As we’ve already started to hibernate, root out hot water bottles, turn lights on at 4pm and spend Saturday nights watching Strictly Come Dancing, it’s time to get Winter-ready.
There are a few checks that can be handy to do at this time of year to make sure we, and our homes, are organised for the Winter months.
MEDICINE BOX:
Unfortunately, with Winter comes illness. So it’s time to get your medicine box organised.
Go through your home and gather all medicines together. Check expiration dates and make sure everything could be used if needed.
Most people tend to keep medicines in the kitchen or upstairs in the bathroom. If you have children, you might like to keep their medicines close to their bedrooms in case they are ill during the night. Sort out which medicines you’d like where, and distribute them to the appropriate room.
Finally, medicines can be messy (I’m looking at you Calpol), and they can be quite finicky (that’s you, plasters). So once you’ve figured out what medicines you’re keeping and the space they take up, get some good storage to fit. Place a warning label on the outside and keep out of the reach of children.
THE CAR:
There are many garages offering checks on your car before the Winter and I think this is a great idea. Getting your tyres, battery and liquid levels checked at this time of year is a good investment.
For yourself, in the car, it’s worth making sure you have some supplies in the boot just in case of emergencies.
Supplies such as the following might be a good idea:
- A blanket
- Towel
- First aid kit
- Some cereal bars and snacks
- Spare cash
- Spare socks
- Shoe grips (for snow/ice)
- Umbrella
Keeping these items organised in your car could help you in case of flooding, bad traffic, or god forbid the arrival of snow like a few years back.
ORGANISE THE WINTER ACCESSORIES:
Hands up who has scarves, hats & gloves scattered about? Who can’t find the glove match just as you’re running out the door to school?
Well let’s sort that this week. Again, go around the home and gather up all winter accessories. Go through them, declutter, and remove anything that no longer fits or that you don’t like anymore.
Sort the remainder according to each family member. Then place these where you feel would best suit the habits of your family. This might be in the hallway, under the stairs, or in each person’s bedroom.
Wherever is best so that access is easy and a new home won’t cause frustration. Remember, work with the habits you may already have in place for these accessories.
If you get storage for these items, make sure to label it up well, either by person, or by item.
Here’s to a safe, and hopefully quick Winter!
Happy Organising!