In Minnesota, winter is a certainty. The unavoidable cold, snow, and ice arrive every year in varying degrees, but there are some easy things you can do to make the passage through winter easier, safer, and more comfortable.

To begin with, here are some important safety tips to keep in mind:

• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything flammable.
• Never leave candles, heaters, or cooking unattended.
• Keep a flashlight and batteries handy in case of power outages.
• Have an emergency contact list ready, including maintenance and management.
• Dress for the elements! Make sure your closet includes a heavy winter coat, insulated snow boots, a warm hat, scarf, mittens or gloves, and thick socks. Additional recommended pieces are fleece or wool base layers, waterproof snow pants, and ice cleats for those who continue to walk on potentially icy sidewalks through the winter months.
• Don’t forget your car! Check antifreeze levels, add freeze-resistant windshield wiper fluid, make sure your snow brush and ice scraper are in good working order, ensure your tires are ready for icy conditions, and consider making a winter emergency kit to keep in your vehicle.

A.I. Generated Image

Next up, a few maintenance tips to ensure smooth sailing through the season:

• Follow management instructions regarding heat to avoid frozen or burst pipes caused by cold weather.
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to prevent mold buildup.
• Wipe window condensation to protect frames and sills.
• Store dry and perishable foods in air-tight containers, wipe down counters, sweep floors regularly, and remove garbage and recycling promptly to avoid pests.
• Notify management immediately if you notice leaks, cracks, or strange HVAC noises. Fixing issues sooner rather than later keeps small problems from becoming bigger problems.
• If you’re going to be away for an extended period, inform your property manager so they can check on your unit if severe weather hits.

Here are some ways to make your space more comfortable during the colder months:

• Close blinds once the sun goes down to keep heat in and cold out!
• Store outdoor furniture or cover it to protect against weather damage.
• Add a duvet, blankets, and flannel sheets to your bed for warmth.
• Add a boot tray by the door for snowy or wet footwear.
• Add a cool-mist humidifier to your bedroom to combat dryness.
• Clean out your fridge in preparation for holiday cooking, toss any condiments or open jars left over from the summer months to make space.

Lastly, here is a fun list of things to ensure a cozy night in:

A.I. Generated Image

• Grab some cozy socks in a fun print to keep your feet warm
• Add one or two soft blankets to your living room to ward off evening chills.
• Now is a great time to organize your books or watchlist on your favourite streaming platform, so when you have time to cozy up on the sofa you don’t waste it choosing what to read or watch.
• Create a seasonal playlist with some of your favourite winter-themed or guilty pleasure songs, it’s the season for nostalgia!
• Now is a great time to discover and dive into a new podcast! Whether you prefer educational or entertaining content, there is something available for every taste. Podcasts are great to listen to while cooking, cleaning, or working on a project.
• Create a small stash of favourite treats like popcorn, mixed nuts, individually wrapped chocolates or candies for when you need a “pick me up” on a particularly cold, dark winter night.
• Make a hot drink station in your kitchen with a selection of hot chocolate, tea, and coffee. Be sure to include fun add-ins like marshmallows, candy canes, and a selection of flavoured syrups!

A.I. Generated Image

• Consider adding fun, colourful lights, flameless candles, or ones with seasonal scents to your space.
• Winter is a great time of year to do some batch cooking, freeze and store hearty meals to enjoy throughout the season.
• Add some plants to your space to add a touch of life and greenery, with an added bonus of helping to purify the air in your room! Refer to our blog post about plants to help you select the best fit for your space and lifestyle.
• Treat yourself to a spa night – a warm bubble bath, maybe try out some new products, set the tone with mood lighting, and relax!
• Pick up a new hobby or life habit such as journaling, learning a new skill or activity such as a language or instrument – with many educational platforms online, the possibilities are endless!

With these tips and tricks, there’s no need to hibernate, you can get out to safely and comfortably explore all that the Minnesota winter has to offer – but if you choose to stay in, following these simple suggestions will ensure your apartment is cozy and inviting all winter long.