By Jay Remer, Home Ownership Editor

This winter has been unseasonably warm for most of the US. Don’t worry. The cold weather will be here soon enough. I recommend taking this opportunity to get ahead with those pesky winter chores we so adeptly put off until we’re buried under 3 feet of snow (or worse).

1.    Fill the bird feeders. Clean and wash them out if necessary. Birds will not eat rotten seed.
2.    Pile the firewood somewhere it will stay dryish, covering it with a tarp if necessary.
3.    Fill the washer fluid reservoir in your car.
4.    Buy a snow shovel that works as well as some salt or sand for ice.
5.    Treat yourself to a spa day if possible. You know you deserve one after the holidays.
6.    Make a couple of New Year resolutions, but put them away until spring when you are more likely to be in a mood to make some lifestyle changes.
7.    Organize your re-gifting drawer/closet. A trip to the thrift store may be in order.
8.    Write your thank you notes if you have not yet done so. The operative word is “write”, as in hand write. Emails and text messages are not a good alternative.
9.    Clean out the freezer and plan to eat whatever is in there before it expires from freezer burn.
10.    Air your heavy coats, blankets, and small rugs on the clothesline. Fresh crisp air has amazing deodorizing power!