✨ “Meet the kind of writer who notices the angle of the sun and feels the season in her bones. She lives above the 45th parallel, where autumn whispers warnings of the long winter ahead. She’s practical yet warm, weaving together homestead wisdom with everyday chores, always rooted in gratitude for creation’s design. Her posts are equal parts cozy homemaking, hands-on hacks, and down-to-earth humor (‘cat pee smell, am I right?’). She doesn’t just clean and prep—she makes it feel like a ritual of care, a way of stewarding both house and home.” ✨
Getting the Home Ready for Winter: A Seasonal Reset Above the 45th Parallel
It’s that time of year again above the 45th parallel — when the weather turns moodier, the nights are cool but the sun is still warm. We all know what’s coming: winter. And here, it’s usually a long one.
There’s plenty to do outside on the homestead before the snow flies, but today I want to focus on what I do to get the home itself ready for the cold months ahead. These are the kinds of chores that are easier to tackle while it’s still warm outside, with the hose and sunshine on your side.
Freshening Up the Bedding and Blankets
One of the first things I do is gather all the blankets, lap blankets, pillowcases, and bedding. Everything gets a good wash, but instead of running them through the dryer, I hang them outside.
Not only does this save wear and tear on the fabrics, but the fresh air works wonders. Sunlight naturally disinfects and refreshes — what a powerful design from God Himself. The end result? Bedding that feels crisp, clean, and ready to keep us warm all winter.
Laundry Tip: I often switch between making my own laundry soap and using Truly Free. If you’re interested in DIY laundry soap, check out my recipe [here].
Deep Cleaning the Cat Box (Yes, Really)
It might not be glamorous, but it’s necessary: a good, deep clean of the cat litter box. We use a pellet system, which I love, but it’s still a “dirty job” (thanks, Mike Rowe!). With the help of the outdoor hose, I can scrub everything down thoroughly before refilling it with fresh pellets. Trust me — your winter self will thank you when the house smells fresher.
Giving the Vacuum Some TLC
Over the summer, our vacuum works overtime picking up cat hair, dander, dust, and the extra debris that blows in through open windows. Since we don’t have carpets, all that buildup tends to settle into the vacuum itself.
That’s why I take the time now to give it a deep clean. With the air compressor, I blow out the filters and all the nooks where dust hides. This simple maintenance trick has made my vacuum last so much longer.
Why These Little Tasks Matter
Getting the home ready for winter isn’t just about cleaning — it’s about preparing a space where we’ll be spending so much time during the colder months. A little effort now, while the sun is still shining, makes for a cozier, cleaner, and more restful home later.
Wrapping Up the Season
As the days shorten and the air turns crisp, these small acts of care help me embrace the shift into winter with gratitude. They turn routine chores into a rhythm of preparation — a way of stewarding both home and heart before the snow settles in.
Now I’d love to hear from you: What are the things you do to get your home ready for winter? Do you have your own seasonal rituals or must-do tasks that make the cold months more comfortable? Share them in the comments — I’d love to swap ideas!
