Getting Ready For The Cold Weather and Winter Holidays
Fall is upon us and winter is literally right around the corner, so don't blink. This is a full guide to help you get ready for winter today!
The links in this post may be affiliate links. That means that if you click them and make a purchase, this site makes a commission. It will have no impact on the price you pay or the experience of your purchase.
Where has 2019 even gone? How are we already in the last quarter of the year?
As the winter blows its way in and the holiday season takes over, you may want to get prepared.
This is a very long list of things you can get done to feel more prepared and less frazzled as the winter holiday season approaches.
Don’t drive yourself into a tizzy trying to get it all done. Moderation is key. Do what you can, and the rest will be there. Trust me when I say it ain’t going nowhere.
Getting The Outdoors Of Your Home Winter Ready
Homeownership is no small feat. It comes with lots of benefits, but there's no shortage of responsibility.
Yard work is a part of homeownership. And depending on your position, it may be a bit of a burden or an exciting task. But nonetheless, it has to get done.
While it is essential in the spring and summer months, it is just as important for getting ready for the cold weather to come in.
Thinking about the warmer seasons for the next year may be the last thing on your mind as you enter into the cooler months. But trust me when I say that thinking about it and preparing will make you love yourself when spring rolls back around.
These are some things I recommend you do to prepare for the colder months.
Trim bushes one last time
Our bushes get those weed vines that wrap around them. When the hubs trim them, I remind him to remove the vines so that it does not affect their bloom and growth next year.
We’ve lost a few bushes before because we did not take care of this.
Rake the leaves
Raking leaves is never fun. But what’s worse is really heavy leaves that have been rained on and/or covered in snow for months.
Don’t wait. Get those leaves sooner rather than later.
Cut the grass
I usually feel like this is no big deal. But cutting the grass one last time makes a difference. Especially so that you can fertilize the grass.
Fertilize the grass
Apply a good winter ready fertilizer that nourishes and treats your grass to minimize weed overgrowth and helps you grow nice thick beautiful grass next year.
It helps your lawn to grow strong, deep roots. Feeds to help repair damage from the summer heat and drought. Formulated for use on all grass types. Apply in Fall when weeds are actively growing. Delivers the nutrients lawns need after the challenges of summer. Promotes a more beautiful lawn next spring.
Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn Fertilizer
Scotts Turf Builder Winterguard Fall Lawn Fertilizer Plus Weed Control
Clean and Cover the grill
This one is simple. Get a grill cover and cover that thing up to avoid rust and extra wear on your grill.
55-inch BBQ Cover
Durable fabric handles at two sides for easy fitting and removal effortlessly in seconds. Handles can also be used for hanging and storage. Convenient heavy-duty 1.5" wide fastening straps keep cover securely fastened and prevent cover from slipping or blowing off.
64 Inch Grill Cover Waterproof
Made of durable woven polyester with a water repellent coating and a water-resistant undercoating, that keeps your grill dry. Heavy Duty Gas Grill Cover that is compatible with many brands.
Trim annuals
Winterizing your garden probably sounds a little overwhelming, but it does not have to be. Get Busy Gardening has an amazing guide for how to get it done.
Put away outdoor furniture cushions
Trim tree branches
If you do not have even the slightest clue where to start when trimming trees, this tree trimming guide from Get Busy Gardening has all the info you need to get it done, in the name of DIYing your life, and saving a little money by not having to hire a professional.
Clean and organize the garage
Put up seasonal toys
Put up bikes
Need some ideas for storing bikes beyond cluttering up the shed? Here’s a few.
Bring plants in that won’t last outdoors
As with everything, there are levels to gardening. A right and wrong way, if you will, to even bring in the plants. I am just starting to play my hand with greenery, so here’s a guide from someone who knows what they are talking about to help you get those plants ready and in for winter.
Gas stabilizer for lawn equipment.
Gas Stabilizer is an alternative to draining gas from your summer tools. Using a stabilizer helps to make sure the tools you won’t be running for a while, like mowers, blowers, and trimmers, don’t have the gas go bad in them. You can grab you some here.
Drain and unscrew hoses
Clean and empty gutters
Gas up the snowblower
Pull out shovels
Cover air conditioning unit
Sweep porches, decks, and patios
Don’t forget to get those leaves from the porches, decks and patios when cleaning the yard. It will create less work for you when you are ready to pull the patio furniture back out and enjoy the space again.
