Making wood projects out of scrap wood can be a full-time hobby if you enjoy woodworking.

With the farmhouse theme being particularly popular, there are many items you can make to add a finishing touch to any room in the house.

Best of all, wood pallets are either free or very inexpensive depending on where you live and the wood is soft and easy to work with.

If you do not have retail stores with pallets near you, you can search online for places to purchase lots of wood pallets.

Dismantling them is fairly easy if you have the proper tools, but still, you will want to be careful to remove all the nails.

When you pick them up, it is easier to take them apart if this is possible before transporting them.

You can likely throw away any waste and will be able to stack a lot more in your vehicle.

15 DIY Projects With Scrap Wood

1. DIY Wooden Photo Pallet – It’s Always Autumn

This DIY wooden photo pallet is a fun project! Best of all, once you learn this photo transfer technique, there’s no limit to the types of DIY projects you can make to accent your home decor.

This process might be totally new to some,  for others, it might bring back memories of craft projects you did years ago.

In a nutshell, this project involves creating a reversed laser copied photograph and transferring it on to a piece of wood using Mod Podge, which you may have used in the past.

This technique can be tricky at first, so it is explained in detail and has an accompanying video.

It’sAlwaysAutumn.com

2. Make a DIY Wood Cheese Board – DIY in PDX

• Making a cheeseboard is not difficult, it’s all about using the right kind of wood.
• Hardwoods are the best woods to use if you want your cheeseboard to last. Hardwood is less porous and this helps reduce concerns about bacterial contamination.
• For this project, the best wood choices are walnut, maple, or cherry.  You want to stay away from pine. It may be easy to work with but it is very soft.
• Many retail cutting boards and cheese boards are now being made out of Bamboo. Bamboo is very hard and has an attractive finish.
• Once you have selected the piece of wood you will be using and it has been sized to the proper dimensions, the remainder of the project is finishing the surface. This includes sanding and cleaning the board with a tack cloth and then finishing the surface with a safe oil such as mineral or walnut oil. Only oils that are safe to use in the kitchen.
• Since you cannot use wood stain, make sure you start with the correct color wood. The oil will darken the wood a little.

DIYinPDX.com

3. 3M DIY Pallet Wood Centerpiece Box – A Night Owl Blog

If you enjoy woodworking projects that can be done in a day this is a great DIY woodworking project.

This farmhouse-style centerpiece box can also be used as a planter or window box.

Though the plans include the use of a power tool, there is no need to go out and purchase power tools or use them if you are concerned about safety. 

The entire project can be completed from start to finish with a hammer and a hand saw.

ANightOwlBlog.com

4. DIY Wood Triangle Bookends – Make and Tell

These simple DIY bookends are the perfect accent piece for your bookshelves.

The project is more of a crafting project. It does not require pallet wood and is a great way to get familiar with woodworking.

MakeandTell.com

5. Easy DIY Rustic USA Wood Sign – Houseful of Handmade

Making wood signs is always a fun project. Signs are not hard to make and the ideas you can come up with are endless.

This patriotic sign can be made in a day and depending on the tools you have, can be done for under $10.

HousefulofHandmade.com

6. DIY Wood Burning With a Cricut – Some of This and That

Wood burning seems to have been a lost art for years.

Fortunately, it is making a comeback and is perfect for many homes with a farmhouse or country decor.

What has made it so popular is the ability to use tools that automate the process.

It’s still ok to use your old wood-burning tool if your one who doesn’t mind “coloring outside the lines”.

In fact, wood-burning projects with a personal touch look great.

SomeofThisandThat.com

7. DIY Wood Plant Stand – The Merry Thought

This DIY wood stand looks great and makes a great accent piece for any room in the house. It is one of those projects that goes well in any room and can be constructed for under $10.

TheMerryThought.com

8. How to Build Own Indoor Herb Garden – Love Create Celebrate

Growing an herb garden is becoming very popular, now that herbs are being used more and more for both cooking and aromatherapy (essential oils).

