The Minnesota Winter Prep Checklist
The Minnesota Winter Prep Checklist
(Safe, Smart, and MyCrew-Approved)
1. Clean Those Gutters (Before They Freeze Solid)
We are biased, but #1 is gutters! When gutters are full of leaves and debris, winter turns them into ice troughs. That’s how ice dams form — and how water ends up dripping into your walls.
What to do:
Clear all leaves, twigs, and roof grit before the first hard freeze.
Make sure downspouts direct water at least 5 feet from the foundation.
Check for sagging or loose sections that snow weight will only make worse.
Safety Tip: If your gutters are more than one story high or you’re not 100% comfortable on a ladder, hire a pro. Ladder falls are one of the top ER visits in late fall.
💡 Pro Tip: This is a prime time to sign up for the MyCrew Maintenance Plan — 2 cleanings a year (gutters, windows, or both), 20% off each cleaning, locked-in pricing for 3 years, preferred scheduling, and cancel anytime. No ladders, no cold fingers.
2. Seal Windows and Doors
Drafts aren’t just uncomfortable — they’re expensive. Even a small gap can send your heating bill soaring.
What to do:
Check weatherstripping and replace if brittle or missing.
Use caulk to seal gaps around frames.
Consider adding storm windows for extra insulation.
3. Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up
Minnesota law of home ownership: your furnace will fail on the coldest day of the year — unless you give it some pre-season love.
What to do:
Book a professional inspection before temps drop below 40°F.
Replace filters (monthly during heavy use).
Keep the area around your furnace clear for safe airflow.
4. Protect Your Pipes
Frozen pipes = burst pipes = costly repairs and water damage.
What to do:
Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas (garage, basement, crawl spaces).
Disconnect garden hoses and shut off exterior faucets.
On extreme cold nights, let only vulnerable faucets drip slightly (those on exterior walls or unheated spaces) to keep water moving — avoid waste by focusing where it matters most.
5. Inspect Your Roof
Snow is heavy — and roof repairs in January are brutal.
What to do:
Check for missing or damaged shingles.
Look for signs of sagging or weak spots.
Make sure roof vents are clear of nests and debris.
6. Check Your Snow Removal Gear
By the time the first snowstorm hits, shovels and snowblower parts will be sold out.
What to do:
Test your snowblower and add fresh fuel with stabilizer.
Store fuel in an approved container in a ventilated, detached space.
Keep a sturdy snow shovel and ice melt handy.
Make sure you have proper winter boots and gloves — your future self will thank you.
7. Prep Outdoor Spaces
Don’t let winter trash your deck, patio, or yard gear.
What to do:
Store patio furniture or cover it securely.
Drain and store garden hoses.
Trim branches near the house to prevent storm damage.
8. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Heating systems, fireplaces, and blocked vents increase the risk of CO buildup.
What to do:
Test alarms and replace batteries.
Place CO detectors outside bedrooms, on each floor, and near fuel-burning appliances or attached garages (not directly next to appliances to avoid false alarms).
Consider upgrading to models with a digital CO readout.
9. Service Your Fireplace or Chimney
If you plan on cozy fires this winter, make sure your chimney isn’t a hazard.
What to do:
Have a chimney sweep remove creosote buildup.
Check damper function.
Store firewood in a dry place at least 20 feet from the home to prevent pest problems.
10. Stock Up on Winter Essentials
A Minnesota blizzard can trap you at home for days — be ready.
What to do:
Keep 3–5 days’ worth of non-perishable food.
Store bottled water.
Have extra blankets, flashlights, and batteries.
Keep your vehicle winter emergency kit stocked too.
Bonus: Pre-Winter Safety Sweep
Walk the perimeter of your home and check:
Outdoor lighting for safe walkways.
Railings for stability (icy steps + wobbly rails = ER visit).
Driveway and sidewalk cracks (freeze-thaw makes them worse).
The “Do It Before Thanksgiving” Rule
If you’re reading this in September or October — congratulations, you have time. If it’s already November… better get moving. The earlier you start, the more likely you are to avoid cold-weather repairs and holiday stress.
Why Partner with MyCrew for Winter Prep
Some tasks are perfect DIY weekend projects. Others — like climbing ladders in late fall or handling roof repairs — are better left to pros.
With the MyCrew Maintenance Plan, you:
Get gutters cleared before ice dams form.
Have sparkling windows before they freeze shut for four months.
Lock in rates for 3 years (no winter price hikes).
Enjoy priority scheduling during the fall rush.
We’ll keep your feet on the ground — and your home winter-ready.
