By Kai Iris
If you are new to living in an area that experiences all four seasons, it may take time to get used to the winter. The winter months generally require a bit of additional preparation to be comfortable with snow and freezing temperatures. Here are a few things you should know to be fully prepared.
Prepare Your Home
To ready your home for the coldest season, first make sure that your insulation, especially around windows and doors, is as good as possible. If you don’t have good insulation, you’ll risk losing warm air. Seal drafts and invest in insulating draperies to ensure that cold air doesn’t enter your home while preventing your heat from escaping.
Next, take a look at your roof. Snow can be heavier than it looks, so it is important you utilize a snow load calculator to ensure that your roof can withstand the snow’s weight. You wouldn’t want a cave-in during the freezing months. Finally, make sure your water pipes are insulated so that they will not freeze or burst if they are exposed to freezing temperatures.
Dress for Success
Now that you’ve got your house ready, you have to get yourself prepared as well. The number-one mantra for winter weather is to layer up! Regulating your body heat is essential to staying warm, and it can be easily achieved with the proper base layers and outerwear.
Wear clothing made of fabric like fleece and wool underneath wind- and water-resistant snow pants and jackets. Couple this gear with thick-soled boots, warm socks and a hat, and you’ll be ready for anything that comes your way! Whether you’re going to work or school, find ways to layer up. When you go inside, you can simple take off a few layers.
Have Fun
The best way to deal with the winter blues is to find items that make cold and snow enjoyable. Snowy yards are great terrain for adventures. Investing in equipment like sleds, skates and skis can make being outside a pleasant experience, and they can be a great way to connect with friends. A firepit will keep you warm and toasty no matter the weather and is a great way to spruce up your backyard. Hot chocolate and warm foods can warm your belly and help those snowy nights seem more enjoyable.
Winter can be uncomfortable, but with the right preparation, you can not only endure it but learn to love it.
