Winter Is Coming: 10 Things You Have to Do Today to Prepare

Now that the kids are back in school, the weather is getting cooler, and pumpkins are appearing on doorsteps, it’s time to start thinking about the inevitable: The arrival of winter. The rain, snow, ice, and cold temperatures of winter can cause a great deal of damage and major inconveniences, so spend a few fall weekends getting ready for what’s coming.

Not sure where to start? Here’s a handy checklist for preparing for winter.

1. Maintaining the Heating System

Most people don’t realize that there is a problem with their heating system until it breaks down and they are stuck in the cold, waiting for a repairperson. Before the temperatures drop, invest in a professional service call to clean and inspect your heating system to help prevent inconvenient breakdowns. Stock up on your fuel source as well: fill the oil or gas tank, or buy wood or pellets to ensure you have them when you need them.

2. Maintain Vehicles

If you live in a temperate climate — even if you don’t regularly get much snow — prepare to drive in colder weather. Pack an emergency kit with food, water, blankets, and cold-weather clothing. Take the vehicle in for a service to ensure fluid levels are appropriate, and your tires are in good shape. If necessary, switch out your tires for snow or winter tires.

3. Store or Donate Your Boat

If you have a boat, thoroughly clean it inside and out before putting it into storage. Drain fluids, store your gear indoors, and remove all electronics that could be damaged by the elements. Of course, if your boat is getting old and you don’t want to deal with storing it, now is a great time to consider donating the boat; you’ll get to skip the hassles of winter prep and take a take deduction this year.

4. Prepare the Garden

If you have a garden, put it to bed for the winter by following the recommendations for your area. At minimum, you should cut back or pull out plants that have died or been damaged by the cold. Plant any plants, bulbs, or trees that should be planted in the fall, and add a layer of mulch to your beds to protect existing plants. Thoroughly clean your garden tools to prevent damage and rust.

5. Manage Pests

Fall is when critters are searching for their winter homes, so keep rodents and bugs out of your home with a few precautions. Inspect buildings for potential points of entry and evidence of infestation, secure all potential food sources (mice will love that open bag of leftover seed!), and use an eradication method you’re comfortable with.

6. Prepare Winter Gear

Is there anything worse than pulling out the snow blower to clear the first big storm of the season — only to find that it doesn’t work? Before the snow flies, test the tools and equipment you need for the season. Doing a tune-up now can save aggravation (and cold fingers) down the road. Stock up on snow shovels, ice melt, a roof rake, and any other tools you’ll need, and will be hard to find, come February.

7. Store Summer Equipment

Store the lawn mower, weed trimmer, and other toys and equipment you use in the summer months to prevent damage over the winter. Store your outdoor furniture cushions, umbrellas and inflatable pool toys in rodent-resistant containers; make sure they are clean and dry before storing to prevent any unpleasant surprises in the spring.

8. Drain and Turn Off Faucets and Hoses

Allow water to flow to your outdoor faucets all winter increases the risk of frozen and broken pipes. Before the first freeze, turn off the water flow to outdoor spigots and allow the water to drain completely. Store hoses indoors so they don’t freeze and crack.

9. Weatherproof Doors and Windows

Drafty windows and doors are the biggest source of heat loss — and will drive up your heating bills — so inspect them for drafts and block any leaks. Replace weather stripping where necessary, install draft stoppers on doors, and consider hanging lined drapes to help keep the cold out.

10. Inspect Your Roof.

Heading out on to your roof to fix a leak when it’s covered with snow and ice is not exactly safe — or a lot of fun. Take a few moments to inspect your roof in the fall to identify any potential issues before they become big problems. While you’re up there, it’s a good time to clean out your gutters to prevent ice dams that can cause even more damage.

The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting another rough winter ahead, but if you follow these tips, you’ll survive the colder months with your sanity — and have less to clean up come spring.

Tags: bracing for winter, preparing for winter, Weather

Category: Family Finances