*This post is sponsored by The Home Depot

Winter is coming…. that means it’s time to prepare the house so it will stay in great shape during the harsh winter weather.

CLEAN GUTTERS

The first thing I do is clean all the gutters with a leaf blower. Clearing out your gutters from fallen leaves will keep your gutters in great shape and prevent leakage from occurring.

This ladder is really lightweight, and crazy versatile. The sides can lock into multiple positions, so you can use this ladder on stairs or inclines, it’s super handy.

The thing I love about this ladder is how everything locks into position. You can hear and see when the ladder is locked and stable, so it’s a very safe ladder to use. Listen to those clicks in the video below… such a satisfying sound.

I use a battery powered leaf blower from DeWalt to help make this task easier.

PREVENT RUST

The next thing on the list is rust prevention.

I leave a lot of equipment outdoors or in my uninsulated garage. This could lead to metal parts getting rusty over the winter.

To prevent rust on metal parts that remain outdoors, I use WD-40 Specialist Long-Term Corrosion Inhibitor.

As seen in the video above, I use it on the swing-set, basketball hoop and sawbuck that remain outside, spraying it on those metal parts will keep them rust free for up to one year.

I also spray it on tools I keep in my garage, like my number punches and pressure washer. Because these items will not be in direct contact to the winter weather, spraying it will prevent rust for up to 2 years!

PREVENT OUTDOOR FAUCETS FROM FREEZING

This next one, I learned the hard way…. Your outdoor spigot (where you attach your garden hose) is exposed to the elements. If you live in an area that freezes, the water trapped in the spigot or hose may freeze, causing a leak outside or even inside your house.

To prevent this from happening, shut the water valve from inside your house that is directly connected to your outdoor spigot. Then open the outdoor spigot to let any excess water escape. Now there is no water trapped in the outdoor spigot that will expand and break your pipes when winter comes.

PREVENT INDOOR PIPES FROM FREEZING

If you have a pipe that has froze in the past, consider wrapping the pipe with Foam and Foil Pipe Wrap Insulation Tape.

This tape can be installed on both hot and cold pipes and it will prevent them from freezing over. On hot pipes, it helps stop heat loss and on cold pipes it helps stop sweating and dripping.

It’s also really easy to install!

PREPARE FOR SNOW

You never know when a huge snow storm will hit, so make sure you are stocked up with salt.

A few years ago there was a salt shortage in my area… Since then, I always make sure to pick up at least one bag when the temperature starts to drop.

Also, make sure you know where your shovel is located so you can quickly grab it and clear away the snow.

CHANGE FURNACE FILTER

If your furnace filter is dirty, it will not heat your house efficiently and it might cause your furnace to fail.

Change out your filter when the weather starts to change to keep your furnace running smoothly so you won’t have to borrow blankets from your friends….

STOCK UP ON HOT COCOA

Probably the most important thing on the list. You are going to get that unexpected call from school and you’re stuck at home with the kids all day…. They are going to want Hot Cocoa… Don’t forget the marshmallows!

I acknowledge that The Home Depot is partnering with me to participate in the ProSpective 2018 Campaign. As a part of the Program, I am receiving compensation in the form of products and services, for the purpose of promoting The Home Depot. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own words. My post complies with the Worth of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines.