Didn't-know-I-had-to-dos
If you and your partner always divided up the chores, there may be things that he or she did that you never concerned yourself with. You knew they were taken care of. These things are often taken for granted, and probably shouldn't be ignored. Bill-paying, lawn care, car maintenance...the list goes on. Now is the time to identify those chores and decide if you're able to take them on yourself, or will need help. Everyone will decide differently, but the major factors will be your health, the complexity of the chore, and the cost to have someone else do it for you. If you don't know what these chores are, ask someone you trust to help you identify some of them. You don't know what you don't know, and it's okay to ask for help.
Household Chores
- Change the air conditioner/heater filters regularly (every 2-3 months is usually recommended)
- Change smoke detector batteries annually
- Spray the interior for pest control (or know the vendor you use)
- Clean the interior/exterior windows and sills
- Take the trash to the curb on your pickup day
- Know where your breaker box is and how to reset a tripped circuit
- Know where your GFI outlets are, what runs on each one, and how to test or reset them
- Know how to open your garage door from the inside if there is a power failure
- If you have an alarm system, know how to activate/deactivate it and know the password if the company calls to respond
Yard & Exterior Chores
- Mow, weed, trim, fertilize or any other yard chore not covered by your lawn care company
- Clean or power wash house exterior, driveway, sidewalks periodically
- Know where the timers are and how to set them (sprinklers, landscape lights)
- Check your sprinklers from time to time to make sure you have no leaks or broken heads
- Replace exterior light bulbs when needed
Car & Vehicle Chores
- Know what kind of gas to use
- Wash, wax & detail periodically
- Oil & filter change; transmission fluid, wiper fluid, brake fluid checked
- Tire rotation and balancing, front end alignment
- Regularly scheduled maintenance
- Charge and/or run golf cart, boat, car, motorcycle or RV periodically
Tips:
- Make a list of the vendors you use and their phone numbers. and keep it handy.
- Write on a calendar the things that need to be done periodically, such as change air conditioner filters every 3 months.
- If any of these chores require that you climb a ladder, DON'T BE ALONE when you do this. Ask a neighbor to stand by to spot you.
- Also ask a neighbor to "drop by" if you are uncomfortable with a vendor coming to your home to give you an estimate
- Consider membership in AAA or roadside assistance through your auto insurance provider
Being one doesn't have to mean being alone.
Let's help each other.