When cold mornings start creeping in and you notice your breath in the air before you’ve even left the house, it’s a sure sign it’s time to winterise your home. And while we all love the cosy part of winter with blankets, hot chocolate and quiet evenings, none of that feels quite as magical if your home isn’t ready for the drop in temperature.
A little preparation now saves a lot of hassle later.
But winter prep is more than just turning the heating on and hoping for the best.
It’s about protecting your home, your belongings, and your budget. In many cases, it also involves knowing what needs to be stored safely out of the way.
Let’s walk through the essential steps to winterise your home this year, with simple tips and smart storage ideas to help you start the season feeling organised, not overwhelmed.
Why You Should Winterise Your Home
Every winter, homeowners face the same set of challenges: cold snaps, damp, storms, clutter build-up, and higher heating bills.
But a bit of forethought can make all the difference.
Good winter preparation means:
- A warmer, more energy-efficient home
- Fewer costly maintenance surprises
- Safer outdoor areas
- Less stress when storms hit
- More space indoors for winter essentials
- And one of rhw most underrated benefits: a smoother, calmer transition into the busy holiday season.
1. Check Your Insulation (Before the Chill Sets In)
One of the biggest ways heat escapes your home is through poor insulation.
If your loft, walls, or windows aren’t properly insulated, your heating system has to work overtime — something you’ll definitely notice on your energy bill.
Before temperatures drop fully:
- Have your loft insulation inspected
- Look for drafts around windows and doors
- Consider replacing old seals
- Upgrade where practical
- Better insulation = a warmer home and lower heating costs.
A simple step, but a major part of how you winterise your home effectively.
2. Clear and Store Summer Items to Make Space
This is where storage becomes your secret weapon. When winter arrives, summer items become dead weight in your home — taking up space you need for coats, boots, festive decor, heaters, and all the seasonal chaos.
Things you can store over winter include:
- Garden furniture
- BBQ equipment
- Bikes and cycling gear
- Camping equipment
- Kids’ outdoor toys
- Gardening tools and pots
- Sports kit
Using a clean, dry, secure storage unit for the colder months keeps these items protected, out of the weather, and away from damp — while freeing up valuable space at home.
People across Gloucester, Stroud, Bristol and Stonehouse often store summer gear in Space Centre during winter, and bring everything back when the sunshine returns.
3. Trim Trees and Tidy the Garden
Winter winds can turn weak or dead branches into hazards. Before storms roll in, make sure you do the following:
- Trim back overgrown branches
- Remove anything close to roofs, windows, or cars
- Clear up loose garden debris
- Store delicate items safely
You don’t need a full garden makeover; just a tidy-up to reduce risks and keep your space winter-ready.
4. Protect Outdoor Belongings From Damp and Frost
The UK winter is famously wet and if you’re not careful, tools, furniture, or outdoor equipment can get damaged fast. To protect your belongings:
- Clean and dry items before storing
- Use waterproof covers on anything left outside
- Avoid leaving fabric items outdoors
- Store delicate or wooden items indoors or in a unit
- Keep metal tools dry to prevent rust
This is where a small unit really pays off: no damp garages, no leaky sheds, no frost damage; just clean, dry, secure space.
5. Prepare for Power Outages
Winter storms can bring unexpected power cuts. A little preparation goes a long way and here’s what to do:
- Keep torches and batteries handy
- Consider a small backup power bank
- Store candles safely
- Protect perishables
- If you’re in an outage-prone area, consider a small generator
It doesn’t need to be dramatic, just sensible.
6. Clear Gutters and Check Roofs
Blocked gutters = leaks, damp, mould, and expensive repairs. Before winter sets in:
- Clear out leaves and debris
- Make sure water can drain freely
- Check for cracks, sagging, or blockages
- Inspect the roof for loose tiles
A clean gutter is one of the simplest (and cheapest) ways to keep your home protected.
7. Create Space Indoors by Storing Bulky Items
Winter always means more things like coats, boots, heating equipment, Christmas decorations, gifts and a generally larger amount of “stuff”. To stop your home feeling cramped, consider storing:
- Spare furniture
- Unused hobby equipment
- Boxes of summer clothes
- Decorations that aren’t needed year-round
- Bulky sports equipment
A storage unit can act like your “seasonal cupboard” where you can swap items in and out as the seasons change.
Why People Use Space Centre to Winterise Their Home
Whether it’s for a few weeks or the whole winter season, a small storage unit makes winter prep effortless. Here’s why homeowners choose Space Centre:
- Clean, dry units: No damp, mould, or frost damage: Perfect for furniture, bikes, tools, and hobby gear.
- Flexible sizes and short-term options: Store a few boxes or an entire garden’s worth of summer gear.
- Affordable rates with no hidden fees: Great for winter budgeting.
- Local sites in Gloucester, Stroud, Bristol and Stonehouse: Easy access whenever you need to swap items.
- Helpful team who’ll guide you to the right size: No guesswork, no stress.
Winterise Your Home For A Cosier Winter
Preparing early means a safer home, lower energy costs, less clutter, better protection for your belongings and a calmer winter overall. Whether you need a little extra space or a safe place to store seasonal items, Space Centre makes winter prep simple, affordable, and stress-free. If you’d like help choosing the right unit for winter storage, the team is always happy to guide you.