It\u2019s getting darker earlier and earlier and you\u2019ll want to make sure that your yard is well lit for the winter months. It\u2019s best to make sure bulbs are changed now then making the trek out in the freezing cold later on! Make sure that there\u2019s enough lighting in the front area and in your backyard and install any extra lights as needed.\u00a0It is so much easier to do this before the really cold weather hits!<\/p>\n
Check your windows and doors<\/strong><\/p>\n If you have any summer screens on windows and doors, it\u2019s time to take them off, put them into storage, and bust out the storm doors. Be sure to double-check the window and door frames to ensure they\u2019re still in good shape and replace any that are deteriorating. Also, double check your weatherstripping and replace if needed.<\/p>\n Photo via johnsoax on flickr<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Make sure your emergency kits are restocked<\/strong><\/p>\n Winter weather can get nasty, as we\u2019ve all probably learned from past ice storms. It\u2019s always good to keep some extra supplies on hand for the next big snowfall. Plus nothing is worse than trying to fight the crowds trying to pick up emergency supplies before a projected winter storm. Stock up on extra batteries, bottled water, non-perishable items, and all the other essentials for your emergency kits.<\/p>\n Bring in seasonal tools and get weatherizing<\/strong><\/p>\n When the temperature starts to drop, it\u2019s time to bring in the summer gardening tools to keep them from getting damaged over the winter. It also helps to prevent rust by coating tools with a light oil (you\u2019ll thank yourself for doing this later!). Make sure that your exterior faucets are turned off and roll up your garden hoses to store away for the winter. It\u2019s best to do this before the first freeze to keep your pipes protected.<\/p>\n Photo via lafattina on flickr<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Clean out your kitchen<\/strong><\/p>\n Bet you didn\u2019t see this one coming! Spring may be the typical time for cleaning, but it\u2019s great to check in a few times a year and do a big cleaning sweep. When was the last time you went through everything in the pantry and fridge? Double check expiry dates and toss everything that\u2019s past it\u2019s prime. Don\u2019t forget to double check your spices to make sure they\u2019re all in good condition. While they may not expire, they do lose some of their taste over time. So make sure that things are fresh and replace anything that may have been sitting around a bit too long.<\/p>\n How are you preparing for winter? Tell us on Twitter<\/a> or Facebook<\/a>!<\/p>\n![\"emergency-kit\"](\"http:\/\/paradisedevelopments.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/emergency-kit.png\")
![\"kitchen-pantry\"](\"http:\/\/paradisedevelopments.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/kitchen-pantry.png\")