to do. As the weather gets colder and homes get warmer, use this checklist to make sure you're ready for the holidays:
1. Plan Your Holiday Shopping
How often have you promised yourself to get your holiday shopping done with plenty of time to spare, only to find yourself scrambling come the end of the season? November is the unofficial kickoff for holiday shopping, and the more prepared you are, the less stress you'll suffer. Make sure you have everyone's wish lists by the end of the month. Then, look up each item, find out where it's sold and search online to find which stores have the best deals. Don't forget to search through local gift shops! And don't worry - most businesses have multiple holiday deals throughout the season, not just on Black Friday.
2. Review College Deadlines
If there's a college-bound student in your home, it's time to make sure he or she is focused on applications. Most early admission applications are due sometime this month, so get those essays and transcripts in order. Have your child sign up to take the SAT, ACT or other exam if they haven't done so already. Even if there's nothing due in November, regular admission deadlines start in January, so it's a good idea to get started.
3. Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Your kitchen is going to go through a lot of wear and tear during Thanksgiving and other feast-friendly holidays, so make sure you're prepared. In addition to stocking your refrigerator and finding the good china, clean your garbage disposal so it's ready for your day of cooking. Here's how:
- Start by pouring 1/2 cup of baking soda down the sink.
- Pour in some white vinegar.
- After the mixture is finished bubbling, follow up with some boiling water.
- Let the water sit for five minutes.
- Turn on the faucet and the garbage disposal and let them run until everything is clear.
4. Clean Your Humidifier
November means drier air, so it's time to break the humidifier out of storage. Give it a thorough cleaning beforehand to kill any mold that grew in between uses, especially if people in your home have allergies. Find your owner's manual or go the manufacturer's website for instructions. Many recommend using bleach to eliminate any traces of mold. If you follow their advice, be sure to thoroughly rinse the humidifier multiple times. Otherwise, the machine will scatter bleach particles through the air, which is particularly dangerous in small or children's rooms.
5. Donate Extra Food
Chances are, there are a few cans of soup, vegetables or even meats that have sat in your cupboard for months. Instead of letting these foods take up space until they finally go bad, round them up and donate them to a local food bank just in time for Thanksgiving. Call each facility beforehand to learn their donation hours and obtain a list of foods they desperately need.