How to start planning for colder weather

It’s smart to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather and lighter evenings while you can. But recent headlines will have forced many to look to winter with fear, with the latest forecasts predicting average energy bills to top £4,200 come January 2023. The season is likely to be challenging even with moderate government intervention. There are steps you can start taking now, however, to ease at least some of that pressure, and get planning for colder weather.

After all, there’s a practical imperative too. The likelihood of extreme weather such as heavy rainfall is increasing both in the UK and beyond. Preparing yourself, your home and other items, such as vehicles, will give you a better chance of weathering storms in comfort and good health.

Read practical tips below on planning for colder weather.  

Have your boiler checked

If you use a boiler for your heating, the last thing you want is it failing on you in the depths of winter and leaving you in the cold. Consider hiring a professional to come out, service it and carry out any necessary tweaks.

Major repairs – or worse, a replacement – don’t come cheap, but it’s a necessary expense for your health. If you don’t have spare cash available right now, you could use an alternative to a payday loan to cover the cost.  

Prepare other areas of your home

Your boiler can’t keep your home warm on its own though, so you’ll want to make other repairs and improvements now too. Small changes like draught-proofing windows and doors can make a big difference, as can larger projects like installing loft insulation.

Insulating pipes, meanwhile, will help them do a better job of keeping heat in. Crucially, this reduces the risk of them freezing, causing flooding and leaving you without water too.  

Get your vehicle ready

If you rely on a car to get around for work or leisure, it’s smart to prepare now so you’re safer on the roads come winter.

Check your tyre tread hasn’t fallen below the legal limit of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. With less tread depth, your car will struggle to stop in slippery conditions and is at greater risk of losing grip.

Other tips include checking your battery, topping up the antifreeze in your engine coolant, and cleaning your lights.

Invest in thermals

Is your wardrobe winter ready? There’s no need to shell out money on expensive coats, fleeces and other items. Instead, investing in comfortable thermals will keep your core body temperature up whether you’re at home or out and about.

Basic long-sleeved tops and trousers can help you fight off the cold. Thermal clothing is also designed to allow sweat to escape, preventing you from overheating.

Some of these points might seem like common sense when it comes to planning for colder weather. But if there are any extra steps you can add to your preparations, you’ll be in for a cosier, safer winter.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.