5 Simple Steps to Get Your Home Ready for Winter 

Inside: From thick blankets to warm lighting to just having enough batteries on hand, let’s go room and by room and get your house ready for winter.

Winter’s coming either way. You can spend the next few months freezing and scrambling…or you can make a few smart changes now and enjoy the season from a warm, comfortable house. Here’s what actually helps.

1. The Entryway: Set the Mood Right Away

Your entryway makes a huge, huge difference. When it’s dark and cold outside, you want to walk in and feel like you’re home, not like you’ve just dumped your stuff in a pile.

• A heavy-duty doormat keeps snow and mud at the door.
• Hooks or pegs for coats, hats, and bags keep things off the floor.
• A basket or bin for gloves, scarves, and random winter gear prevents the “where’s my other mitten” routine.

If you have the space, add a small bench or chair so there’s a spot to take off boots.

A warm lamp, a cozy rug, and maybe even a little indoor plant can turn a practical drop zone into something that feels calm and welcoming.

But above all, this should be practical. You need space to put your winter gear.

2. The Living Room: Bring Everything In Closer

Winter is the season of staying in. If your living room feels scattered or cold, a few small changes can make it the coziest spot in the house.

Start by pulling your furniture in closer. It doesn’t have to stay this way all year, but during the winter months, tighter groupings help the space feel warmer and more inviting. Face chairs toward each other instead of the TV. Add a small table for drinks or games.

There’s nothing wrong with arranging your space one way in summer and another in winter. In warm weather, it makes sense to face the windows and let in the light. But in winter, think inward—toward the fireplace, toward each other.

Next, add layers. Drape a thick throw over the arm of the couch. Keep an extra quilt nearby in a basket or crate. Add pillows in different textures—knit, velvet, wool—so everything feels soft and lived in.

Lighting makes a huge difference here. Swap harsh overhead lights for lamps in the corners of the room. If you can, add a dimmer switch or keep a few candles nearby for that soft glow in the evenings.

A stack of books, a basket of yarn, a puzzle in progress: real-life things help your living room feel warm because it’s being used.

3. The Kitchen: Let It Feel Lived In

In winter, the kitchen does more than feed your family, it warms the house and sets the mood. A kitchen that smells like bread, soup, or cookies feels instantly cozy.

Let the kitchen look like it’s being used. Keep a wooden spoon crock on the counter. Leave your kettle on the stove. Let fresh fruit sit in a bowl where it’s easy to grab. These little touches don’t just make life easier—they make the space more welcoming.

If you bake or cook more in winter, keep those tools out where you’ll actually use them. That favorite Dutch oven? Leave it on the stove. A few spices and oils by the stove look good and save time.

Lighting matters here too. Swap out harsh white bulbs for soft, warm-toned ones. If you can, add a small lamp to the counter or a strand of fairy lights above a shelf. It changes the whole feel of the room.

And don’t forget the simple comforts: a rug by the sink to keep your feet warm. A dish towel you actually like. A candle or diffuser for chilly mornings. This doesn’t have to be a showroom kitchen. It’s a working space, and that’s what makes it feel alive.

4. The Bedroom: Make It Warm!

Your bedroom doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to feel like a place you actually want to be when it’s dark and cold out.

Here are a few simple ways to make it warmer and more restful:

• Swap summer sheets for flannel or brushed cotton
• Add a heavier quilt or duvet with weight to it
• Keep a soft throw at the foot of the bed for extra-chilly nights
• Place a small rug beside the bed to soften cold floors
• Use warm-toned bulbs in bedside lamps
• Keep your nightstand simple: lamp, book, small dish for everyday items
• Add a humidifier if the air is dry
• Use a space heater with a timer if your room runs cold
• Add a thick, soft bath mat to your bathroom

Nothing needs to be styled or perfect. Just layer on comfort and let the space feel like rest.

5. Practical Winter Prep: What to Do Before It Gets Too Cold

Here comes the boring part. But you still need it. Because cozy is great…but not if you’re freezing because the furnace gave out or you forgot to buy salt. A little prep ahead of time makes the whole season easier.

Things to check inside:

• Get your heating system serviced
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Check door and window seals for drafts
• Stock up on firewood or fuel if you use a fireplace or wood stove
• Make sure flashlights and batteries are easy to find
• Store extra water and shelf-stable food (enough for 3 days without power)

Things to check outside:

• Clean out gutters to prevent ice dams
• Cover or store outdoor furniture
• Disconnect garden hoses and shut off exterior water lines
• Make sure you have a snow shovel and sidewalk salt on hand
• Put an emergency kit in your car (blanket, snacks, flashlight, charger)

None of this has to take long. One afternoon of prep and you’re set for the season.

Winter doesn’t have to be something you just get through. With a little prep and a few small changes, your home can feel warmer, quieter, and more peaceful than any other time of year.

Stay warm out there ❤️.