HOW TO GET YOUR HOME WINTER READY

The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting colder – these are the tell-tale signs that winter is coming. There is no need for frost-phobic homeowners to sound the alarm bells; plenty can be done to prepare for this coming snuggle season. As we’re all homebound due to the pandemic, now is the perfect time to start preparing your home for the frosty weather.

Below are a few things you should do to get your home winter ready:

Strengthen your first line of defence
The thought of Winter’s arrival makes many unpleasant chores spring to mind, like cleaning out the gutters and resealing the windowpanes. Remember that if you don’t want the cold to get in you need to start on the outside. To ensure that your house is weathertight, you’ll have to do some general maintenance, such as:

• Varnishing timber window and door frames
• Checking the chimney flute and outside drains for blockages
• Doing a roof inspection to check for loose shingles
• Trimming back on large trees or shrubs in case of strong winds

Seasonal switch
As difficult as it is to say goodbye to Summer, certain things need to be stored or rescheduled before Winter arrives. Automatic sprinklers, for example, need to be reset so that you do not end up wasting water. Seasonal furniture and outdoor décor should also get stowed away and, unless you are planning your very own Polar Bear jump, pools should be covered to avoid debris from falling in and clogging up the filtering system.

Prepare the entry points

The last thing you want is a wet and muddy house. A good way to avoid this is to ensure you have a dirt-trapping mat at your front and back door. Create a wet zone with a coat rack, an umbrella bin, and a box in which to put your shoes – this way all of the mud and water can stay in one area of your home making it easier to clean and control.

Hibernate in style
The empty spaces that your Summer remnants once occupied can easily be filled with Winter knick-knacks. It’s time to warm up your space by pulling out your heaters, scented candles, and thick feather duvets. Other small home accents such as fluffy, thick throws and mats can also do a lot to warm up your space. If you’d like to keep a bit of Summer throughout Winter, add some lush greenery to your space.

Create a cosy corner

Winter is the perfect season to create a cosy corner in your home: a designated spot in which to drink hot chocolate while reading your favourite book. This corner can be a space to unwind after a long day and you can keep it throughout the year just by changing the décor according to the season. This area can be your private slice of peace.

Build a survival kit
Firewood is a Winter essential for those who have indoor fireplaces. It’s also a good idea to refresh your emergency kit supply in case of electricity outages or extreme lockdown weather conditions (e.g. torch batteries, candles and matches).

Final advice

Getting your home Winter ready will not only keep you warm but it’ll give you the feeling of being in a new space without actually moving. Doing your seasonal maintenance will work in your favour when it comes time to sell your property, as well looked after homes tend to sell faster. Remember to mention any upgrades or adjustments you’ve made to weatherproof your home to your real estate professional to help them sell your property.