Is it snowing yet? How to prep for cold weather with a Winter Inventory

Alice Flahive
Nov 8 · 3 min read

This year, for the first time, I conducted what I call a “winter inventory.” Despite being a very organized person, and having lived my entire life in Canada, cold weather tends to sneak up on me. I wake up one day, shocked to discover a foot of snow or a bad cough, even though winter happens every. single. year. But around Halloween, I realized that early November is a good time to take stock of everything we’ll need when fall inevitably turns to winter overnight.

Whether you love or hate the outdoors, there are a few different areas to consider when looking at your winter inventory. You want to make sure that you have everything on hand, and easily accessible, so that if the first snowfall arrives as you’re already running late, you won’t be caught off guard. As with all organizing projects, I encourage you to use what you already have whenever possible, rather than buying something new. Cold, icy weather already has its share of challenges, so do something today that your future (winter) self will thank you for!

Braving the elements: Cold weather accessories

Make sure that every family member has at least one pair of boots and gloves, a hat and a scarf. Double check that everything fits and is in good condition, and find a home for it all near the front door. If you were saving hand-me-down coats and snow pants for younger kids, this is the perfect time to pull those out. If you use a boot tray in your front hall, wipe off any salt stains from last year, and set everyone’s boots on it. You can even put a pair of warm socks in each pair of boots. It might sound like overkill, but if starts to hail as you’re walking out the front door, you won’t have to scramble to get everyone changed.

Preparing for snow (and other emergencies)

If you live in an apartment, bring in any plants from the balcony that won’t survive a frost. If you live in a house, store your snow shovel close to the garage door or leave it on your front porch (and make sure you’ve got at least one container of road salt). Review any emergency supplies you have, like LED candles, batteries and flashlights. Shop for non-perishable food and consider buying a generator in case of a power outage. Swap out your winter tires and floor mats if you have them, and make sure there’s an ice scraper in the trunk or back seat. Consider creating a car emergency kit and add CAA or your roadside service provider’s phone number to your contacts.

Get cozy: Health, wellness, and an efficient furnace

Is there a certain product that you or a family member always reach for when someone has a cough, cold or fever? Nothing feels worse than waking up with a sore throat and realizing you don’t have time to get cough drops before work. Check expiration dates on any over the counter medications. When it comes to personal care, think about any toiletries that are winter-specific, like lip balm for chapped lips, or body scrubs and lotion for dry skin and hands. If you use a humidifier, make sure it’s thoroughly cleaned and ready to go. And if you’re really ambitious about getting ready for winter, check for any drafts caused by gaps around doors or windows. The City of Toronto and the province offer financial incentives for completing a home energy audit. It’s a great opportunity to ensure that your house is operating efficiently and will keep you cozy into the new year.

Mark your calendars for next year, and consider making this an annual tradition! Late October or early November is the perfect time to conduct your winter inventory and assemble everything you’ll need to be warm and comfortable, indoors and out, during the dark months ahead.

Written by

Alice Flahive is a professional organizer. She helps busy Toronto families declutter and simplify. www.alicetheorganizer.com

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