Before settling down to enjoy a long winter's nap, a few essential home maintenance tasks need to be done as the new year begins! For January, we suggest focusing on some of the most neglected home maintenance tasks to get your house back in tip-top shape.

Home Inventory Check Up

If you still need to create a home inventory at your house, these chilly days are perfect for checking that off your list. Preparing for home losses is never fun, but having a complete home inventory will alleviate some burdens if disaster strikes. 

Grab some paper (or make a spreadsheet), a standard tape measure, and a camera (a cell phone camera is acceptable) to start this task. Be prepared to cover the home's indoor and outdoor areas. 

Take a video of all the areas outside your home, such as the patio, the landscaping, and the hardscaping. Inside, go room by room, taking photos and videos of the space. You'll need to provide proof of ownership of the items in your inventory. This can be done by recording the purchase dates and sources of the things and attaching any appraisal statements and receipts.

If you made the inventory on paper, put it in a three-ring binder and organize it neatly. You can also copy the documents to a DVD, CD, online storage, or flash drive if it's in digital format. Make three copies of the inventory to be kept at home, in a safety deposit box, or in a remote location.

Check Roof and Gutters

Although ice may look pretty on your roof, it can still cause leaks and damage your structure. When snow covers the roof, ice dams form. These form as the warm attic air warms the surrounding area, which melts and refreezes as it enters the cold eaves. Ice dams can prevent water from flowing off your roof. They can also cause water to back up under your shingles, and this can lead to a leak in your attic. Be proactive and ensure gutters and downspouts are clear and flowing freely all winter. 

Change Water & Air Filters

The water filters in your icemaker and water filtration system should be changed at least once a year. If they become too dirty, the water flow will slow down, and mold will form inside. Before you remove one, make sure you have the replacement ready to go. If you're checking the water filters, go ahead and check for any air filters that may also need to be replaced around your home.

Clean Your Closet

Closets collect just about everything over the years - things get tossed in there and then just as quickly forgotten about. Start the new year strong by cleaning out the clutter in your home's closets. Take everything out of the closet and purge the items that are no longer useful. Make piles for trash and donation and sort accordingly. While everything is out of the closet, dust and vacuum the inside to get any dust bunnies out! Then, hang up your clothes and reorganize as you need to!

Do you save any chores at your house for the new year? Is there anything you do around the house to start the year on a strong note?