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

Welcome to Your First Idaho Winter

If you’re new to Idaho, welcome. Chances are you’re coming from California, Arizona, Texas, or another state where winter means a light jacket and chilly mornings. Idaho winter is different. Snow, ice, and extended cold stretches are a normal part of life here in the Treasure Valley.

That said, winter in Idaho can be one of the best seasons of the year once you’re prepared. Blue-sky mornings, sledding with the kids, and weekends at Bogus Basin or Gateway Parks are part of the lifestyle. The key is making sure your home is ready, especially if this is your first winter here.

Table of Contents

• My First Winter Mistakes
• Preparing the Exterior of Your Home
• Sealing and Insulating Your Home
• Heating Systems and Fireplaces
• Emergency Prep and Winter Essentials
• Lifestyle Adjustments for First-Time Idahoans
• Final Thoughts

My First Winter Mistakes

When my family and I moved from San Diego, I thought I was ready. I had a truck, warm jackets, and confidence. What I didn’t realize was how different it feels to live through winter versus visiting. I learned quickly that hoses can freeze and burst overnight, snow piles up fast, and heating a home efficiently takes planning.

This guide is what I wish someone had handed me before my first Idaho winter.

Preparing the Exterior of Your Home

Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Water

Water expands when it freezes. If outdoor plumbing isn’t drained, it will burst.

• Disconnect and fully drain garden hoses.
• Have sprinkler systems blown out with compressed air (typically $50–$100).
• Cover outdoor faucets with foam faucet protectors.

Roof and Gutters

Before snow hits:

• Clear leaves and debris from gutters.
• Ensure downspouts drain at least 5 feet from the foundation.
• Check for missing shingles or loose flashing.

Small repairs now can prevent costly water damage later.

Yard and Outdoor Furniture

• Store lawn equipment and add fuel stabilizer to gas-powered tools.
• Cover or store patio furniture to prevent weather damage.
• Wrap young trees and shrubs with burlap for frost protection.

Sealing and Insulating Your Home

Windows and Doors

Drafts are one of the biggest causes of high heating bills.

• Add weatherstripping to doors.
• Use plastic window insulation kits on older windows.
• Install heavy curtains to retain heat.

Attic and Crawlspace

Heat rises. Homes should have at least 12–15 inches of attic insulation.

• Wrap exposed pipes in crawlspaces with foam insulation.
• Seal obvious air gaps around vents and access points.

Garage

If your garage is unheated, insulating the garage door helps protect vehicles and reduces heat loss through shared walls.

Heating Systems and Fireplaces

Furnace Prep

• Change furnace filters before winter and every 2–3 months.
• Schedule a professional furnace tune-up.
• Use programmable thermostats to lower temps while sleeping or away.

Fireplaces and Wood Stoves

• Have chimneys cleaned annually.
• Stock dry firewood early.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms.

Emergency Prep and Winter Essentials

Snow Removal Gear

• Sturdy snow shovels.
• Ice melt (pet-safe if needed).
• Roof rake for heavy snow accumulation.

Emergency Kits

• Flashlights and batteries.
• Warm blankets and sleeping bags.
• Several days of food and water.
• Backup heat source if appropriate.

Vehicles

Keep snow brushes, ice scrapers, jumper cables, and blankets in your vehicle. If you’re new to snow driving, practice in an empty parking lot before your first storm.

Lifestyle Adjustments for First-Time Idahoans

Learning to Love Winter

Winter feels longer if you fight it. Embrace it instead. Go ice skating at Indian Creek Plaza, sled at Camel’s Back Park, or ski at Bogus Basin or Tamarack.

Staying Active

Indoor gyms, climbing gyms, and recreation centers stay busy in winter. Staying active helps prevent cabin fever.

Seasonal Mindset

Idaho averages about 300 days of sunshine each year. Invest in good winter clothing and get outside regularly, even on cold days.

Final Thoughts

Your first Idaho winter will come with surprises, but preparation makes all the difference. From cozy nights by the fire to snowy mountain adventures, winter here offers a lifestyle many people never experience.

As a relocation agent who made the move myself, I understand the learning curve. My goal is to help you feel confident not just about your home, but about life in every season Idaho has to offer.

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.