As a House Manager or PA, ensuring the property is fully prepared for the winter season is essential. This goes far beyond redecorating interiors, it includes checking heating systems, protecting outdoor spaces from harsh weather, insulating pipes, and ensuring staff and emergency protocols are in place.
By taking proactive steps now, you can create a safe, efficient, and comfortable environment for the principal and their guests throughout the colder months.
Read on for a practical guide to help you prepare the household for winter with confidence.
Maintenance & Winterisation Checklist
To avoid issues, delays, or damage during the winter months, it’s essential to ensure all outdoor taps, pipes, and irrigation systems are properly drained and insulated in advance. This proactive step helps prevent costly repairs and disruptions when these systems are needed most.
Similarly, scheduling boiler servicing and thorough checks of the heating system, including underfloor heating ensures the household is fully prepared for consistent, reliable warmth whenever the principal or guests are in residence.
Winter often brings increased utility costs, so careful budgeting is key. Consider switching to smart heating systems or reviewing your current energy tariffs in advance, small changes can lead to meaningful savings over the season.
It’s also highly recommended to service fireplaces and chimneys before the colder months arrive, to prevent any safety risks or functional issues as usage increases.
Additionally, checking insulation in all bedrooms, garages, staff accommodation, and outbuildings will help maximise energy efficiency and ensure both the principal and guests enjoy a warm, comfortable stay throughout winter.
Below is a property maintenance checklist so that you can ensure no crucial step is missed:
- Drain and insulate all outdoor taps, pipes, irrigation systems, and fountains
- Schedule boiler servicing and heating system checks (including underfloor heating)
- Check insulation in attics, basements, and external walls
- Service fireplaces, chimneys, and flues (especially in older or infrequently used homes)
- Inspect and clean gutters and downpipes to prevent ice damming
- Test emergency power supplies: generators, UPS units, backup batteries
- Confirm window and door seals are intact (draft-proofing to save energy)
- Switch to smart heating systems or optimise existing ones
- Review energy tariffs or supplier contracts for winter usage
- Install thermostatic radiator valves in rooms not regularly used
- Explore thermal curtains or window film for energy conservation
- Check insulation in garages, staff accommodation, or outbuildings
Preparing the interior
It is also important to prepare indoor spaces to ensure the household remains warm, well-stocked, and comfortable for both the principals and their guests.
Start by refreshing guest rooms with clean linens and seasonal touches, and unpack soft furnishings to create a cosy atmosphere. Consider replacing bedding with higher tog duvets for example. As a House Manager, you will already understand the importance of small details within the household – seasonal scents, bedside books, and slippers can make a big impact on guest comfort.
Heating systems should be serviced ahead of time and the pantry should be replenished with essentials for seasonal entertaining. This includes not only food and drink items for entertaining, but also cold-weather basics like hot water bottles, extra toiletries, tissues, and pantry staples that may be harder to source during holiday periods. Remember to review inventory and replenish all table décor to ensure events and gatherings reflect the season and align with the principals’ aesthetic preferences.
And let’s not forgot safety! It is very important to check all first aid kits and stock up on basic supplies throughout the property.
Finally, ensure spa and wellness areas are clean, well-equipped, and ready for use during the colder months.
Interior tasks not to forget:
- Refresh guest rooms and soft furnishings to fit seasonal aesthetics
- Service all heating systems
- Place small seasonal details such as books and seasonal scents in designated areas
- Restock pantry and winter supplies as well as seasonal table décor
- Update first aid kits and essentials (batteries, torches, etc.)
- Prepare and clean spa/wellness areas ready for use
- Review inventory and replenish spa gowns, slippers and toiletries
Build a Strong Team
As the season changes, it’s essential to feel confident in your household team’s ability to prepare the property to the highest standard. From ensuring all areas are safe, secure, and ready for winter use, to preparing amenities in advance, your staff should be proactive, capable of working independently, and require minimal supervision. Most importantly, they should consistently deliver a level of service that reflects well on the household and leaves a lasting impression on principals and guests.
Need extra help?
If additional support is needed, we’re here to help. You may also consider bringing in temporary staff to assist during busier periods, such as the holidays or special seasonal events. Get in touch to discuss how we can help ensure all winter preparations and occasions are handled smoothly and to the highest standard.
By partnering with a trusted recruiter like Exclusive Household Cavalry, you can ensure you’re hiring discreet, professional staff who are ready to support your team with confidence and competence.
For a confidential discussion contact us at info@ehc-ltd.com