Very few supplies are required.

The clay pots can easily be obtained at your local dollar store.

LoveCreateCelebrate.com

9. DIY PlywoodArch Mirror – The Merry Thought

This mirror is the perfect solution for a tight spot in the house. The plans are well drawn out and easy to follow.

TheMerryThought.com

10. How to Make a DIY Chalkboard Menu (With No Power Tools) – Grillo Designs

This is a straightforward DIY wood project that can be a great addition to a Farmhouse kitchen.

It can be a great way to keep your meals organized and adds a style we have come to associate with many rustic-style restaurants.

Grillo-Designs.com

Related: 10 DIY Rain Barrel Ideas For Your Homestead

11. DIY Wooden Baby Gym – Sarah Hearts

This DIY wooden toy is not hard to make and your baby will love it.

SarahHearts.com

12. DIY Wooden Boxes – Tell Love and Party

These DIY wooden boxes are stylish and can be used in a number of ways.

TellLoveAndParty.com

13. How to Make a DIY Wood Countertop – Artsy Chicks Rule

If you are serious about DIY woodworking this is a great project you can enjoy every day.

If you have the power tools and experience and could use a new countertop, definitely check out the plans for this project. ***

ArtsyChicksRule.com

The Dewalt compact table saw is perfect for remodeling projects.

It is a workhorse and replaces the need for a large free-standing table saw:

14. DIY Pallet Swing Bed – The Merry Thought

If you have access to pallets and have a place to construct this DIY Pallet Swing Bed, definitely give it a try.

It is a larger project and will take some work, but it can pay dividends on those long summer days when you are looking for the

perfect place to put your head down and read a book.

TheMerryThought.com

15. DIY Wooden Tree Growth Chart – Meaningful Mama

This DIY wooden tree growth chart is not a difficult project and will be a keepsake filled with memories.

As parents, many of us can remember our parents or grandparents charting our growth on the kitchen wall or the door molding.

As adults, it would be fun to look at the markings and reminisce.  But there was one problem … you couldn’t take it with you.

Growth charts are fun to make and chart your child’s growth. 

In addition, you can write down dates next to each mark, and put comments or note milestones to remind you of that time in your child’s life.

MeaningfulMama.com

More DIY scarp wood projects ideas!

Final Thoughts

If you are just starting to do woodworking projects, we hope some of these DIY projects with scrap wood will help you get off to a good start!

Oreo is going to be a mom very soon. She is fast at work preparing her nest box. 

Are you wondering how to build a rabbit nest box?  You are not alone!

Though you can purchase a nest box for rabbits, it is a good idea to know how to build one.

You might need a nest box (also known as a kindling box) urgently if you suddenly learn that your rabbit is pregnant.

Unless you are watching for signs of pregnancy, your doe may not show signs or symptoms of pregnancy until a few days before she is due. This leaves you little time to prepare.

Before purchasing or learning how to build a rabbit nest box, there are some things you can look for to confirm if your rabbit is pregnant.

This post may contain affiliate links, you can catch our full disclaimer at the bottom of this post.

How to determine if your rabbit is pregnant:

“Multiplying like rabbits” is not just an expression. One doe can have as many as 60 babies in one year!

What can be difficult is knowing if your rabbit is pregnant. With a gestational period of only 31 days, you will want to know as soon as possible so you can prepare for the litter.

Fortunately, there are some changes you might observe if your rabbit is pregnant.

If you look for these, it is unlikely you will be surprised by a litter of kits.

1. Nesting behavior: This is one of the first behavioral signs that might indicate your doe is pregnant. She will start to build a nest with hay and wood chips. Then, right before the babies arrive, she will start pulling fur for the nest to keep the kits warm.

