Every month we will take a deep dive into the process of making a problem area of your home into a practical space.
Now that Halloween is over and the winter holiday season is eminent, it’s time to make sure your home is in tip-top shape for the cozy months ahead. If you haven’t already completed a fall clean and organize of your space, now is the time before you haul out your holiday decor.
Room-by-Room Pre-Holiday Tasks
- Kitchen: Probably the hardest working room during the winter season (comfort food, anyone?). Even if you have a large kitchen, a little strategic planning will ensure that you have everything you need on hand and ready to use for the holiday baking and family gatherings ahead.
- Pack away summer and fall dishware, drinking vessels, and table linens
- Reorganize cupboards to make space for holiday serving ware, baking tins, dish towels, etc.
- Clear out pantry and restock with winter meal staples
- Deep clean oven, fridge, freezer, and small appliances
- Bedroom: Ensure you’re ready to get warm and cozy by spending some time preparing your closet and bedding.
- Winterize wardrobe
- Especially if you are tight for space, remove summer and transitional clothing items and store away for next year.
- Reflect as you swap in your cold weather clothing (consider donating clothing items you have not used in the past year and/or will not be using in the season ahead)
- Launder bed skirt and duvet, replace pillows, rotate and vacuum mattress
- Clean and pack away lightweight linens, and those with out-of-season colours or motifs
- Bring out extra blankets, flannel sheets
- Winterize wardrobe
- Bathroom: Warm baths and so much moisturizing! There are even pre-holiday tasks to do in the bathroom!
- Declutter your warm season skincare, hair care and cosmetics (check out our toiletries reference guide)
- Wash and pack away decorative towels with summer and fall motifs
- Deep clean all surfaces including walls
- Assess towels, washcloths, and shower curtain (deep clean or replace if necessary)
- General Home: Cozy up your relaxation spaces for peaceful nights and warm gatherings.
- Audit common areas like living room and dining room for visual clutter
- Pack summer and fall season decor away for next year
- Reflect on knickknacks and books that are taking up space but you no longer enjoy (donate anything that is still in good shape)
- Create clear spaces for your winter holiday decorations
- Swap out throws and pillows for heavier, cold weather versions
- Deep clean carpets and upholstery (particularly if you have forced-air heating or pets that shed)
- Service your fireplace and space heaters (and stock up on firewood if necessary)
- Audit common areas like living room and dining room for visual clutter
- Coat Closet: Prepare your entryway, mudroom, or coat closet for winter activities and cold weather.
- Wash and pack away summer and fall jackets and shoes (donate anything you will not be using next year)
- Store warm weather sport equipment for next year
- Bring out cold weather outerwear and make plans to replace anything that is damaged or has been outgrown
- Outdoor Spaces: Get out while it’s not too cold. You’ll thank yourself later!
- Winterize lawn, garden and gardening supplies (like in this project)
- Protect and store patio furniture and outdoor decor
- Prepare for snow (bring out your shovel, service snow blower, stock up on ice melt)
Considerations for Home Safety
In addition to steps you could take to reduce heating costs like reducing drafts and programming your thermostat, be sure to take some time to review your home for fire risks and plan your fire escape. Review important recommendations from the City of Edmonton.
Enjoy Your Practical Space!
Winters in Edmonton can feel long, cold, and dark, and a whole home reset can seem like an overwhelming chore, especially if you have a large family and home. Clearing away clutter, and creating a safe, clean, and comfortable home can go a long way in helping to combat winter blues. The key is to take it one room at a time and ask for help–employ family members or take advantage of one of our customizable packages.
The best gift you can give yourself this holiday season is a peaceful & organized space that will bring comfort and joy for months to come.