It’s impossible to tell how long winter weather will last – until March, April, even May?
Although publications like the Farmer’s Almanac attempt to forecast well into the future (and, this year, they predict a harsh winter,) the plain fact is that you can’t know for sure. One thing you can be relatively certain of, however, is that winter will last for at least another couple of months.
In a typical year, this isn’t causing for worry as much as it’s the frustrating facts of life. But with the COVID-19 pandemic still raging in many parts of North America, a long winter means something entirely different. It means being stuck indoors the entire time.
Now that the holiday hubbub has died down, homeowners need to batten down the hatches and prepare their homes for a winter inside. In this guide, let’s list six ways to make sure your home is a winter sanctuary – not a polar prison.
Let’s assume that you have already tackled basic winter preparedness tasks – checking the heating, clearing the chimney, etc. These six items will offer ways to prepare further, including a mix of home maintenance tips and wellness advice.
Take Time Post-Holiday to Declutter
“Mess causes stress” is more than a hollow adage. According to psychologists, excess clutter in the home really can cause cycles of anxiety and stress. Clutter causes a bombardment of new visual stimuli, which can make you feel frustrated and tense. Over time, clutter can also cause feelings of shame and embarrassment, which further add to the stress.
Now that the chaos of the holidays has waned, take a weekend to declutter your home. It will make the winter feel much more serene.
Consider Your Windows and Doors
In the winter, you want your home to be well sealed against the elements, so the heat stays in, and the cold stays out. To start, check your windows and doors to determine if there are any air leaks that may be allowing cold air to penetrate.
If your windows and doors are old or inefficient, consider replacing them. New, quality products, like these windows and doors in London can make your home markedly more efficient while still allowing for plenty of natural light. This will not only keep your family warm this winter, but they will also save you money on your energy bill.
Buy a Hygrometer
Condensation is a concern during the winter. When you keep your home fully sealed against the elements, you may discover moisture buildup inside as a result of warm air coming into contact with cool surfaces. A little moisture is to be expected, but excessive moisture can lead to mould and mildew issues.
Keep the relative humidity of your home in check this winter with a hygrometer. It is an inexpensive and indispensable tool in the fight against condensation buildup.
Stock Up the Pantry
You’ve probably been in this predicament before: you have almost everything you need to make a complete dinner, but you are missing one key ingredient. The can of beans in a chilli or the baking soda in a batch of biscuits, for instance.
Foresight goes a long way. Save yourself the hassle of having to run to the store in the middle of a freezing winter night by stocking up early.
Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
If you haven’t cleaned your gutters and downspouts yet, do so soon. It’s better late than never. Gutters collect leaves throughout the fall, which collect precipitation. When that water freezes, it can damage the gutters and wreak further havoc on your home’s siding.
The solution is simple: clear weekend day to clear your gutters!
Turn Your Living Area into a Sanctuary
“Hygge” is a Danish home design concept that loosely translates to “coziness.” Winters in Denmark are bone-chillingly cold, but rather than view it as a nuisance, they see it as an opportunity – a chance to get cozy and warm inside.
Turn your living area into a “hygge” sanctuary with these easy tips from Culture Trip. Light some candles, start a crackling fire, decorate your living areas with natural materials like wood and wool, and keep the warm drinks flowing.
Hopefully, the long-range forecasts are wrong. Hopefully, the spring, with its warmer weather and radiant flowers, will be here sooner than expected. But while you cross your fingers hoping for an early end to winter, follow these six tips to make the most of the cold season.
