Preparing Your Home for Winter: Tips for First-Time Idahoans

Welcome to Your First Idaho Winter

Why Winter in Idaho is Different

If you’re new to Idaho, welcome! Chances are, you’re moving here from a place like California, Arizona, or maybe Texas — states where “winter” means throwing on a hoodie at night. In Idaho, winter is the real deal. Snow, ice, and weeks of below-freezing temps are part of life here in the Treasure Valley.

But here’s the good news: once you’re prepared, winter can be one of the best times of the year. You’ll get crisp blue-sky mornings, family sledding trips, and weekends spent skiing at Bogus Basin or tubing at Gateway Parks. The key is making sure your home is ready to handle the cold — especially if this is your first Idaho winter.

My First Winter Mistakes

When my family and I moved from San Diego, I thought I was ready. I had a truck, I had jackets, and I figured how hard could it be? What I didn’t realize was how different it feels to live through a season instead of just visiting. I learned the hard way that a frozen hose can split overnight, snow can pile up faster than you expect, and keeping your house warm efficiently takes some planning.

Preparing the Exterior of Your Home

Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Water

If you only remember one thing from this article, make it this: water expands when it freezes. If you leave your outdoor hoses or sprinklers full of water, they will burst.

• Hoses: Disconnect them from the spigot and drain them fully.

• Sprinkler systems: Hire a local company to blow them out with compressed air (usually $50–$100). Search “sprinkler blowout Boise” and you’ll find plenty of options.

• Outdoor faucets: Cover them with foam faucet protectors — you can grab these cheap at Home Depot Boise or Lowe’s Meridian.

Roof & Gutters

Heavy snow and ice can wreak havoc on a roof. Before the first snowfall:

• Clean leaves and debris out of gutters.

• Make sure downspouts drain at least 5 feet away from the foundation.

• Check for missing shingles or loose flashing.

If you want peace of mind, consider hiring a local roof inspector. A small repair now is cheaper than water damage later.

Yard & Outdoor Furniture

• Lawn tools: Store your mower, trimmer, and any gas-powered tools in a shed or garage. Run them dry or add fuel stabilizer.

• Patio furniture: Either cover it with waterproof tarps or store it inside. High desert winters can be brutal on cushions and metal frames.

• Trees & shrubs: Wrap young trees with burlap to protect from snow load and frost.

Sealing and Insulating Your Home

Windows & Doors

Drafty windows can make your heating bill skyrocket. Walk around your home and check for gaps.

• Add weatherstripping to doors.

• Use clear plastic insulation kits on older windows (cheap and effective).

• Heavy curtains help keep warmth inside.

Attic & Crawlspace

Heat rises — if your attic isn’t insulated, you’re literally paying to heat the sky. Check that you have at least 12–15 inches of insulation.

In crawlspaces, wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation. Burst pipes under your home are a nightmare you don’t want.

Garage

If your garage isn’t heated, consider adding insulation to the garage door. It makes a noticeable difference in keeping your home warmer and protects your car battery from freezing.

So this guide is my way of passing along what I wish someone had told me.

Heating Systems & Fireplaces

Furnace Prep

Your furnace will be working hard, so make sure it’s ready.

• Change the filter before winter (and every 2–3 months).

• Schedule a furnace tune-up with a local company like Right Now Heating and Air.

• If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to lower temps while you’re at work or sleeping.

Fireplaces & Wood Stoves

There’s nothing cozier than a fire in the winter. But make sure it’s safe.

• Have chimneys cleaned once a year.

• Stock up on dry wood before the snow hits.

• Install a carbon monoxide detector near sleeping areas.

Emergency Prep & Winter Essentials

Snow Removal Gear

Don’t wait for the first big storm to grab a shovel. By then, shelves are empty. Stock up now on:

• Sturdy snow shovels.

• Ice melt (safe for pets if needed).

• A roof rake for heavy snow.

Or consider hiring a local snow removal service. In neighborhoods like Eagle or Meridian, you’ll often see plow trucks making rounds.

Emergency Kits

Power outages can happen. Keep these items on hand:

• Flashlights and batteries.

• Warm blankets and sleeping bags.

• A few days of food and water.

• Backup heat source (like a propane heater).

Vehicles

Even though this blog is about home prep, your car matters too. Keep a snow brush, ice scraper, jumper cables, and blankets in the trunk. If you’re new to snow driving, practice in an empty parking lot before the first storm.

Lifestyle Adjustments for First-Time Idahoans

Learning to Love Winter

If you approach winter as something to “get through,” it feels long. But if you embrace it, winter can be incredible. Go ice skating at Indian Creek Plaza, take the kids sledding at Camel’s Back Park, or spend a weekend skiing at Tamarack Resort.

Staying Active

Gyms and rec centers like the Meridian Homecourt are packed in winter, but so are indoor climbing gyms, trampoline parks, and yoga studios. Staying active helps beat cabin fever.

Seasonal Mindset

Your first winter may feel dark and cold, but Idaho offers 300 days of sunshine. Invest in good winter gear, bundle up, and get outside even on cold days. It makes all the difference.

Final Thoughts

Your first Idaho winter will be full of surprises, but if you’re prepared, it won’t just be manageable — it can be one of the most memorable seasons of your life. From cozy nights by the fire to snowy adventures in the mountains, winter here offers a lifestyle that most Californians never get to experience.

As a relocation agent who made the move myself, I know the learning curve can feel steep. But you’ve got this — and I’d love to help guide you not just into the right home, but also into a lifestyle where every season, winter included, feels like home.

📲 Call or text Curtis Chism at (208) 510-0427
📥 Ready to relocate remotely? Download our Boise Relocation Guide

Let’s get you ready for your first Idaho winter — and the many seasons to come.