Clean exterior windows
Get The Indoors Of Your Home Winter Ready
Clean window interiors
I don’t think I had to do this as much before my son. I swear his hand and face prints are always on my windows. That child loves his daddy and whenever he leaves without him in tow, he watches him out the window, like a sad puppy.
Contrarily when it’s time for him to get home he is on the lookout. Also like a puppy.
Check weather-stripping and fix door seals etc
Weather seals and such around the doors need replacing every now and again. Replacing and/or repairing them helps to minimize drafts and keep your heating costs down when it get cool outside.
Change air filters
Give the stove a deep clean
Deep clean fridge
Deep clean freezer
Clean baseboards
Remove debris and clean window sills
Clean out pantry
Organize cabinets
Dust ceiling fans
Check batteries in smoke detectors
Check batteries in CO2 detectors
Speaking of CO2 detectors, if you have not checked out my review of the OneLink Safe and Sound Bluetooth CO2 detector, this would be a good time to do so. Just sayin.
Check and service your furnace
Drain your water heater
Clean and maintenance your chimney and fireplace
Reverse your ceiling fan
Did you know that reversing your ceiling fan helps to keep the warm air in? Almost all ceiling fans have this little switch that allows you to reverse the direction of the airflow.
In the wintertime, it is best to run your fan in the clockwise direction at low speed to help keep the warm air in the room.
In the summer months, you want the fan to turn in the counterclockwise to help remove hot air from the room.
If you were today years old when you found this out, you are welcome!
Clean kitchen drawers and cabinets
Getting Your Car Ready For Winter
Put on winter tires
Get the oil changed
Replace wiper blades
Test battery
Change air filter
Add blankets in the trunk
Get a Tune-up
Things To Purchase & Stock Up On Before Cold Weather Hits
I don’t know about you, but in the winter, I leave my home less. And if it is really cold, I ain’t going nowhere. That is just how it is. Sorry, not sorry.
If you do not order groceries like I do, then you definitely want to stock up to minimize the number of store runs you need to make.
Here is a nice list of things to stock up on in preparation for the cold.
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Candles
Cleaning products
Canned goods
Frozen vegetables
Coats
Gloves
Boots
Deep Cleaning Before Winter
You hear people talk about spring cleaning, and that’s all well and good. But since you technically spend more time indoors when it gets cold outside, it might be a good idea to do some deep cleaning before winter hits.
Here are some things to clean to help minimize allergic reactions, asthma flare-ups, and to keep things nice and fresh.
Fabric couches and furniture
Carpet
Pest control
If you do not use a regular pest control service, then setting off Raid bombs in the home is a good idea. They help to get rid of all the creepy crawly critters that have tried to make you casa, their casa.
Say goodbye to your multi-legged friends.
Curtains
Wash blankets
Paint your front door
Replace your welcome mats
Make or buy new wreaths
Things To Purge Before Winter Hits
Again, these things are probably more common in the spring, but spring’s not so distant cousin fall would love the same attention. It is beneficial to all.
Here are some things you may consider purging before winter.
Expired sunscreen
Expired makeup
Old linens
Clothes
Cabinets
Shred and get rid of old mail and bills
Spice drawer
Magazines and Books
Getting Ready For Winter Holidays
Winter is probably the best holiday season for most. Whether you celebrate all or some, here are some things to get in order for the major winter holidays.
Halloween
Stock up on candy
Replace outdoor light bulbs
Patch cracks in the sidewalk
Thanksgiving
Invite Guests
Plan menu
Shop for needed food items
Purchase paper plates and plastic silverware if not using real dishes
Purchase and thaw turkey
Make arrangements and/or room for out of town guests
Getting Ready For Thanksgiving and Christmas Timeline
October
Pick a Christmas theme
Determine and make Christmas travel plans
Make and finalize thanksgiving plans
November
Send Christmas Cards
Shop for thanksgiving dinner
Create freezer meals to help with busier schedules and avoid eating out
Christmas shopping (Black Friday)
Decorate for Christmas
December
Sort unwanted outgrown toys to donate
Remove Holiday decorations
Purge
Set intentions for the new year
Did I forget anything? Are there other things that you do to get ready for the cold weather and winter holidays that are not listed here? Drop me a line in the comments and I will update the list!
