Nesting Season on the Shore
By mid-November, as temperatures drop and geese start filling the skies, I begin noticing the holes across the yard—small, scattered mounds where squirrels have buried acorns and beechnuts, prepping for the colder months ahead.
It’s always my cue to begin hunkering down for winter too. I check for drafts around doors and windows, stack several cords of firewood, and store away summer porch furniture. Even though the Chesapeake’s winters are usually mild, we know to expect our share of snow, wind, and freezing nights.
Whether you’re a long-time local or a new homeowner on the Shore, here’s a seasonal checklist to help you prepare your home—inside and out—for the cold, beautiful months ahead.
Inside the Home: Warmth, Air Quality & Safety
Your home should be both cozy and healthy during the winter. As windows stay shut and the heat kicks on, here are a few things to check:
- Clean air ducts to improve HVAC efficiency and air quality
- Replace your furnace filter (and do this regularly all winter)
- Inspect toilets for leaks and check the base seal
- Clear slow drains to avoid plumbing issues
- If you’ve experienced smoke from wildfires, consider hiring a professional HVAC tech to inspect and clean the system
Outside the Home: Sealing, Draining & Securing
Winterizing the exterior of your home protects both comfort and efficiency. Walk around your house and look for opportunities to tighten things up:
- Inspect window and door frames for damage or gaps
- Install weather stripping or caulk around drafty openings
- Know your shut-off valves for water and gas
- Check foundation vent screens and close them for winter to prevent moisture and pests
- Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams and drainage problems
Property Maintenance: Yard Work with a Purpose
Leaves may be beautiful in fall, but they require attention come winter. Here’s how to care for your landscape while supporting the local ecosystem:
- Leave some leaves! Many beneficial insects and pollinators overwinter in leaf litter—think luna moths and bats that help control bugs in spring
- Prune trees, shrubs, and perennials to encourage healthy growth next year
- Trim limbs that hang close to your roof or home to prevent winter storm damage
Regional Tips: Winterizing Waterfront & Exposed Properties
If your home is on or near the water, you may need to take a few extra precautions:
- Remove or store summer window/door screens
- Insulate exposed pipes—especially in basements, crawlspaces, or exterior walls
- Check attic insulation—make sure vents are clear and airflow is balanced to avoid ice dams
- Schedule a chimney cleaning and test your fireplace flue seal
- Service your fuel-burning stove, furnace, or fireplace to prevent carbon monoxide risks
Time to Hunker Down
After a busy fall sealing windows, stacking wood, stashing deck furniture, and cleaning out the gutters, there’s nothing better than sitting by the woodstove and watching the geese raft up on an iced-in cove.
Winter on the Eastern Shore is peaceful, reflective, and beautiful. I hope this checklist helps you embrace the season—and your home—with confidence and calm.
If you’re prepping your property for the winter—or for a spring sale—I’m happy to help you plan, connect with trusted contractors, or simply talk through your options.
