Get Ready for Winter: Organizing Your Home for Cold Weather

Winter is coming, and a little organization now will lead to being fully prepared when the cold hits. Here’s how to get your home winter-ready in four steps.

Step 1: Declutter and Store Summer Items

Start by clearing out summer gear—patio furniture, beach towels, gardening tools. Discard anything that is broken or that hasn’t been used in the past six months, and anything that the kids have outgrown. For the items you keep, clean them before storing to avoid damage and so they are ready to use in the spring. Use weather-tight bins or vacuum-sealed bags for outdoor cushions or pool floats, and store them away (be sure they are fully dry before doing so).

Step 2: Organize Winter Essentials

Bring out winter gear—coats, boots, scarves, shovels—and organize them for easy access. Old homes often lack coat closet space, so you may need to create a dedicated entryway zone with hooks for coats, a boot tray, and baskets for gloves. If you are lucky enough to have a coat closet, make a pass through to confirm everything still fits and that you have all the matches for your gloves. Drag out your shovels and ice melt, and put them where you’ll have easy access. (Pro Tip: Put your shovels on a boot tray to keep water, ice melt, and rust from damaging your surfaces.) Finally, if you have a snow blower, give it a test run and make sure you have an adequate fuel supply.

Step 3: Check Emergency Supplies

Heavy, wet snow can bring power outages or snowed-in days, so it’s a good idea to have an emergency kit on hand. Stock a bin with an emergency radio, flashlights, batteries, blankets, non-perishable food, and a first-aid kit. Keep some jugs of water (replace yearly) as well. If you have one, fire up your generator to confirm it still works and test out your space heaters. Keep this kit in an accessible spot, like a hall closet, and label it clearly. Review your supplies yearly and replace expired items.

Step 4: Schedule Seasonal Maintenance

Avoid last-minute panic by organizing your maintenance tasks now. Schedule a furnace inspection, clean your gutters, and check doors and windows for drafts. Use a calendar or your phone reminders to track these tasks and set reminders for next year. Keep a record of your maintenance in a binder or with your files for easy reference. This proactive approach saves money, minimizes the chance of a middle-of-the-night emergency furnace repair call, and keeps your home warm.

With a little proactiveness, the transition to winter can be easy and you can be stress-free in the face of unpredictable weather. Organized storage and emergency supplies mean you’re prepared for anything, from a snow day to a power outage. Start this weekend by storing one summer item and feel the relief of being one step ahead for winter.