Like it or not, winter is coming. The glorious colors and sunny afternoons of fall will soon give way to colder days and freezing precipitation. Just like you might change out your wardrobe for warmer duds this time of year, you’ll also need to prepare your home and its décor for the coming chill.
Below you’ll find a list of helpful tips to get your place ready for winter before it’s even begun. Whether you live in a very cool climate or one that’s used to mild winters, there’s something here that every homeowner can use to get ready. Grab a cup of your favorite hot beverage and read on to find out how to get started.
Start on the outside and move in
Quality area rugs that you’ve used outside all summer long should be carefully rolled and stored in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Storing them this way will keep even your cheapest rugs from fading and becoming worn.
Cover or store any outdoor furnishings
While protective covers can seem expensive for these items, purchasing them is still cheaper than completely replacing a set of outdoor furniture that’s become cracked and faded with the weather. Even a few high quality tarps held down with bungee cord are a better alternative than leaving them uncovered.
Drain and roll up garden hoses and store them indoors
If you have a sprinkler system, you might want to arrange to have its pipes blown out to minimize the risk of a leak.
Now that you’ve got all of our summertime gear covered or stored, perk up your home’s exterior with a few seasonal decorations. A couple of potted shrubs on the front porch and a wreath on the front door will keep the place from looking barren. Outside, a cheerful welcome mat in a bright color will let neighbors know you’re not hibernating when they come to visit.
Check the seals around your windows and doors
Rubber stripping can wear over time and with use, allowing drafts to seep in and causing a drain on your energy costs. Luckily, this is an easy and cheap fix. Replace weather stripping where needed and fill holes and gaps with caulking.
Fall is also a great time to check your home’s insulation
Did your home feel unusually warm this past summer? It might be time to upgrade or even add new insulation. If you have a crawlspace instead of a basement, you might want to look into adding insulation beneath your home to keep chilly winter air from seeping through the floorboards.
Schedule an inspection of your home’s heating system before the weather cools down
You don’t want to switch it on on that first cool day and find out you have no heat! It’s also a good idea to replace your system’s air filter every month. Heating and cooling systems work more efficiently with new filters.
Have hardwood? Adding a seasonal area rug will help warm it up as temperatures drop and keep it from the wear and tear of heavier winter footwear. You’ll also change up the look of your home’s interior with this simple change – always a welcome sight when the outside looks dreary.
If you have a fireplace, it will probably see a lot of action this fall and winter.
It’s a smart idea to have it checked, cleaned, and inspected by a professional chimney sweep before you use it this season. Once that’s done, give it a good scrub and re-paint any areas that appear chipped or worn. Spruce it up with a few new family photos, some garland, and a few scented candles to add a cozy appeal. If you love to lounge near the fireside, splurge on a few new throw pillows and comfy throws.
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