MAKE SURE TO STOCK THESE WINTER ESSENTIALS
Winter is pretty when the snow is falling all around. It is often the season when we sink into our homes (or couches) and watch the latest season of All Creatures Great and Small.
Living in Colorado, we have temperamental weather forecasts. Which is why I make sure to stock these winter essentials.
My essential lists will always include my home office printer. My office printer does not have a low ink gauge like my gas tank. Instead, my printer churns documents and then jumps to “replace the ink cartridge immediately.”
It reminds me of a toddler who has a complete meltdown in the cereal aisle at Kroger.
The irony is I have meltdowns when the low ink warning activates. Which is how I came up with a list of home essentials to keep on hand.
. What is your meltdown moment when you realize you don’t have blank at home and the weather outside is frightful? Please share in the comments below.
5 HOME ESSENTIALS TO STOCK
INK CARTRIDGES
Now, as soon as I replace one ink cartridge, I reorder a backup. If I am in an OCD mode I order two. I do the same with printer paper and spray starch. But I do not consider spray starch an essential item to stock in January.
BATTERIES (9 VOLT)
I do not want to be without a 9-volt backup battery when the smoke detector alarm starts to chirp… yes I realize this is a double AA. ;0)
Sidenote:
It never fails when I have a vacant listing. The batteries eventually start to chirp before the property is sold.
I keep a couple of 9-volt batteries in the seller’s kitchen drawer. Because nothing says vacant home MORE than a chirping smoke detector.
Sidenote: I started my real estate career in 2006/2007. It was during the financial crisis, short sales, and foreclosures. I still remember the houses that chirped.
Sidenote: Why do smoke detectors start to chirp at night?
Did some engineer set it up to chirp at 3:30 in the morning?
I have dragged a 10 foot ladder four flights of stairs to diagnose which battery is chirping. Here is my tip for storing batteries. A few years ago my dad got us a battery storage container. I love it! It is similar to this battery case.
LIGHTBULBS
Find the type you need/like for interiors and exteriors, and order backup lightbulbs.
I found this GE site helpful.
WINDSHIELD CLEANERS
With winter weather comes snirt (snow and dirt) on the streets. Which leads to dirty windshields.
It is frustrating when I activate my windshield wipers and cleaner and hear the wheezing/whining sound, indicating it is close to empty. Sound familiar?
On a total aside, I found these windshield wiper cleaner tabs; just add water. No more bulky plastic bottles rolling around in the back of your car!
FAVORITE SNACKS OR HOT DRINKS
Nothing says cozy winter essentials than a warm cup of coffee, tea, apple cider hot chocolate, or something with Rum or Peppermint Schnapps.
Stock up with your favorite drinks for winter. Here is a coffee milk punch recipe served hot or cold.
THROWS
I could not exclude my go-to essential in winter. I love a warm and cozy blanket or throw.
My favorite throw was a Christmas gift. It is pricey, but the weight and quality are so cozy. I rarely pass on a throw from Homegoods. It is my weakness. It’s on Sale!
Thank you for stopping by today. What are your winter essentials? Are they cozy or practical?
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Great tips! I’m on the lookout for some new throws and cloth napkins. I’m down to 4 napkins and have no idea what happened to them. My winter essentials are fleece lined leggings and hand warmers for walks. I also need lotion, aquafor and lip balm. Soup, candles and cozy blankets are my jam too!
LOVE THE LIST OF essentials!