Embrace the Season: Essential Tips for a Cozy Winter Preparation

As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, it’s easy to feel the magic of fall in the air. Preparing for winter means more than just changing your wardrobe. It’s about making your home feel warm and inviting for the chilly months ahead. From cooking hearty meals to organizing your living space, here are some essential tips to help you get ready for winter.

Cooking Fall Recipes

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy meals that provide comfort and warmth. Think hearty soups, roasted vegetables, and spiced desserts.

Start by gathering seasonal ingredients like butternut squash, apples, and root vegetables. We planted a few too many plants this year (as always). A straightforward recipe to try is butternut squash soup. Roast the squash @ 385 F until tender, then blend it with chicken broth and season with nutmeg and cinnamon. You can enjoy this nutritious soup alongside crusty bread for a filling meal. My favorite is sourdough of course!

For dessert, consider making apple crisp. We picked apples at my husband's childhood farm, a variety of Honey Crisp, Johnathan, and Empire. This dessert combines tart apples with a crumbly topping of oats and brown sugar. It’s an excellent treat for chilly evenings, and studies show that comfort foods like apple crisp can boost your mood during winter. Also consider making applesauce, apple butter, or ferment the apples for a crisp hard cider!

Cutting Firewood

If you have a fireplace or wood stove, now is the time to stock up on firewood. This task not only keeps your home warm but can also be satisfying and enjoyable. Many hands make light work in our house.

We started cutting wood this spring and I am so glad we got ahead of this chore. Our wood pile is ready for chilly days ahead.

Fall Clean Up

As the leaves fall, tidying up your outdoor space becomes essential. Tasks like raking leaves, trimming shrubs, and cleaning gutters prepare your garden for winter.

Begin by raking leaves into piles. You can compost them, which enriches your garden soil, or use them as mulch in your flower beds. Trimming overgrown plants helps them survive the winter—research indicates that well-maintained gardens can thrive better when spring arrives.

If you are needing help, be sure to give us a call, we offer fall clean ups in Boscobel, Fennimore, and Lancaster.

Clearing Clutter

Take advantage of the season change by decluttering your home. Begin by reviewing your belongings and deciding what to keep, donate, or discard.

Focus on areas that tend to collect clutter, like closets and storage areas. While sorting through items, think about what you will truly need during winter. Creating a clean space makes it easier to access your winter essentials, including cozy blankets and holiday decorations.

Consider donating items you no longer need. Also, with the holidays coming, make a list of items you have on hand that might be fixed or repurposed as gifts.

Helpful Hints to Swap Out Summer Clothes for Winter

Transitioning your wardrobe from summer to winter might seem daunting. However, these helpful hints can make the process smoother.

Start by taking out your winter clothes and laying them out. Inspect items for any necessary mending or cleaning. When packing away summer clothes, using vacuum-sealed bags can save space and protect them from moisture. With our Wash and Fold Service, we can wash those coats and snow pants to have them ready for the first snow fall.

Organize your closet such that frequently worn clothes are at eye level, while seasonal accessories like scarves and hats are easily accessible. This makes getting dressed in the morning quick and straightforward. I don't think we can have too many bins and totes to organize items we don't need for that season.

Hibernating

As the days grow colder, it’s natural to feel the desire to hibernate. Embrace this feeling by creating a cozy nook in your home where you can relax and unwind.

Set up a comfortable chair with a soft blanket, and add some pillows for extra comfort. This space can be your sanctuary for reading, sipping hot cocoa, or simply enjoying the peacefulness of winter.

Consider adding soft lighting and candles, to enhance the cozy atmosphere. I prefer lamp light and candles in the evening to bring the energy down after a long busy day.

Ways to Hygge

Hygge—the Danish concept of coziness—perfectly captures the essence of winter. To create a hygge atmosphere in your home, focus on warmth and simplicity.

Start by lighting candles and using soft textures like wool blankets and plush cushions. Dim lighting paired with soothing colors creates a warm ambiance. Research indicates that such an environment promotes feelings of comfort and contentment.

Engage in activities that bring you joy, such as baking, crafting, or spending quality time with loved ones. Savor the moment and appreciate the small things that make winter special.

Your Path to a Cozy Winter

Preparing for winter is about more than just staying warm; it’s about creating a cozy and inviting home. By cooking delicious fall recipes, cutting firewood, decluttering, and embracing the idea of hygge, you can make the most of this beautiful season.

So, gather your loved ones, indulge in comforting meals, and create a space that feels like a warm hug. Winter is approaching, and it’s time to embrace it wholeheartedly!

Stay cozy my friends,

Gina aka "The Laundry Lady"