We are entering the busiest and coldest months of the year. Prepping your home for both holiday fun and freezing temperatures now can prevent stress and costs later when there is less time to deal with details. Home Artisans of Indiana members share their advice on how to prepare your home for winter and celebrations this year:

ORGANIZE FOR THE HOLIDAYS: “Before the holidays begin, we advise you dive into your storage closets and organize seasonal decorations. You will be able to find what you need quickly when switching from fall to winter décor. If you plan on hosting parties and family gatherings, plan ahead for easily accessible seating and places to hand coats and purses. Focus on organizing the high-traffic areas like doorways, the kitchen, and places people will likely gather to socialize. If organization isn’t your strong point, we can help! We create custom solutions for all of your unique storage needs.” Erin Moore, California Closets

SAVE ON ENERGY: “Uncovered windows can cause as much as 50% of a home’s energy loss, but the right covering can effectively reduce energy spending. Energy-efficient coverings act as an extra layer of insulation as well as a heat-blocker in summer. For instance, the English Bump is a method of lining drapery panels with a thicker material than regular lining. The thicker drapes provide better heat insulation, effectively lowering energy costs.” Caryn O’Sullivan, Drapery Street

SIMPLE SELLS:  “If you are selling your house during the holiday season, simplify your winter decorations. Festive décor can be charming, but over decorating can hide a home’s features from the buyer.” Phil Hotle, Century 21 Scheetz

FURNACES AND HUMIDIFIERS: “Before the freeze sets in, now is a good time to have your furnace inspected, serviced or replaced. You can compare prices, service providers, and equipment benefits now while you aren’t under pressure from extreme temperatures to find a quick fix, which may cost you more in the long run. Also, manufacturers often offer special rebates during the late fall season. If you are looking for more ways to reduce energy spending, consider installing a whole-house humidifier. You can save an estimated 10-20% on your heating bills if this system is used correctly.” Brian Schutt, Homesense Heating & Cooling

PREVENT PIPE FREEZING: During winter, plumbing on exterior walls is prone to freeze because it is close to outdoor temperatures. Open the doors where these pipes are housed, such as a bathroom sink cabinet, to keep them warm. It also helps to let faucets drip, allowing water to move inside the pipes and keeping them from freezing. You can also use a fan to circulate warm air around the pipes. In crawl spaces, pipes need insulation to keep warm. It helps in the winter to close crawl space vents, preventing warm air from escaping. Cathy Stegemoller, Steg Plumbing

PREVENT ACCIDENTS: “If you will be entertaining mobility-impaired guests during the holidays, think about areas in your house where maneuvering around could be difficult. Consider rearranging the furniture for easier access, or removing throw rugs they could stumble over.” Kent McCool, Home Safe Homes

Do you have any winter season tips to share? Leave a comment for us below!

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