Oreo’s nest made of hay

Oreo started pulling fur only hours before she delivered at 5 AM on 8/24/2020

2. Aggressive behavior:  If your doe starts to show more aggressive behavior, this might be a sign she is pregnant. the better you know her temperament, the more likely you will be able to notice this change.

3. Palpating the abdomen: This physical finding is the most definitive way to know if your doe is pregnant, short of getting an ultrasound. It is the technique breeders and veterinarians use to confirm pregnancy.

Keep in mind that Rabbits don’t like to be handled on their underside, so this will take some practice.

When your rabbit is around two weeks pregnant, gently palpate the abdomen, and you will start to feel the kits in the horns of the uterus. Rabbits have a bicornuate uterus.

There are two horns and this is why they can have such large litters.

The diagram below illustrates why the pregnant uterus will feel like  “marbles” with the kits lined up in each horn.

Is She Really Pregnant? How To Palpate Your Rabbit

By the third week, it can be much easier to feel the kits moving around. To prevent harming the babies, you want to be very gentle when palpating the abdomen.

During the last week of pregnancy, you may even be able to feel the kits kicking.

Once you have determined that your doe is going to give birth in the next week or two, you will want to help her prepare.

She will know what to do as long as she has what she needs. What she will need more than anything, is a nest box!

Before we start to discuss how to build a rabbit nest box, it is important to know a little bit more about nest boxes, in general.

The following, are some of the common questions people ask when selecting a nest box.

What kind of nest box is best?

Many people who are first-time rabbit owners ask this question as they start o prepare for their first kindle of kits.

The simple answer is:  Any kind of nest box will do! But let’s be real, when it comes to most pet owners, from hamsters to GreatDane’s, “any kind” won’t do!

There are a number of types of kindling boxes you can purchase or make for your mom-to-be and her kits. There are different configurations and various materials used to make kindle boxes.

Our choice and the best way to learn how to build a nest box is to start with the classic wooden box with a screen mesh floor. Mesh is best because the kits will be staying in the box for up to 2  weeks.

The accumulation of urine-soaked hay and rabbit waste will make the nesting box dirty and it will start to emit a strong ammonia smell.

In addition, if the box is not kept fairly clean, kits can get infections if they are left in the nesting box too long.

The following instructions on how to build a rabbit nest box are not difficult if you enjoy small construction projects.

The most difficult part of the project is cutting the five pieces of wood.

We will discuss some options if this is a concern.

How to Build a Rabbit Nest Box

Tools required:

• Screwdriver
• Saw
• Sandpaper
• Hammer
• Ruler
• Razorblade knife
• Wirecutter
• Drill (optional)

Supplies:

• A sheet of plywood or siding measuring  2’ x 4’

• 1” Wood Screws (14)
• Wood glue
• Sharpie marker
• ½” x ½” wire mesh

STEP 1:

If you are planning to make one nest box you can draw the five pieces for the nest box directly on the board you have selected.

If you plan to make a number of nest boxes, you will want to make a template or stencil (below).

This extra step will take a little more time but it will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.

To make a template or stencil, we used foam board. If you want a more durable template you can make it out of a thin piece of wood or cut a template out of sheet metal using a wire cutter.

The dimensions of the five pieces of wood required for the nest

The box is illustrated below: (rabbit nest box dimensions)

• Front and Back
• 2 Sides
• Top

Note: As you learn how to build a rabbit nest box, whatever material you choose to build your nest box with is fine, as long as it is sturdy, non-toxic, and not easily destroyed by your rabbit’s sharp teeth.

Even wooden kindle boxes get chewed on a lot.

This is also why you do not want to use any toxic finishing materials such as paints, stains, or varnishes.

STEP 2:

To conserve wood, place the templates and stencils on the wood leaving the least amount of scrap wood.

Then trace out the pieces with a sharpie and carefully cut them out. Most nesting box plans will come with a template. Using it

in this way will be more cost-efficient.

Since the cuts are all straight cuts you can use a hand saw, skill saw or jigsaw.*

*When selecting the material you will be using, keep this step in mind. Cutting the pieces is the most difficult part of the project.

