14 Practical Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Winter

Is it getting cold and dark outside? Here are 14 practical ways to get your home ready for winter so you can stay cosy, safe and warm.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR WINTER AT HOME

If winter is around the corner where you live, there’s nothing quite like getting your home ready to embrace the colder months. Winter prep is all about warmth, comfort, and making sure you’re set up to enjoy the season ahead.

I find that doing some forward-planning helps make life easier in many ways. I wanted to put together a list of things to do that will help YOU forward-plan for winter. This won’t just help your home but, hopefully, it will help you enjoy this busy season and feel more prepared for everything that you’re going to require of your home – from keeping you warm to being a place of laughter and fun over the Christmas holidays.

Or, of course, if you live on your own, prepping your home for winter could also help you enjoy the simple comforts of your home more and avoid any last-minute emergencies that cause us stress and anxiety.

Anyway, whether you’re excited about snuggling up on the sofa with a hot drink or just wanting practical ways to keep the cold out, I hope you enjoy these tips to help you get your home winter-ready. Think of it a little like self-care for your home just like you tend to self-care for yourself!

14 WAYS TO GET YOUR HOME READY FOR WINTER

I hope you enjoy this very practical list of things to do before the colder months kick in! Grab your notebook and make your own winter home To Do list!

1. Do a Big Clean to Start Fresh

You know how lovely it feels when your home is sparkling clean? Don’t wait until Spring to enjoy the benefits of a big cleaning session! Why not enjoy that feeling now before your home builds up with people and stuff. Start with a deep clean now, while it’s still easy to open windows for ventilation.

• Dust off everything: Give furniture, shelves, and corners a good dust. This keeps the air fresher, especially once windows are shut for warmth.
• Deep clean the floors: Mop hard floors and consider shampooing carpets. A fresh start makes it feel like you’re welcoming winter with a clean slate.
• Launder soft furnishings: Wash blankets, cushion covers, and even curtains if possible. Fresh fabric makes your home feel instantly cosier.

2. Check for Draughts and Seal Them Up

Cold draughts are the enemy of a cosy home! Walk around your home and look for gaps around doors and windows. Even the smallest draughts can make a room feel chilly.

• Use draught excluders: These can be placed along door bottoms and are excellent at keeping out cold air. Plus, they can look pretty cosy, too.
• Weather-stripping for windows: A quick way to seal up draughty windows is with weather-stripping tape. It’s easy to apply, affordable, and makes a big difference.
• Check door seals: Ensure external doors have solid seals. Adding a brush seal at the base of doors can also be helpful.

3. Prep Your Heating System

You’ll want your heating system in top shape for the winter, so it’s a good idea to have it checked before the cold hits. A little maintenance goes a long way and helps avoid any mid-winter issues.

• Book a boiler service: An annual boiler service ensures it’s working safely and efficiently, saving energy and keeping you warmer.
• Bleed the radiators: If you haven’t done it in a while, air can get trapped in radiators, making them less effective. Bleeding them is easy and helps them heat better.
• Change filters: If you have a central heating system, make sure any air filters are clean to keep the warm air flowing freely.

4. Create Layers with Rugs and Throws

Adding layers of cosy throws and rugs is one of the simplest ways to make your home feel snug. Thick rugs on hard floors help retain heat, and blankets or throws add both warmth and charm.

• Add a cosy rug: A thick rug in the living room or bedroom keeps your feet warm and makes the room feel inviting.
• Layer blankets and throws: Add a couple of blankets to sofas, armchairs, and beds. Wool and fleece are wonderfully warm options.
• Mix textures: Using a mix of textures, like faux fur and knits, brings visual warmth as well as physical warmth. Using different fabrics and textures can add interest even if you prefer a more neutral or simple colour palette.

5. Organise Your Winter Wardrobe

As temperatures drop, you’ll be reaching for jumpers, coats, and scarves, so make your winter wardrobe easy to access. Rotating your wardrobe keeps things organised and ready for the season.

• Swap out seasonal clothes: Store warm weather clothes in a separate area, making space for thicker, cosier clothing.
• Organise winter accessories: Keep scarves, hats, and gloves near the door or in a basket for easy access.
• Prepare your coat rack: If you don’t have space, add a hook or two near the entrance for bulky winter coats.

6. Bring in Extra Lighting for Cosiness

Winter means shorter days, so good lighting becomes essential. Soft, ambient lighting not only helps you see, but it also makes rooms feel warm and inviting. It’s one way to be cosy without adding clutter!

• Use lamps instead of overhead lights: Table lamps and floor lamps with warm-toned bulbs create a cosy glow.
• Fairy lights are your friend: They’re not just for Christmas! Add fairy lights around mirrors or windows for a subtle, magical effect.
• Candles for warmth and scent: Scented candles add both light and fragrance. Opt for seasonal scents like cinnamon or vanilla for a festive touch.

7. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Winter often means more time with heaters, fireplaces, and gas appliances on, so it’s a good time to check all safety devices.

• Test smoke alarms: Press the test button and replace batteries if needed.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors: If you use gas or oil heating, a carbon monoxide detector is essential for safety.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy: Make sure you have a working extinguisher in the kitchen and near any fireplaces.

8. Winter-Proof Your Outdoor Space

The garden or outdoor space can be easy to forget, but a few small tweaks can help prevent damage from winter weather.

• Store or cover outdoor furniture: Clean and store any garden furniture or cover it with waterproof covers to protect from snow or frost.
• Clear gutters: Clean out leaves and debris to avoid water overflow, which can lead to dampness around the house.
• Prepare pathways: Stock up on grit or salt to keep walkways ice-free, reducing the risk of slips.

9. Add Winter-Friendly Plants Indoors

Indoor plants add life and freshness to a room, which is especially nice when you’re spending more time indoors. Winter-friendly plants like ivy and ferns thrive in cooler, low-light conditions.

• Opt for hardy plants: Look for plants that can handle cooler indoor temperatures, like snake plants and peace lilies.
• Add winter blooms: Consider seasonal blooms like poinsettias for a festive touch.
• Position plants wisely: Place them near natural light, like windows, but away from heaters that could dry them out. Here are some more tips for caring for indoor plants during winter.

10. Stock Up on Winter Essentials

When the weather’s bad, the last thing you want is to go out shopping for necessities. Stock up on a few winter must-haves to avoid any last-minute trips.

• Keep extra blankets and throws: Having a few cosy blankets on hand means everyone stays warm, even if it’s really chilly.
• Winter pantry staples: Stock up on ingredients for warm meals, like soups, pasta, and hot chocolate.
• Batteries and flashlights: Keep a couple of torches and fresh batteries handy, in case of any power outages.

11. Add Some Festive Touches

Seasonal decor doesn’t have to be over-the-top. A few small additions around the home can make it feel welcoming and festive without too much festive clutter.

• Add a wreath to the door: A simple wreath of winter greenery or pinecones adds a lovely touch.
• Decorate with natural elements: Use pinecones, dried oranges, or eucalyptus sprigs for a rustic winter look.
• Bring out seasonal blankets and pillows: Swap lighter colours for rich, warm hues, like deep reds and greens, for a seasonal feel.

12. Prepare for Snow Days

If you live in an area that gets snow, having a plan for snowy days can make winter life much easier.

• Stock up on de-icing supplies: Keep salt or grit on hand for the driveway and pathways.
• Have a snow shovel ready: A good-quality snow shovel will make clearing pathways much easier if you get heavy snow.
• Warm car essentials: Keep a warm blanket, gloves, and an ice scraper in the car, just in case.

13. Set Up a “Winter Warmth” Area

Having a dedicated spot for all your winter essentials can make coming in from the cold so much nicer.

• Create a coat and boot area: Set up a spot near the door for coats, hats, scarves, and boots.
• Add a mat for wet shoes: A waterproof mat for wet shoes will help keep the floors dry.
• Keep umbrellas handy: Having an umbrella stand near the door is useful for those wet, blustery days.

14. Set the Scene for Cosy Nights In

When winter hits, staying in is a delight. Prepare a few essentials to make it even more enjoyable.

• Create a hot drink station: Set up a small corner with your favourite teas, hot chocolate, and mugs.
• Invest in cosy loungewear: Soft pyjamas or a warm robe/dressing gown make a huge difference on cold nights.
• Board games and movies: Get some family games or cosy movies ready for those evenings you’d rather stay in.

CONCLUSION

Getting your home ready for winter doesn’t have to be a chore it’s actually a wonderful way to make the season feel special. With a few small adjustments and a touch of cosiness, you can turn your home into a winter sanctuary that’s warm, welcoming, and ready for the chilly months ahead. So go on, make a warm drink, light a candle, and enjoy the cosy season to its fullest!

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

Here are some more articles which you might find helpful:

• The Art of Intentional Homemaking: 7 Tips to Get Started
• Home Management Tips for When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
• 10 Simple Habits for a Tidy Home
• 7 Cosy Self-Care Ideas For When It’s Colder Outside

GET YOUR FREE PRINTABLE

At the start of this article I mentioned how getting your home ready for winter is a little like giving your home some TLC. Well, if this reminded you of the importance of self-care, what about giving YOURSELF some TLC too?

If you’re hitting a busy season, it’s all too easy to put self-care at the bottom of your priority list. So, why not get a free printable to help you make time for YOU this month!

Pop your details in the box below so I know where to send it…