How to Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

November 25, 2024 | Cleaning Tips, Seasonal

Winter is just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get your home ready for the cozy season ahead. Prepping doesn’t have to be a big chore—with a few easy steps, you can make sure your space stays warm and comfortable all winter long.

Declutter and get cozy!

Before diving into winter home preparation start by clearing out outdoor furniture and gardening tools and checking your heating system to ensure your home is ready for colder weather.

Store summer and autumn decor: Pack away summer and fall decor to create a cozy, open space for winter essentials and decorations. Clearing clutter now will make your home feel more spacious and inviting.

❄️Tip: Swap out summer throw pillows for winter patterns and textures for instant coziness

Have your heating system checked: Schedule a professional inspection for your heating system to ensure it’s running efficiently. A quick checkup now can help avoid costly repairs during the coldest months.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: With heating systems running more in winter, the risk of carbon monoxide leaks and fires increases. Testing units and replacing batteries provides peace of mind and ensures they’re ready to protect your family.

Look for drafts: Inspect windows and doors for any drafts or gaps. Seal problem areas with weather stripping or caulk to keep warm air in and reduce heating costs. Plus, a well-sealed home feels extra cozy during the chilly months.

Get your outdoor spaces winter-ready

Taking care of outdoor maintenance early is a time-saver and helps prevent headaches once winter hits. Feeling overwhelmed? We've got your back with simple tips to get your outdoor space ready for winter.

Clean out the gutters: Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams and water damage when temperatures fall. Clearing them out now ensures proper drainage to help protect your roof and foundation throughout winter.

Store outdoor furniture: Protect patio furniture and outdoor decor by storing them or covering them securely. This keeps items in good condition and prevents additional dirt from finding its way into your home.

Inspect the roof and foundation: Check your roof for any missing shingles and inspect the foundation for cracks. Addressing these potential problem areas before winter can prevent costly water damage later.

❄️Tip: Add a bit of mulch to garden beds for extra insulation and to keep roots cozy through winter

Dust and de-fur your space

Winter often means spending more time indoors, which can lead to a buildup of pet hair, dust and winter grime, making your home feel stuffy. A thorough clean can make all the difference! The Pet Pro Broom and Step-On Dust Pan is perfect for sweeping up pet hair and dust, especially on hardwood floors.

For those tricky, hard-to-reach spots, the Flex & Catch™ duster tackles dust in every nook, keeping your space fresh all season long.

❄️Tip: Use washable throws or covers on furniture to catch pet hair and keep upholstery clean with minimal effort. Toss them in the wash regularly to maintain a fresh, tidy look.

Mop Away Winter Grime with Ease

As autumn turns to winter, the change in weather tends to bring more dirt, leaves and debris indoors, making regular sweeping and mopping essential to keep floors clean and ready for cozy winter days. With O-Cedar PACS Hard Floor Cleaner, deep-cleaning floors is quick and easy—just drop in one our PACS Floor Cleaner, mop with the RinseClean™ Spin Mop System and you’re done!

For added convenience, keep extra mopheads on hand and swap them out regularly, especially during winter when more dirt gets tracked inside. Easy-to-wash mopheads save time and effort, ensuring you always have a fresh one ready.

Tidy up for festive fun

Cleaning ahead of the holidays creates a fresh canvas for decorating, making it easier and more fun to set up festive touches without the clutter. A clean, organized space lets you focus on the joy of decorating instead of tidying up last-minute. Plus, with everything in order, you can welcome guests without a scramble, ensuring a relaxed, inviting atmosphere everyone will appreciate.

❄️Tip: After tidying, add a subtle seasonal scent with a holiday candle or essential oils to make your home feel festive and inviting right away

Get ready for guests

With the holiday season approaching, winter is a perfect time to freshen up your home’s interior and make it inviting for guests.

Deep clean upholstery: Deep clean sofas, armchairs and cushions with a vacuum and fabric-safe cleaner to remove built-up dust and allergens, keeping everything fresh.

Prepare the guest room: Tidy up the guest room with fresh linens, extra blankets and essential toiletries. A quick vacuum and dusting will keep the room feeling fresh and small touches like a bedside lamp, scented candle, or welcome note can make guests feel right at home.

Clean kitchen counters and surfaces: The O-Cedar Scrunge Multi-Use sponge is the perfect tool to keep your counters and cookware fresh for pumpkin pies and turkeys.

❄️Tip: Stock up on extra hangers in the guest closet to make unpacking easier for visitors

Winter prep tips for mild or warm climates

Not all states experience snow, but winter prep is essential no matter where you live. Even in warmer climates, cooler temperatures can bring changes that call for a bit of preparation. In mild-weather regions, it's still a good idea to perform thorough cleanings, check for drafts around doors and windows and put away any summer gear you won’t need.

For a full list of winter-readiness tasks, see our checklist, below, you’ll be ready to welcome winter without breaking a sweat!

For a full list of winter-readiness tasks, see our checklist, you’ll be ready to welcome winter without breaking a sweat!