COVID-19: 10 things you finally have the time to do
For anyone whose work is on pause due to COVID-19, who has time on their hands and is feeling rather guilty about all the TV they’ve been watching, here are 10 suggestions for things that you rarely have time to do.
1. Inventory your property
Exciting, right? Go around your home and make a detailed list of all your belongings, with the approximate value of each. An inventory is a lifesaver if you ever need to file a homeowner’s claim, and it also gives you a realistic estimate of how much insurance coverage you need. Motivated? Here are some tips to streamline the process.
2. Protect your data
Now that you have your home inventory and appropriate home insurance coverage, it’s a good time to think about one thing that no insurance company can replace: the contents of your hard drive. To make sure you don’t lose everything in the event of theft or fire, back up your data in the cloud or on an external hard drive kept at a relative’s or friend’s home or at your office. While you’re at it, include your inventory in your backup!
3. Wash your car
Now’s the time to give in to the urge to clean everything in sight—especially considering how sad the cars look after the winter. Follow this guide from CAA-Quebec to detail your vehicle inside and out. For the most enjoyment and the best results, make it part of your daily exercise routine, giving the salt stains on your floor mats a good scrub with vinegar, water, and a brush. What a treat! And if you can’t manage a full-on deep clean, remember that it’s important to disinfect your vehicle when you go to the store, especially the areas you touch with your hands. Both soapy water and disinfecting wipes work, but don’t forget to rinse well and dry all surfaces quickly.
4. Do some maintenance on your vehicle
Until your next visit to your favorite garage, it’s a good idea to do some maintenance yourself. Check your owner’s manual. CAA-Quebec also has a series of videos on maintaining your vehicle yourself as well as posts with tips and tricks on all things motor vehicle related.
5. Read the owner’s manual for your vehicle
The owner’s manual contains important information, such as how to use your infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, and other driver assistance systems. You’ll also find some maintenance basics there.
6. ’Tis the season...for spring cleaning!’
Winter is over and the universe is giving you the gift of time. Here’s a list of spring cleaning jobs to make the most of it. Remember to check your smoke detectors and inspect the caulking on the outside of your house when cleaning the gutters.
7. Start planning your next vacation
Just because you have to stay home doesn’t mean you can’t let your imagination roam! The public health department hasn’t issued any restrictions on planning future travel. In fact, that could be a great way to keep your spirits up! Browse brochures, break out your travel guides, and plan your itinerary! You can also book travel that’s further out.
8. Check in with your travel agent
Travel counsellors have been working hard to bring hundreds of travellers home due to the emergency. Do you have a travel agent? Check in on them! Take a few minutes to chat about your bucket list. Sure, you can’t travel right now, but you can still dream. Give them a call!
9. Check your travel insurance
Some people are insured “at work,” others rely on the insurance provided by their credit cards. That coverage may very well be sufficient. But have you ever taken the time to check? Pull out your policies and read them carefully, paying special attention to the maximum coverage period, which members of your family are covered, maximum reimbursement amounts, etc.
10. Spend time with your family
Call Grandma. Have a picnic in the living room, or watch a movie with the whole family together under one blanket. So often we forget to make time for family in our busy world. It’s now or never!
Whatever you do, please remember: we are resilient. If we stick together, stay home, and strictly follow the social distancing and hygiene protocols, we will get through this together! Thank you for doing your part!