How to Prepare for the Fall Time Change

Daylight Savings Time was started in part, to save energy.
Nothing has proven that it does, but you can save energy anyway!

It's time to get ready to set your clocks back an hour. Here are some ideas to help you do so on the right day!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Calendar
• Note cards
• Colorful pens
• Energy saving light bulbs
• Warm blankets
• Warm clothing
• All clocks
• Candles
• New Batteries
• Flashlights

1. Before November 1, take out a few note cards that you can post around your house, preferable near your clocks, stating: Don't forget to change this clock!
   
   Use your colorful pens to make them bright and cheerful and hard to miss.
   
   Post your notes in all the places you normally use to leave yourself a reminder note. Near the clocks, out in your car, if you have a clock in your car, and in any appointment books, or on the actual clock itself.

2. Before the actual day of the time change, it's always nice to prepare, by organizing your lighting, and your fall and winter clothes and bedding for the time change too. Doing these few things will help make your time change transition easier as well.
   
   This year's time change will actually be on November 1, so you need to be getting ready just before that date.
   
   Since there will be less daylight hours, and the fall and winter season can be darker, as well colder, check all your lights to be sure they have the energy savings ratings, and are all in good working order.
   Replace any that aren't.
   
   Make sure all your heating sources are in good condition and working order as well.
   
   On warmer, sunnier days be sure to open any window coverings to let light in, and for solar gain and added warmth, but also, have on hand your winter wear, layers, and your cozier blankets.
   
   At dark be sure to close up your window coverings to retain heat as well.

3. You can always send yourself an email reminder note, or post it to any auto calendar you may have with reminder settings.
   
   Keep fresh new batteries on hand for any back up flashlights, and your clocks that run on batteries.

Tips & Warnings

• Have on hand extra candles, in case of the power goes off. If you try the above tips and still find yourself forgetting about time change every year, call a friend, tell them about it, and ask them to call you that night and remind you as well.
• Be sure to winterize any leaky draft areas of your home around Daylight Savings Time Change, and save energy that way too. If you have any travel plans during these times of time changes and not be sure to double check them well, since not all places use time change and it can get confusing.

[bosherus]

on 11/1/2009 Great article about the time change! Thanks for your tips. 5* and recommend.

[swiss24]

on 10/25/2009 Also called 'Summer Time' Check out a cool fact site... http://www.webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/b.html Swiss24 - Taos, New Mexico