5 Must-Haves for Winter (And Why You Should Buy them in Summer)
Finding the right time to buy seasonal materials can be a hassle. Seasonal items are necessary, but they spend so much of their lives packed up and boxes in some back room somewhere that it’s hard to remember that the summer will be over and snow will start to fall before you know it. By the time you realize what you need for the season, the need is already upon you, and prices have skyrocketed. Although online shopping has made it where local shortages don’t affect your ability to procure seasonal items, the prices are a pain when you remember that just over the summer, the same item was a lot less. So here’s a quick list of some of the items people usually forget that are best to buy in summer to prepare you for winter. Of course, this list involves varying degrees of winter. If you are in Texas, you probably won’t need snow guards. If you aren’t planning to participate in winter sports, you can cross that off your list. But other things, like holiday cards, are relatively the same no matter the state. And either way, it’s better to be more prepared than not prepared at all.
- Snow Guards
Snow guards are hardware created for your rooftop to protect your rooftop from heavy snow drifts. Again, this isn’t something that will be super helpful for people who don’t have heavy snowfall. But for many who live in Utah or other states with heavy snowfall, snow guards must protect against roof cave-ins and general damage from the snow. Whether your roof is a metal roof, tile roof, or the more common asphalt shingles, snow guards will do wonders in protecting your roof from snow drifts. Snow guards come in many shapes and sizes, the most common being snow rail systems and snow guard brackets. Snow guard brackets are individual brackets set on your roof in a pattern that will best separate the snow and let it melt easily without allowing for heavy compacting drift to settle. Snow rail systems do the same thing, but they look like pipes and run along your roof in lines. Snow rail systems are more common for standing seam metal roofs, while snow guard brackets are pretty universal to any roof that needs them. To find snow guard brackets in the summer, simply look for a manufacturer’s website and find the type and quantity that will work best for your roof. Most manufacturers will have a way for you to get in touch with either them or an engineer in their employee to discuss with the professional the best way to protect your house from snow drifts. It is better to install snow guards in the summer since your roof will be covered in ice by the time you think of it in the winter. It will be much safer for you to be up there installing snow guards during a warm July evening than on a chilly January day
2. Holiday Cards
No matter what holidays you celebrate, there are opportunities for holiday cards throughout all of the winter months. We have to have something to celebrate, and whether it’s Halloween or Christmas or Hanukkah or New Year’s, holiday cards are a great way to let people know that you’re thankful there are around during the holiday season. Also, purchasing holiday cards out of season helps you save because usually, they’re at a discounted price during the summer. So you can save more money to get actual presents and spend less on the perfect card.
3. Winter Wear
This one is one of the more common seasonal necessities that is remembered. Of course, most people know to buy their coats in the summer and their swimsuits in the winter. But, it bears repeating: stores really do discount in the off Season and raise their prices when you need them most, so look for fuzzy socks, big blankets, snow jackets, and insulated leggings in July, when the very thought of putting any of them on makes you feel gross. You’ll be thankful for it later.
4. Winter Sports materials
Whether a snowboard, snowshoes or a whole sled, you’re sure to find discounted prices for winter sports materials in the summer instead of buying them during peak season. Of course, tourists will majorly affect that, so if you live in a ski resort area that keeps snow on the ground year-round, that might not be the case. But normally, on online shopping, you will be able to find some pretty awesome discounts. Especially if you plan to spend the winter and an active vacation experience, buying those materials at a discount is an investment it’s wise to make during the summer.
5. Gym Memberships
This one might be a little bit odd but just go with it. During the summer, gym memberships usually decrease in price because everyone’s busy vacationing and no one thinks about the gym. But, come winter time and New Year’s resolutions, gym memberships increase in value and therefore in price because, as everyone knows, the number one New Year resolution is to get in shape. So if you are thinking head and seeing a gym membership in your New Year’s resolution feature, scoop the date up till the summer and start going to the gym now. It’ll be cheaper, you won’t have to wait until the winter to reap the benefits, and you’ll be able to see if you enjoy going to the gym anyways before paying the overpriced membership in January.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
