USE WINTER FOR A CAREFREE SPRING

By mid-February, many of us are "thinking Spring" even if snow continues to fall. This is time management on steroids - using winter boredoms to your best advantage and freeing up time to enjoy Spring when the great weather arrives.

# 1. Damage Prevention & Protection Strategies

Check with your home insurer to ensure you have the right type and amount of coverage for your home and recreational property. Make this review an annual rite of pre-spring.

Water-damage prevention also includes storing expensive or treasured items, like family photos, on upper floors. Keep as much up off the floor as possible in the basement, even in finished areas. When renovating, use damp-proof and waterproof materials and techniques. Have a sump pump or, to prevent sewer backup during storms, a backwater valve professionally installed. Check with the state insurance department or state department of emergency management to learn about mitigation plans that will lessen damage to your property during natural disasters.

#2. Plan Ahead To Finish Early

Book renovation and modernization projects with contractors before the Spring Rush. If you're planning a new roof, deck, or central air system, contact suppliers now to learn details while they have time to talk to you. Book now, so you'll be first in line when the weather breaks. Check the age of water heaters and other equipment and appliances to see what's ready for replacement. Shop end-of-winter and spring's-coming sales for great prices.

#3. Time Management: From "Spring Cleaning" to "Winter Cleaning"

If you're spending more time in than out, step away from the screen and use this time to move your goals forward. De-clutter room by room, drawer by drawer, while you're home bound. This way the house will be clean and you'll be house free when you'd rather be gardening. While you declutter, create a home inventory, which will be useful for insurance. Also, gather important papers, the home inventory, emergency information, and copies of vital prescriptions in a waterproof box. Leave originals off-site in a safety deposit box and send an electronic copy somewhere safe just in case.

All this activity will also help you prepare your home for sale as soon as the "Spring Market" heats up. If you'll be buying this Spring, moving just got easier. You will also have a clearer picture of exactly how much space you really need.

#4. Get Ahead of Deadlines

Make 2016 the year you start tax preparation early and finish ahead of the deadline and without stress. While decluttering, collect receipts and other documents necessary for filing. This is a great house-bound project. You'll be ready to spend your refund money when the nice weather appears.

#5. Plant Bulbs for Early Show

With all that satisfying work behind you, it's time for fun. If planting spring flower bulbs outside is out of the question, trick tulips, daffodils, or crocus into blooming now and have Spring early.

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