What’s inside this article: Eight important tips to help prepare your family home for winter to ensure a safe, comfortable, and sensory-friendly environment for your family this coming season.
Winter is coming. Soon, it’ll be time to dig out cozy knits and look forward to the holiday season. While there are many reasons to be happy about the arrival of winter, changes in conditions can spell trouble for homeowners. In this guide, we’ll outline some simple steps you can take now to prepare your family home for cooler climes.
How to Prepare Your Family Home for Winter
Create a Winter Clothing Station
Getting dressed for winter can be stressful if it involves multiple layers, zippers, and snaps that are challenging for kids with sensory sensitivities or motor skills difficulties.
To streamline winter dressing, set up a winter clothing station near the entryway with easy-access storage for hats, gloves, coats, and boots.
You might also label bins or drawers to help your child independently find their items, which can provide structure and reduce the sensory load when leaving or coming back inside.
Some parents find it helpful to give kids a choice of clothing to feel in control, especially when they’re more likely to get overstimulated by heavy clothing, so it might help to keep several weather-appropriate choices available.
Check Your Home Heating System
There’s nothing worse than your heating system going on strike when it’s freezing outside. Sometimes, it’s impossible to avoid issues, but being proactive in home maintenance can help you reduce risks and maintain a comfortable home environment.
Check your heating system before the cold hits. Ensure no warning lights are flashing or unusual noises or odors when your radiators are switched on. Check when your last service was done and make an appointment if you’re overdue.
It’s beneficial to keep up to date with regular inspections to enhance functionality and lower costs in the long term. If you notice any problems, for example, your home doesn’t seem as warm as usual, or you’re worried about strange noises from your furnace, seek expert advice.
It’s best to remedy any issues before it gets chilly outside and you rely more on heating to keep you warm.
Investigate Better Insulation
Improving the insulation in your home is one of the most effective ways to keep your home and family warm in the fall and winter months.
Insulation enhances heat retention and reduces heat loss. If your home is well insulated, it’s difficult for hot air to escape. This not only means that you’ll be toasty in the colder months but also that you’ll save on your energy bills.
There are several options for insulating your home, including replacing the windows and doors and adding cavity wall and loft insulation.
Explore options, get quotes, and see if you’re eligible for grants or financial help to fund new insulation.
Don’t Give Up on the Backyard
Most of us love spending time in our backyards during the spring and summer when it’s warm and bright, but people often neglect outdoor spaces when temperatures plunge.
It may not be appealing to go out into the garden and undertake maintenance jobs when it’s raining or cold and miserable, but keeping up with basic tasks will save you time and effort.
When the seasons change, it’s important to check off jobs like clearing gutters, weeding flower beds and planters, removing debris from patios and walkways, and tidying up leaves. If your driveway is tree-lined, or you have trees in your backyard that cover your lawn, deck, or patio in golden leaves during the fall, you may want to invest in a cordless leaf blower. This will make tidying up your garden quick and easy.
Making a list of fall and winter garden maintenance jobs is a great idea. Outline weekly, monthly and seasonal tasks and work your way through. If you’re short on time, you could hire a gardener or use local handyperson services.
Tackle Roof Repairs
If your roof isn’t in pristine condition, it’s beneficial to tend to any problems before winter arrives. During the cooler months, the weather can be unpredictable. If there are storms, hurricanes, or an endless run of rainy/snowy days, this will take its toll on a weak, old, or damaged roof.
Minor issues are usually relatively simple to fix but can quickly become more severe. Contact reputable roofing companies, compare quotes, and find out more about the nature and severity of the damage.
In most cases, roofs can be repaired, but if there’s extensive damage or you have a very old roof, replacing it may be the best option. If you leave your roof as it is, you may experience leaks or damp patches, which can damage the internal structures of the building and be very costly down the line.
Prepare for Power Outages
Power outages are more common in the winter due to extreme weather conditions. In many cases, suppliers fix issues rapidly, but it’s always beneficial to be prepared, especially if you have a child to keep entertained while it’s out.
Could you cope if you didn’t have electricity for a few hours or even days? If the answer is ‘no,’ it’s time to stock up on essential items. Make sure you have plenty of blankets and warm clothes to hand, stock up on flashlights, and fill your pantry with foods you don’t need to cook.
Tinned foods are ideal because they have a long shelf life. Put a first aid kit together, and if you have an open fire or a wood burner, make sure you’ve got a supply of wood.
Buy bottled water, snacks, and a charging bank for electronic devices. If you have all your contact numbers stored on mobile devices, write a list of important phone numbers you may need if your phone runs out of battery.
Make a Sensory-Friendly Emergency Kit
Add some sensory-friendly items to your power outage emergency kit to keep things comfortable for your child in the event of a power outage.
- Favorite sensory tools like fidget toys, a small weighted lap pad, or a soft stuffed animal.
- A few books, coloring supplies, or non-electronic toys they enjoy, in case screen time isn’t an option.
- Battery-powered or rechargeable nightlights or soft lanterns in case of darkness, so they feel secure if the power goes out.
- Instant heat packs that activate without electricity so they can stay warm and comfortable if the heat is out for a while.
This kit can double as a calming kit any time your child needs extra support and can help them feel prepared and secure in unexpected situations.
Check Windows and Doors
Most of the heat in our homes escapes through the doors and windows. Heat loss is more prevalent in older homes and houses that don’t have double or triple glazing. It’s a good idea to check your windows and doors in the run-up to winter to make sure you’re not losing warm air.
If there are gaps in your door or window frames, or you have a cracked window, for example, you may find that your home feels much colder. Buying new windows and doors is a costly undertaking, but it can be cost-effective.
New doors and windows will prevent heat loss, boost heat retention, and add value to your home. There are several styles to choose from, and some installations are much more affordable than others.
It’s wise to get some quotes and explore options to see which styles you prefer and which doors and windows are available within your budget.
As winter approaches, getting your home ready can ensure a safe, comfortable, and sensory-friendly environment for your family. Preparing for colder weather with a few proactive steps, from creating an organized winter clothing station to setting up a sensory-friendly emergency kit, can help make the season smoother for kids with autism or ADHD.
By checking your heating, sealing windows and doors, and tackling any needed repairs early, you can help keep everyone cozy and reduce potential sensory challenges. Taking time to prepare not only keeps your home functioning efficiently but also supports your family’s comfort and peace of mind through the colder months ahead.