Cooler temperatures and reducing daylight hours are here, and are a natural reminder to get ourselves and our homes ready for winter. Our checklist below isn’t onerous, but it’s also not short, so if you haven’t already done so, add your own ‘to-do’s’ to it, and get started by ticking off a few jobs each day:
Warmth
Take your electric blanket to the electrician for a ‘wellness check.’ This costs around $20-25 – which is a lot less than the cost of a new, good quality, fitted electric blanket. And nothing compared to the risk of a house fire!
Inspect hot water bottles for signs of deterioration (especially perishing), and consider opting for a wheat or ‘heat’ bag, instead.
Clean your windows inside and out (or arrange to have this done). And if you don’t already have them, source tie-backs for drapes. These jobs will help let more light (and heat) into your home over the cooler months.
Emergency preparedness
Emergencies can happen at any time, but managing them in winter can be more challenging. Make sure you have your ‘grab-bag’ packed with essentials and in a place easily accessible. Be sure to add pet food to the contents if it will be required. Pin a note to the outside of the bag reminding you to pack medications.
Stock up on flash-lights and spare batteries. Invest in a battery pack for your mobile phone, and keep it charged.
Purchase safe, alternative cooking and heating sources to use in case of power outages.
Check your ‘Thermos’ or flask is still functioning (check the seal around the lid, especially), and store within easy reach. Fill whenever weather watches are forecast.
Make sure your pet carry-cage is in good working order, and easily accessible.
Update your essential phone and email contacts list.
Home comfort
Switch your summer duvet for a winter one, or layer on extra blankets.
Bring your warm season clothes out of storage, or rearrange your wardrobe so warmer clothes and footwear are handy.
Stock up on indoor entertainment such as jigsaws and crosswords (check op-shops for bargains!). Grab yourself a library subscription if you don’t already have one (libraries offer recent magazines as well as books), and treat yourself to an online movie subscription (consider sharing it with a friend, and enjoy afternoon movies together).
De-cobweb the greenhouse, and create a ‘sun room’ sitting space with some artificial grass, a deck chair, a coffee table, and a magazine rack.
Slip-proof paths with water blasting or resurfacing.
Motors
Drain fuel from any small appliances (such as mowers and rotary hoes) you won’t be requiring over the cooler months. Find a safe storage spot for your e-bike battery that won’t dip below recommended temperatures (e-bike batteries should never be stored inside your home). Take your car in for a pre-winter tune-up.
Staying fit
Buy a good quality walking pole to help keep you confident when you’re walking outdoors in damp conditions. While you’re at it, make sure your umbrella is in good working order, and you have a waterproof jacket and a stout pair of walking shoes with good-gripping soles.
Consider buying or hiring an exer-cycle for the winter months.
Or shout yourself a gym or heated pool subscription (don’t forget to ask about seniors sessions and discounts).
Think smart
If you don’t already have a professional relationship with a handy person, look into getting one. Ask around your neighbourhood for recommendations for plumbers and electricians.
Learn how to order groceries online and have them delivered (you may not require this service on a regular basis, but you’ll welcome it whenever the weather turns nasty).
The colder months can be challenging, but preparing for them can help you feel connected, confident, and ready for anything!
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