This post is sponsored by Lowe’s Home Improvement. As always, all opinions are my own.
As the seasons shift here in Virginia, our new (but very old) Colonial home is showing us what it really means to prepare for winter. The chill sets in a little faster through original windows, the leaves seem endless, and every cozy corner needs a bit of extra love to stay warm and functional.
This fall, we’re leaning into those timeless seasonal rituals — clearing the yard, sealing up drafts, swapping filters, and deep cleaning before the holidays hit. I’ve always believed that home maintenance can still feel beautiful and intentional, especially when you choose tools and products that make the process easier.
With a little help from Lowe’s, here are 10 of my go-to winter prep essentials that are keeping our Colonial home cozy, clean, and ready for the cold ahead.
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🍂 Outdoor Prep Essentials
1. Toro Ultra 340-CFM 260-MPH Electric Leaf Blower
Our backyard is surrounded by old trees — beautiful, but they drop a ton of leaves and pine needles. This Toro blower/vacuum combo has been a game-changer. We can switch between blowing and vacuuming with one tool, so we’re not left with giant piles of leaves just before the first snow. Staying ahead of it little by little makes cleanup fast, easy, and oddly satisfying.
2. GREAT STUFF Gaps & Cracks Spray Foam
If you live in an older home, you know how sneaky drafts can be. This expanding foam insulation seals tiny gaps around windows, doors, and even the foundation. It’s one of those unglamorous but totally essential winter tasks that keep the house warmer and the energy bills lower.
3. Frost King Pipe Insulation
I learned this lesson the hard way in a past house — don’t skip insulating exposed pipes. These foam tubes slide right on and protect against freezing temperatures. Simple, inexpensive, and it gives such peace of mind when those first frosty mornings hit.
4. Frost King Window Weatherstrip
Our original Colonial windows are one of my favorite details in the house, but they’re also one of the biggest sources of heat loss. This self-adhesive rubber weatherstrip is nearly invisible and easy to apply—it seals tight without taking away from the charm of the wood frames.
5. Govee 100-ft Indoor/Outdoor Smart String Lights
Before it gets too cold to climb a ladder, get your holiday lights up early! These Govee string lights are fully customizable through the app, so you can switch from warm white to festive colors with one tap. They stay up year-round, giving the porch that welcoming glow through every season.
6. Lifeline AAA 66-Piece Winter Safety Kit
This is something we should all have in the car once winter rolls around. Between road trips, holiday travel, and unpredictable weather, having jumper cables, hand warmers, and a flashlight ready to go is just smart. It’s one of those things you hope you never need but will be so glad to have if you do.
🏡 Indoor Comfort & Clean-Up
7. Shark Pro Cordless Pet Stick Vacuum
As soon as the weather cools, it’s like every spider and dust bunny tries to move inside. 😅 Not to mention if you have pets or kiddos, we’re all spending more time indoors. That means more pet hair, more food crumbs, etc. etc. This Shark cordless vacuum makes those deep cleans easy. It also converts to a handheld — perfect for stairs and baseboards.
8. CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Pet Stick Vacuum
If you already use Craftsman tools, this is a great alternative since it runs off the same battery system. Lightweight, quick, and cordless — perfect for everyday touch-ups or post-project cleanups around the house.
9. Filtrete Allergen Defense Air Filters (2-Pack)
This one’s not glamorous, but it’s essential. Changing out your air filters before winter means cleaner air, better efficiency, and less dust circulating through the house once the heat kicks on. We swap ours every couple of months, and it makes a noticeable difference.
10. ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
This is one upgrade I’m really excited to make this season. It’s sleek, smart, and gives you peace of mind. You can adjust the temperature remotely and monitor energy use right from your phone. Rated #1 by The New York Times Wirecutter, it’s an investment that will pay off quickly in comfort and efficiency.
❄️ 🍂🥶🧺🏡
Prepping your home for winter doesn’t have to mean huge projects or weekend-long checklists. For us, it’s about small, manageable steps that keep our Colonial home cozy, efficient, and ready for whatever the season brings.
These finds from Lowe’s help us protect what we love about this old house while keeping it practical for modern living. Whether you’re sealing windows, cleaning up leaves, or just lighting up the porch before the chill sets in, a little prep now makes winter feel easier—and a lot more enjoyable.