❄️ Winter Prep This Week: A Simple Guide to Keeping Your Home, Car, and Routine Ready for Snow ❄️

We hope everyone had a warm, happy Thanksgiving and a chance to slow down (even just a little). As we shift into true winter mode and the forecast starts mentioning snow more often, this is the perfect week to give your home, car, and daily routine a quick seasonal “tune-up.”

A little prep now can mean fewer surprises later—and a much cozier winter overall.

Below are a few key areas we look at for ourselves and our clients this time of year, plus practical checklists you can tackle in an afternoon.

1. Protect Your Home 🏠

Winter is when small maintenance issues can quickly become big problems. A few proactive checks can help you avoid frozen pipes, surprise leaks, or drafty rooms.

Heating System Check

• Change or clean your furnace filters so your system runs more efficiently.

• Test your heat in every room—don’t wait for the coldest night to find out one zone isn’t working.

• If you have radiators or baseboards, make sure they’re not blocked by furniture or thick curtains.

• If it’s been a while, consider scheduling a routine service (even a quick once-over can spot issues before they become emergencies).

  
  

Pipes & Plumbing

• Identify any pipes in cold areas (basements, garages, uninsulated exterior walls).

• Use pipe insulation sleeves or wrap these exposed pipes, especially if they’re near drafty spots.

• Know where your main water shutoff valve is—and make sure it’s easy to access if a pipe ever does burst.

• If you’re traveling, keep the heat set to at least 55°F and open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm air can circulate

  
  

Windows, Doors & Drafts

• Check for drafts around windows and doors using the old candle trick or just feeling for cold air with your hand.

• Add weatherstripping or draft stoppers where you feel cold air coming through.

• Use thermal curtains in especially drafty rooms to help retain heat at night.

  
  

Roof & Gutters (If It’s Safe to Check)

• Make sure gutters are clear of leaves so melting snow has somewhere to go.

• If you can safely see your roofline, check for obvious ice dams or sagging sections after storms.

• On multi-family or condo buildings, get clarity on who handles what (HOA vs. owner responsibility) so you know whom to call if there’s an issue.

2. Ready Your Ride 🚗

New England winter roads can go from fine to slick very quickly. Your car doesn’t need to be “over-prepared”—just thoughtfully set up for cold, snow, and the occasional delay.

Basic Winter Car Checklist

• Tires:

  • Check tread depth. Consider winter tires if you’re on hills or driving frequently during storms.

  • Confirm tire pressure—cold weather lowers it.

• Fluids:

  • Switch to winter-grade windshield washer fluid that won’t freeze.

  • Top up coolant/antifreeze and check oil levels.

• Battery:

  • Cold weather is tough on weak batteries. If yours is older, get it tested at a local shop or auto store.

    
    

Simple Car Emergency Kit

Keep a small bin or tote in your trunk with:

• Ice scraper & snow brush

• Small shovel

• Jumper cables

• Blanket or extra warm layer

• Gloves and hat

• Phone charger (12V/USB)

• Flashlight

• A bottle of water and a snack

You’ll probably never need all of it—but the one time you do, you’ll be glad it’s there.

3. Layer Up & Organize Your “Winter Zone” 🧣

Half of winter stress is simply scrambling to find what you already own. A tiny bit of organization goes a long way.

Create a Winter Grab-and-Go Spot

By the door you use most, set up:

• A basket or hooks for hats, gloves, scarves

• A tray or mat for wet boots

• A spot for ice melt and a small shovel if you have outdoor stairs or walkways

  
  

Rotate lighter jackets to the back and bring heavy coats and waterproof layers forward so you’re not digging every time you go out.

4. Stay Informed & Plan Around Storms ☃️

Winter gets easier when you think in one-week chunks, instead of three-month stretches of “ugh, it’s cold.”

Weekly Winter Rhythm

Each week, take 5 minutes to:

• Check upcoming weather for your town (especially overnight temps and any snow/ice days).

• Adjust your plans:

  • Reschedule non-essential trips on heavy snow days.

  • Plan grocery runs and errands ahead of storms.

  • Make sure you have basic supplies (coffee, tea, pantry items, pet food).

    
    

Sign up for or follow:

• Your city/town alerts for parking bans, school closures, and plowing updates.

• Any building or HOA communication channels so you know the snow/removal plan.

  
  

5. Small Comforts That Make Winter Feel Better ☕

Winter prep isn’t just about avoiding problems—it’s also about making your space feel more livable and cozy.

Some easy “comfort upgrades”:

• Set up a reading or movie corner with a blanket and lamp.

• Keep tea, cocoa, or your favorite warm drink stocked.

• Add a few warm-toned lamps or candles to soften dark afternoons.

• If you’re working from home, think about a dedicated warm spot with good lighting so your workspace feels inviting, not dreary.

  
  

The goal isn’t to pretend winter is tropical—it’s to make it feel intentional instead of chaotic.

6. Quick Winter Prep Checklist ✅

If you just want the fast version, here’s your one-page hit list:

Home

• ☐ Change furnace filter and test heat in every room

• ☐ Insulate any exposed pipes in cold areas

• ☐ Check windows/doors for drafts and add weatherstripping where needed

• ☐ Clear gutters (or confirm building/HOA has done it)

• ☐ Confirm you know where the main water shutoff is

Car

• ☐ Check tire tread & pressure

• ☐ Top off washer fluid with winter-grade

• ☐ Test or check battery (especially if it’s older)

• ☐ Put a basic winter kit in your trunk

Life

• ☐ Set up a “winter zone” by the door (boots, hats, gloves, ice melt)

• ☐ Look at the 7-day forecast and adjust plans for any storms

• ☐ Stock a few comfort items (warm drinks, blankets, good lighting)

  
  

Winter in New England will always bring a few surprises—but it doesn’t have to catch you off guard. With an hour or two of prep, you can keep your home protected, your car ready, and your day-to-day life a lot less stressful.

Here’s to a season that’s cozy, safe, and maybe even a little enjoyable. ❄️