If you live where the winter is harsh, it's all the more important to be prepared:

 

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1. Take inventory of your winter wardrobe: This winter, plan to look your best. Take an inventory of your winter coats, jackets, scarves, hats, boots, gloves and winter underwear. Is everything in good shape, or do you need to let go of some well-worn gear for some new warm apparel? Does everything match, or is your inventory made up of a red jacket, brown boots and blue gloves? Be sure you have warm, practical choices for work and cozy, fashionable choices for casual winter weekends.
   
   
2. Initiate the seasonal equipment switch: Prepare to hibernate your lawn, garden and barbecue paraphernalia for the winter. Be sure everything is hosed down and prepped for the cold months ahead so that you'll be ready for the first thaw in spring. At the same time, get your winter equipment ready. The snow blower should be ready when the first snowflake falls. Get it serviced early if necessary. Be sure you're equipped with a shovel, salt, firewood and anything else you need.
   
   
3. Winterize the house: Check your furnace filter and change if necessary. If it's still in good condition, temporarily remove the filter to suction off any dust with a vacuum. Cover your air conditioner to prevent drafts and to protect the unit. Inspect the fireplace and have it serviced if you haven't done so lately. Browse around for drafty areas — doors and windows — and seal them. Check the chimney to be sure it's clear. Check smoke detectors and change batteries.
   
   
4. Get the car ready: Check your vehicle's anti-freeze, hoses, snow tires and so on to be sure it's ready for Jack Frost. While you're at it, stock some winter vehicle apparatus in your trunk, such as an ice scraper, a portable shovel and emergency gear such as a warm blanket, a flash light, motor oil, a compass, jumper cables, emergency lights and some non-perishable snacks. When you're out on the road this winter, be sure to carry along your cell phone. It can be a lifesaver!
   
   
5. Stock up on food: It's a drag to leave a toasty warm house to trek on over to the supermarket in a snowstorm or blizzard. Reduce those errands and spend more time indoors by stocking up on foods for the winter. Buy and freeze meat, chicken and seafood. Hoard winter veggies and store them in your basement freezer. Get plenty of canned goods and fill up your cabinets. And don't forget about stocking up on any medication too!
   
   
6. Light up the fire and your mind: Think up some fun ideas to do while you're relaxing in front of the blazing fireplace. Reading, with the sound of a crackling fireplace in the background and a hot cocoa by your side can be delightful. Gather board games like Scrabble, Pictionary and Scattegories and place them all in a large covered basket. Make an appointment with your family at least one day a week to enjoy one of these games together. Cuddle up with your spouse in front of the flames, wrapped in a warm blanket, and talk about your dreams and plans with each other.
   
   
7. Set goals: Winter is the perfect time to work on a project you've been meaning to get to. Perhaps you've been meaning to build a work station, organize your office or straighten out the basement or start a new venture. There's never a better time than the present to begin listing some goals and making a daily go of it.

 

About Maria Gracia

Maria Gracia, owner of www.getorganizednow.com and author of the book, Finally Organized, Finally Free can help you organize your home, your office and your life.