Daylight savings happens twice a year. We set our clocks forward an hour in the spring and back an hour in the fall. This is the perfect time of the year to remember to do tasks around the house. When daylight savings comes this year, take time to address these issues.
Daylight savings time begins soon! However, if you live in Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and the US Virgin Islands, nothing changes!
It may be a pain to have to change the clocks and the time of day. Even worse is often adjusting to the time change. However, changing your clocks is an excellent reminder that it is time to take care of some essential tasks!
WHEN IS DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME?
Daylight savings time starts on Sunday, March 11, 2018, at 2:00 am (your local time). It ends Sunday, November 4th, 2018.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO WHEN IT IS DAYLIGHT SAVINGS?
Set your clocks forward one hour
Your clocks will “spring” ahead one hour at 2 am. It is better to set them forward one hour before you go to sleep the night before. That way, you won’t be late for anything you may have planned on Sunday morning.
Check the batteries in your smoke detector
A working smoke detector is a must. If you don’t have any, get them. Now.
If you do have detectors, this is the time of the year you should change your batteries and test every detector in your house. This simple task gives you peace of mind that they work well. Take a minute to find battery coupons to save money at the store.
Safety tip: If your smoke detector is ten years old (or older), replace it. If you can’t afford smoke detectors, your local fire station will provide them to you, free of charge.
Switch out your clothes
Go into your closet and pull out all of your winter clothes. Move your spring and summer items forward. As you do, turn the hangers backward on the rod. Then, in the fall when you change your clothes around again, you will know which items you never wore. It helps you quickly identify the things you no longer need and can donate.
Before you hang your winter items back in the closet, go through them. Toss items that are worn or stained. Donate clothing you no longer wear. Then, hang your winter items at the back of your closet.
Flip your mattress
It is always smart to flip (or rotate) your mattress every six months. Doing this when you change your clocks will keep you pretty close to this schedule. Just don’t forget to vacuum it before and after you flip it.
Clean the medicine cabinet
Find old prescriptions you no longer need. Check the expiration date on other items. Make sure you properly dispose of things you no longer use. If you do not know how to do so safely, you can read tips here.
Change the filters
You might have a service tech who will service your air conditioning unit and change the filter. However, you should also change out the filter in any coffee makers, refrigerators, your vacuum — and any other items that use one. If you do not swap them out, then at least clean them according to the manufacturer’s instruction.
Check your disaster kit
Spring is the time of year when storms creep up and can bring with them tornados and flooding. Check your disaster kit to make sure you have all of the items you need including making sure the food is not spoiled, adding fresh bottled water, checking medications and more. Make sure the shoes and clothes still fit and replace as needed.
If you do not have a disaster kit, make one. If you aren’t sure where to start, you can learn how to make your disaster kit.
Clean your vents
Vents are something we often forget to clean. If you take a look, you might see yours has a little much dust on it. Clean off the vents on your walls and floor.
As you do this, make sure you also clean your dryer vent. Don’t forget to sweep/vacuum under your washer and dryer, as this is where you can often find a build up of dust and lint.
Finally, check behind your stove and refrigerator and vacuum the dust there as well.
Clean the pantry/fridge/freezer
Time to go through and toss any expired food and to take inventory of what you need. Check spices as they can lose potency over time so it might be the time to replace.
Wash all your bedding (including pillows)
Toss the blankets into the wash to clean them (and then put them away if you no longer need them). Make sure you also wash your pillows too!
If needed, replace blankets and pillows (but don’t do so unless there is a sale).
Clean the fireplace
You will not have a fire in your fireplace until winter. That means it is time to clean it. Wipe down the walls and clean out the ash. You should also bring in a professional to inspect and clean the flue.
Switch the direction of the ceiling fan
You want your fan to run counterclockwise to bring cooler air into your room. If they run clockwise, make sure you flip the switch, as clockwise will force warm air down into your room.
HOW TO ADJUST TO DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
The time change can be tough on your sleep and your body in general.
Start Adjusting Early
Around 7 – 10 days before daylight savings begins, adjust your sleep cycle. Your entire family, including babies and children, should do this. If possible, go to be around 10 – 15 minutes earlier each night. Eventually, you will be in bed and (hopefully) asleep earlier, allowing your body to have an easier time adjusting to the time change.
Keep a Dark Room
The time change means longer days and brighter evenings; especially at bedtime. Get room darkening shades or blinds to help keep the room as dark a possible.
Follow Your Routine
It is essential to keep the same routine, at the same time of the day. Continue to eat wake, eat your meals and do other things at the same time each day. Doing so will help your body adapt.
One routine that can make a difference is the one at night. Both kids and adults need to wind down in the evening. It may mean taking a bath or shower, dim lights and quiet rooms.
No naps
Well, for adults, at least. As tired you may be in the afternoon, try not to nap. That could affect your sleep at night and lead to more problems. Do things to keep yourself awake and go to bed at your regular time. Your body will eventually catch up, and you won’t be as tired in the middle of the afternoon.
