Getting Your Apartment Winter Ready

Winters here and that means many things – cold weather, shorter days, flu season, and busy holiday schedules. It can be tough to keep your apartment tidy when things get hectic, the weather gets tough, or when you get sick. Here are a few tips to keep things clean, comfy, and healthy to ease you into the hustle and bustle of the holidays and the harsh winter weather.

Keeping Things Clean – This may be easier said than done, but a clean apartment is essential in promoting relaxation, rest, and healthy choices. Set up a winter “mud room” by the door. Chances are, you don’t have an actual mud room or even a large space for this purpose in an apartment. But you can easily place a small shoe rack for muddy/wet shoes, a hook or two for a coat and a towel to clean up wet or muddy messes (or to towel off your furry friend after a rainy walk), and a small bucket for umbrellas. This is a great alternative to trekking through your living room with wet or muddy shoes, waiting for the dog to race onto the couch to dry himself off, or leaving your things in a pile where they won’t be able to dry out.

Add Some Comfy Touches – Once you’re settled in for the night, or after a chilly morning outing, you want to be able to relax and get cozy. If you don’t already have one, add a super soft throw to your couch and even your bed for time to catch up on your favorite shows, read a good book, or get some work done from home. You could also add some candles in your favorite scents or even some warmer bedding on your bed for the winter months.

Stay Healthy – Despite all of the holiday parties and treats that you will be indulging in, try to keep healthy foods available at home. This can be critical to avoiding a bad cold or case of the flu. Try to plan your grocery trips to be at least once per week, so that you always have some sort of fresh fruit and vegetable available (the more the better!). This can really balance out the sweets that may be constantly offered at work and at every gathering. Stock up on your favorite tea! Tea is not only a comforting drink when it is cold outside, it is also great for the common cold. Try to find a caffeine free tea to have available for evenings when you want to relax, sooth your sore throat, or get ready for bed.

Ever tried essential oils? While these may not be for everyone, they can be great for relaxation, facilitating your immune system, or enhancing a good night’s sleep. There is much to be researched on this topic, but essential oils can be a great addition to a small living space.

Lastly, stay warm!