Five Steps to a Winter Ready Home

Do a Postholiday Tidy-Up.

Take down holiday decor and store it until next year. Recycle packaging and used gift wrap, and re-roll ribbon if you want to use it again. If you have kids after the holidays can be a good time to pare back by removing some less-often-used toys (that are still in good shape) and donating them to charity. The same goes for grown-ups, too – if you received a few new sweaters as gifts, check through your old sweaters and see if there are a few you can give away to make space for the new.

Prepare for Winter Storms.

Gather your snow shovels, winter gloves, pet- and plant-safe ice melt or sand, and ice scrapers, and store them where you can access them easily. A roof rake is a handy addition to the snow-removing arsenal – use it to gently remove snow from your roof to help prevent ice dams. If you expect a heavy snowfall, use reflective markers to flag the edges of your lawn and driveway.

Keep Paths Cleared of Ice and Snow.

Remove snow and ice from paths and sidewalks after storms. If you plan to travel during the winter, hire a snow-removal service to keep the sidewalk in front of your home cleaned while you are away. Your neighbors will appreciate it, and it will give your home a lived-in appearance, which can help deter crime.

Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors.

Even if you put on weatherstripping in the fall, there may be places where cold air is still sneaking in. If you feel a draft, track it to its source and block it with weatherstripping or a draft snake to keep your home cozy and energy bills lower.

Check Batteries in Safety Devices.

Batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should be checked quarterly, but it’s more important than ever during winter when we tend to keep windows closed (and the heat on) more often.

If you need help with any of your Westchester home projects, Korth & Shannahan Painting and Carpentry can service your home in Scarsdale, Greenwich, Armonk, Chappaqua, or Bronxville. Just give the office a call to schedule your free estimate. 914-238-5388