Daylight Saving Time happens on March 10 this year. While this important annual milestone signals to the winter-weary that spring is just around the corner, it’s also a signal to take care of important chores around the house. Here’s what you should have on your to-do list during Daylight Saving Time.
Set your clocks ahead
We know this seems like a no-brainer, but we think it’s important to remind you to set all your clocks ahead. Many of the clocks you rely on, like on your smartphone, will automatically change the time. But you’ll need to manually change other clocks, like the ones on your stove or microwave or in your car. And if you have a coffee machine that you program to brew in the morning before you get up, you’ll want to doubly make sure to set that one. While you’re at it, give your coffee machine a good cleaning.
Change alarm batteries
If you don’t do any other chores on this list, be sure to do this one. Check your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working. Change the batteries as needed. Your life and the lives of your loved ones may depend on them one day when you least expect it.
Check your air conditioner
As the weather heats up, you’re going to rely more and more on your air conditioning. Take time now to have your AC inspected and serviced, if needed. Clean or change the air filters and clean the coils. It’s much better to deal with maintenance issues now than during a heat wave.
Flip your mattress
Do you regularly flip or rotate your mattress? If not, you could be cutting short the life of your mattress. If you have a newer memory-foam mattress, rotate it 180 degrees. If you have a spring mattress, flip it over and then rotate it. Doing this helps to avoid making hills and valleys in your mattress so that you can get a better night’s sleep. Once you’ve flipped and/or rotated it, clean your mattress.
Clean your medicine cabinet
Medications have a shelf life, so there’s no reason to keep a stockpile of those things that have expired. Make sure to properly dispose of prescriptions. You may also want to reconsider where you store medications. The bathroom is often not a good place, since it can be too hot or humid. Choose a place that is cool, well ventilated, and difficult for children or guests to find. Now is also a good time to stock up on allergy medications, since allergy season is just around the corner.
Check emergency supplies
Finally, use Daylight Saving as a reminder to check all your emergency supplies. Check flashlights and change batteries as needed. Look through your first aid kits and make sure they are stocked with all the necessities. Update your emergency contact list and keep it posted in an area that is easy for everyone in the family to access. Though you will hopefully never need any of these things, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that everything is at the ready.
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