Halloween has now passed, which means it’s officially holiday season! Most families tend to travel during the holidays. While you’re booking travel, don’t forget to give your home a little TLC before you head out of town for a few days. We’ve compiled a few tips to help you prepare your home for your upcoming trip.

• Prepare your fireplace by screening the top off to keep animals out. Have the chimney professionally cleaned to remove soot and creosote.
• Protect your home from the outside by trimming tree branches that hang over or near the home and move any fragile potted plants to a protected area or inside.
• Prepare your plumbing by draining all garden hoses and insulating all exposed pipes.
• Get out your winter-related tools like snow blowers, snow shovels, ice choppers and ice-melt and sand. Drain gas from your lawnmower – it won’t be getting much use until the warmer months return.

What are some of your winterizing tips for your home?

Thanks to Flickr user Denis Collette…!!! for this awesome photo.