November Home Checklist – Home Improvement & Home Decor Ideas

See this helpful November Home Checklist and discover the essential home improvement & home decor ideas for the month of November!

Includes home maintenance tips, holiday planning tips and cozy home decor ideas.

With American Thanksgiving around the corner and Christmas fast approaching, there is so much to do and prepare for this month!

Prepare your home for colder winter weather and get a jump on holiday hosting prep so you can enjoy Christmas with family and friends!

Things to accomplish in an Hour or Less

1. Survey walkways, paths, railings for safety

When the snow arrives you want all your paths, steps and railings to be secure and safe to prevent slips and falls!

Take a walk around your house with a notepad and pen and inspect all steps, railings and paths for safety concerns and make repairs as needed.

2. Ice melter for exterior sidewalks, pathways and stairs

Buy a couple of bags or jugs of ice melter and store in your garage so that you’re ready to de-ice your steps and paths.

This ice and snow melter is pet friendly!

3. Bird feeders

If you love watching winter birds buy a bird feeder and birdseed and set them up in your backyard!

We love watching the chickadees and bluejays at our winter feeders!

4. Check the sump pump

Check your sump pump to make sure it’s in working order!

With Noveber rain and ice melt you don’t want your sump pump to fail and cause water build up in your basement!

November Home Checklist – Tackle These Tasks Over a Weekend

5. Snow shovels and snowblower

Inspect your snow shovels and snowblower and store them in the garage if they’ve been in a shed.

If you own a snowblower make sure it’s in working order and if not schedule a maintenance appointment.

Buy fuel for it.

Be ready for the first snowfall with durable snow shovels and a snowblower that works!

6. Remove last of the fall leaves

Remove as many leaves as you can from your yard now before the snow arrives!

7. Inspect the exterior of your home

Look for loose shingles, siding, downspouts, and windows.

If you see that repairs are needed schedule an appointment to have them repaired.

8. Deep clean bathrooms and kitchen

November is a great time to deep clean your kitchen in advance of holiday guests arriving and any parties you are hosting!

I love this cordless 2 in 1 wet dry vacuum floor cleamer!

It washes and vacuums floors (including LVP, hardwood and tile!) in a jiffy!

9. Replace bathroom and kitchen caulk and grout

With your kitchen and bathroom being used frequently this month and next, it’s important to replace any loose and damaged tile caulk and grout.

You can do it yourself or call a handyman.

10. Emergency kit for your car

Add a winter emergency kit to your car, so that if your car breaks down you can stay safe and warm!

Also add a tote bag or duffel bag filled with:

a couple of warm blankets
winter coat
warm scarf, mitts and hat
snow pants
warm winter boots
water bottles
granola bars

11. Get a head start on holiday prep

If you’re hosting Christmas meals or parties make sure you are organized!

Make sure your table linens and guest towels are freshly laundered and ironed if necessary.

Get ready for overnight and weekend guests!

Take stock of your cutlery and serving ware and purchase any dishes, bowls, serving utensils and casserole dishes you may need.

Get your kitchen knives sharpened and polish silver flatware and serving pieces.

Add extra hangers to your front closet for guests.

Buy beautiful paper napkins for appetizers, desserts and buffets.

12. Purchase holiday greeting cards

Order your holiday photo cards now, so you can get them addressed and stamped to mail out next month.

Don’t forget to buy a set of blank Christmas cards to have on hand for guests that pop in and impromptu holiday party invites.

13. Buy holiday gift wrap, gift bags and gift tags

Take stock of your holiday gift wrap, bags and tags and buy some if needed.

I love this neutral holiday gift wrap and this gorgeous sage green, white and black Christmas wrapping paper set.

These neutral sage green, white and black gift bags are stunning.

Love these beautiful holiday gift tags!

14. Decorate your front porch for the holidays

Take a look at this Holiday porch for decorating ideas.

I love adding festive curb appeal to my front porch at Christmas with a wreath, garland around my front door and pine and birch urns decorated with natural elements!

15. Pick up a faux Christmas tree if you need one!

Now’s the time to pick up a new tree if you need one – while they are in stock!

Don’t wait because you may not get the one you want.

These are my favorite Christmas trees this year!

16. Make a few DIY gifts in advance

Make these quick and easy gift ideas for friends and family!

17. Bake holiday cookies that can be made in advance and frozen!

Make these delicious and festive Apple and Cranberry Icebox Cookies that can be made now and frozen.

Such a delicious idea for your upcoming cookie exchanges, holiday parties, a hostess gift and gift for the foodie.

Package them in these bakery boxes with some ribbon and a gift tag for quick and easy gifts!

Maintenance and Other Things for This Month

18. Force amaryllis and paper white bulbs

Start forcing flowering bulbs now so they are in bloom for the holidays.

19. Order firewood

If you have a wood burning fireplace take stock of your firewood and purchase more if needed.

20. Inspect and fix plumbing

Check all toilets, faucets and shower fittings to make sure they are working properly and not leaking, so your home is ready for guests next month!

21. Paint a room

Now’s the time to paint that room that you’ve been wanting to refresh!

Guests and family that are visiting in December is a great incentive!

These are helpful painting ideas:

If you have a dated tile fireplace surround and mantel, paint them white to showcase your holiday decor!

See how to paint fireplace tile and paint a wood mantel fresh bright white.

I hope you enjoyed this November Home Checklist!