With the weather cold outside, February is a good month to put your nesting instinct to work and get your home as clean and cozy as possible. When the warm weather arrives, you’ll be glad you got a head start on these indoor tasks so you can spend more time outdoors.

Declutter and organize

• Consolidate half-empty containers of cleaning supplies and wipe down shelves before replacing items.
• Get rid of frayed, worn out towels and sheets in your linen closet.
• Sort, shred and file papers; back up digital files on your computer.

 

Clean

• Wipe down interior windows, window sills, vacuum walls, corners and baseboards.
• Wash or dry clean comforters, duvets and bed skirts. Pillows can be fluffed in the dryer on a no-heat setting.
• Open a window to let in some fresh air, use an air purifier or buy some house plants to keep the indoor air clean.

Protect and maintain

• Place washable rugs at all entry doors to protect floors from melting snow, salt and sand.
• Test smoke and carbon dioxide detectors; change batteries as needed.

Also, if you’re planning to put your home on the market this spring, talk to your real estate agent about any repairs or improvements you’ll need to make. February is a good month to hire any painters, contractors or landscapers and make a schedule of work to be done.