5 Things to Do When You Change Your Clock
Twice a year, most of us find ourselves changing our clocks. We spring forward in the early months only to fall back during the end of the year.
Along with those time changes, we are often reminded to do a few other home maintenance tasks.
Change Your Clock
Of course, some may complain about the time change. I, for one, prefer longer days, alas it is something that we must do twice a year.
We can also use the date on the calendar as a reminder to do other tasks around the house.
Change your Batteries
Perhaps one of the most important things to do when you change your clock is to also change your batteries.
When you change your clock, you should also change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s a good idea to do this once a year, and changing your clocks is the perfect reminder.
It is a simple, life-saving habit that can keep you and your family safe in your home.
Not to mention, with all the other technology in homes today, it’s also a good time to check your smart thermostat, home surveillance cameras, door lock management device, bedside flashlights, portable chargers, or home security system for working batteries.
Better to be safe than sorry.
Clean the medicine cabinet
Medicines expire and this is the perfect opportunity to go through and properly dispose of those that are no longer good.
This is important for both over-the-counter and prescription medications. Outdated medication may not be effective and can even be dangerous.
NOTE: Make sure you know how to dispose of medications safely!
Flip the mattress
Your mattress, if applicable, should be flipped at least twice a year. This will help keep your mattress in good condition and help it last longer.
To flip your mattress, start by removing all the bedding. Then, lift one end of the mattress and place it on top of the other end. Use your hands to evenly distribute the weight of the mattress, then flip it over.
Once you’ve flipped the mattress, put the bedding back on and make sure everything is smooth. You may want to adjust the pillows or blankets to make sure they’re still comfortable.
Flipping your mattress may seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth it to keep your bed in good shape. Taking the time to do this simple task can help you get a good night’s sleep and prolong the life of your mattress.
Taking a little time to organize your seasonal clothes will pay off in the long run. You’ll be able to get dressed more easily and have a go-to spot for all of your winter clothes.
Organize seasonal clothes
The changing of the clocks often means changing the seasons as well. Even if the weather doesn’t always change with time on the clock, it is most likely not far behind.
Use the reminder to start organizing your wardrobe for the upcoming change in weather.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Pull out all of your winter clothes from storage. Give them a good shake or brush off any dust before putting them away.
- Take inventory of what you have. Make a list of any items you need to replace or add to your wardrobe.
- Organize your closet by isolating your winter items in one area. This will make it easier to grab what you need when you’re getting dressed in the morning.
- If you have a lot of summer clothes that you won’t be needing anymore, consider donating them to a local charity.
Change filters
If you want your heating and cooling system to work efficiently, you need to change your filters regularly. Failure to do so can lead to a build-up of dirt and dust, which can make your system work harder and ultimately lead to expensive repairs.
If you have central air and heat, now is the time to check and change those filters. It’s important to change your filters every 1-3 months, depending on the type of filter you have.
If you have a home with pets or allergies, you may need to change your filters more often.
If you’re not sure what type of filter you need, ask a professional at your local home improvement store. And be sure to check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to change your filters.
In fact, check filters in your vacuum, coffee maker, refrigerator, etc., and replace or clean those in need.
Conclusion
By following these simple tips, we can minimize the disruption to our daily routines and make the most of the extra hour of daylight.
Adjusting to a new sleep and wake-up schedule is always a chore, but working through this checklist doesn’t have to be.
Spend a few hours checking off each of these tasks with the changing of your clocks twice a year and you should be better organized and prepped.
Although it may seem like a meaningless task, changing your clocks twice a year can actually have a big impact on your life.
In addition to making your life a little bit more organized, changing your clocks can also help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint. A little work just two days a year can mean a lifetime of satisfaction later.