The Big Winter & Christmas Sort-Out - Part One
Christmas is coming. The weather's turning. And somewhere around your house there's probably a list of jobs you've been ignoring since August.
We get it. Christmas shopping is considerably more appealing than clearing drains or dealing with that suspicious damp patch.
But a little winter preparation now could save you a lot of grief later.
Welcome to The Big Winter & Christmas Sort-Out - six weeks, six jobs and one winter-proof, Christmas-ready home.
Here are your first three jobs.
1. Clear the Garden Before Winter Takes Over
Your garden probably looks like autumn threw a party and forgot to clean up.
Leaves everywhere. Overgrown hedges. Debris collecting around paths and drains.
Wet leaves can create slippery surfaces, while blocked ground-level drainage can contribute to standing water during heavy rain.
Your checklist:
Clear fallen leaves from paths and driveways.
Remove debris from accessible ground-level drains.
Tidy hedges where appropriate.
Make sure entrances and walkways are clear.
The tools: Leaf blowers and hedge trimmers.
Hiring the right equipment can turn a weekend-long chore into a much more manageable job.
And no, waiting for a Scottish gale to blow everything into next door's garden isn't a maintenance strategy.
2. Give Your Driveway and Paths a Proper Clean
Slippery algae. Ground-in grime. That green stuff that's practically claimed squatters' rights on your paving.
Add November rain and falling temperatures, and your driveway can quickly become an accident waiting to happen.
Cleaning suitable outdoor surfaces before winter sets in helps remove built-up dirt and improves their appearance.
The tools: Pressure washers.
A pressure washer can make a serious difference to suitable paths, patios and driveways. Just check the surface, use the correct pressure and choose a mild, frost-free day.
Avoid cleaning in freezing conditions, when leftover water could turn to ice.
Because the only thing that should be sliding down your driveway this Christmas is Santa's sleigh.
3. Deal With Damp Before the Guests Arrive
Condensation on the windows? A room that never quite dries out? That musty smell you've been pretending not to notice?
Winter has a habit of exposing moisture problems.
Before you turn the spare bedroom into a festive guest suite, it's worth investigating.
The tools: Dehumidifiers and wet/dry vacuums.
Dehumidifiers can help manage excess moisture and support drying after suitable building or decorating work. Wet/dry vacuums can help with appropriate clean-up jobs.
But remember, equipment won't fix a leaking roof or broken pipe. Always address the source of persistent damp, and seek specialist advice where needed.
Because a Christmas candle isn't going to disguise a serious moisture problem. No matter how much it smells like gingerbread.
Three Jobs Down. Three to Go.
The garden's tidier, the paths are cleaner and the damp's being dealt with.
Next month, we're heading indoors to refresh tired floors, tackle the big Christmas clean and finish those last-minute outdoor jobs.
Need the right tools?
Explore the equipment available to hire from Martin Plant Hire at www.martinplanthire.co.uk.
Martin Plant Hire. The right tools for the jobs you've been putting off.