Preparing Your Home for Winter: Decluttering and Organizing Tips for Prince George

Winter in Prince George can feel long, snowy, and dark—but with a bit of preparation, your home can become a cozy, organized space that supports you all season long. Getting ahead of winter means more than just pulling out the snow shovel. It’s about creating a home that’s safe, functional, and welcoming when you’re spending more time indoors.

Here are some practical decluttering and organizing tips tailored to our northern BC winters:

1. Tackle Your Entryway First

In Prince George, snowy boots, heavy coats, and wet mitts pile up quickly. Clear out any extra shoes, coats, or bags you don’t use daily. Add sturdy mats inside and outside the door, a boot tray to catch melting snow, and hooks or baskets for hats and gloves. This makes the transition from outdoors to indoors less messy.

2. Create a Warm and Safe Living Space

You’ll likely spend more time in your living room during winter. Declutter surfaces to reduce visual overwhelm, and make room for cozy items like blankets and extra lighting. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, especially if you’re using a fireplace or space heater.

3. Rotate Seasonal Clothing and Gear

Pack away summer gear to free up space. Make sure winter coats, snow pants, and boots are clean and in good repair. Keep only what fits and what you truly wear. If you discover extras, consider donating them—many Prince George charities gladly accept winter wear.

4. Streamline Your Kitchen

Winter often means more cooking at home. Take time to declutter expired pantry items, organize baking supplies, and create a spot for hearty winter staples like soups, oats, and canned goods. Keep your most-used items easy to grab so meal prep feels less overwhelming.

5. Prepare for Power Outages

Prince George winters sometimes bring heavy snowfalls that can lead to power outages. Designate a small bin for essentials: flashlights, extra batteries, candles, matches, and a phone charger. Having these ready will reduce stress if the lights go out.

6. Don’t Forget Outdoor Spaces

Clear out the garage, shed, or carport so you can easily access your snow blower, shovels, and ice melt. Put summer gear to the back and winter tools up front. Decluttering these spaces now saves time on those mornings when the driveway needs attention.

7. Let Go of What You Don’t Need

Winter is easier when your home isn’t overloaded with unused items. Take a box or two to local donation centres before the snow piles up.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for winter in Prince George isn’t just about staying warm—it’s about making your home a place of comfort and calm when the weather keeps you indoors. By decluttering and organizing now, you’ll save yourself stress later and enjoy a smoother, cozier winter season.

Local Resources for Prince George

Here are a few places that accept donations or handle recycling locally:

• St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store – Clothing, household items.

• Salvation Army Thrift Store – Clothing, furniture, small household goods.

• Value Village Prince George – Clothing, accessories, household items.

• PG Recycling & Return-It Centre – Bottles, cans, electronics, small appliances.

• Regional District of Fraser-Fort George Recycling Depots – Hazardous waste, batteries, paint, larger recycling.

Tip: Always check ahead to confirm hours and what items are currently accepted.