One way to help in your community is to donate food to your local food bank. The most-wanted items include complete meals in cans (like soup and chili), canned tuna, peanut butter and healthy snacks like granola bars and dried fruit. But items like large bags of rice, flour and sugar are not wanted: Most food banks do not have the ability to repackage them for distribution. Also, if you donate glass, be sure to wrap it in boxes or bubble wrap to prevent damage in a donation bin.

If you use a dehumidifier at home, you might wonder what you can do with the tank of water it collects. First, don't use it to water plants: when humid air runs through the metal elements in a dehumidifier, it can leave trace metals. You should also never consume the water, so don't give it to your family pets. Instead, fill a toilet tank with the water, and use it to flush toilets.

Now is a good time to remove, clean and store your in-window air conditioners. This protects your air conditioner from the harsh winter elements so when it's time to re-install it, it will actually work; plus, it helps remove small cracks and crevices from your open window when you're trying to keep your home warm. If you can't remove the unit, wrap it in plastic sheeting with insulation inside, and use duct tape to secure it shut.