10 Tips to Prep Your Home for the Cold Weather
Before the chill lures you into hibernation, make sure your home is ready for full-time occupancy using these 10 "turn of the season" tips from Costco.com.
1. Cover it up
Want to keep your patio furniture in tip-top shape? Invest in some weather-resistant covers so your favorite pieces are protected.
2. Let there be light
The days are no longer, well, longer. Sidestep stumbles during the evening hours by lining your pathways, steps and driveway with additional lighting. New porch lights show the way.
3. Benefit from a bench
Place a storage bench in the entryway. Now friends and family have a place to shed jackets and shoes in an organized fashion when the forecast reads "fickle at best."
4. Draw the curtains on drafts
Heavy window treatments provide stylish insulation, keeping cold drafts out and warm air in. Think dense drapes, thick blinds or layered curtains.
5. Don't get cold feet
Tile or hardwood floors can get pretty chilly. Line any popular hangout zones or high-traffic walkways with plush rugs to warm feet and paws alike.
6. Fire things up
No fireplace? No problem. Electric fireplaces add much-needed warmth to any room while upping the cozy factor. Create a warming art piece by mounting the fireplace on an empty wall.
7. Go for room service
Some homes have that one room that refuses to get warm. Supplement it with a portable heater.
8. Bring the fun indoors
Keep cabin fever at bay. Set up an indoor game space for a little friendly competition when the great outdoors is so not calling.
9. Prep for all-weather work
Productivity doesn't have to come to a halt if severe weather has you taking a rain check on the whole "going into the office" thing. Set up a fully stocked workstation to be ready.
10. Brave the cleanout
Not to be the bearers of bad news, but now is the time to clear those gutters — along with any downspouts. Follow up with gutter guards.