If you will not be using an electric saw and want an easier option, use ¼ inch plywood and a hand saw. There are also metal nesting boxes you can purchase or make.

Though they are easier to clean and last longer, they are more often used for commercial purposes.

Most small-scale breeders and pet owners prefer nesting boxes made out of wood.

STEP 3:

Prepare each piece before assembling the nest box. Then loosely put the pieces together to make sure they fit well.

1. Sand each piece to prevent splinters and get rid of sharp edges. Kits are very “fragile” when they are born and need a place that is free of any objects that could pierce their skin. It is no wonder, that mom pulls fur off to line the nesting box prior to delivery. The fur protects her kits and keeps them warm (102 degrees).
2. Drill 2 holes along the edges that will be attached. We are going to use screws and glue for this box. Another option is to use nails with glue. What is most important is to use glue whether you choose to use nails or screws. The glue will make your nest box more durable.

STEP 4:

1. Now that the pieces are prepared, put a screw in each of the holes drilled in step 3. As you attach each piece, put a bead of glue down the edge before screwing the pieces together.

STEP 5:

1. Cut a piece of ½” x ½”  wire mesh for the floor.
2. Staple the mesh in place making sure not to leave any sharp ends.

Conclusion:

Awesome, you are all done, and for under $10. Now you know how to build a rabbit nest box!

If you plan to make more than one nest box you will want to consider purchasing a 4’ x 8’ sheet of wood.

Each nest box will then cost well under $5 from start to finish.

If you plan to purchase large sheets of plywood or siding, remember to plan how you will get them home.

Most lumberyards will cut 4’ x 8’ sheets in half. You could even have them do three cuts leaving you with 4 sheets of 2’ x 4’.

BTW Oreo loves her Midwest Wabbitat cage

Midwest Wabbitat Folding Rabbit Cage

If you are planning to breed rabbits, your water usage is going to increase.

Rain barrels are a great way to increase your water supply without increasing your water bill.

Check out our post: 10 DIY Rain Barrel Ideas For Your Homestead

FAQ’s

1. How big should rabbit nesting boxes be?

The ideal size for a rabbit nesting box is 18 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 10 inches high. This is big enough to give your doe enough room to manage her kits until the box is no longer needed.

If you handle newborn rabbits will the mother kill them?

This is a myth! Rabbits are protective of their kits and will prefer you don’t touch them, but they do not reject them if you touch them.

This myth likely came about because there are situations when does will eat their kits. But it is not because they have been handed.

2. Why do new mother rabbits eat their babies?

As strange as it seems, there are a few reasons why a mother rabbit might eat her new kits:

• She is more likely to eat them if she is under 6 months old.
• Stress and overwhelm in first-time moms can cause a doe to eat her babies. This is very likely because rabbits are prey animals and are already in a constant state of fight-or-flight, so the additional stress of pregnancy may cause this behavior.
• Since rabbits are prey to many animals they are fastidious about not leaving any scents that might attract predators. Like other animals, they eat their placentas so eating their babies can be a survival instinct if they feel threatened.
• First-time moms are more likely to eat their kits for essentially the same reason, the stress of new babies.
• From a survival standpoint, if food has been scarce, new moms might eat their babies for nutritional support so they can breed again and nurse their kits.

3. Why do rabbits thumb?

Rabbits thump when they sense fear from something they smell, see or hear. Even pet rabbits will thumb when it seems they are not frightened. This is often because they are upset about something, Thumping is an activity they use to make noise since they do not typically make vocal sounds.

Conclusion:

We hope this article gives you a start if you are looking for nesting box plans. It is an incredible feeling once you become experienced with how to build a rabbit nest box.

Even if you believe you don’t have the necessary woodworking skills … give it a try!

If you have the resources and a few tools you may come to enjoy constructing wood projects that can serve many needs at a very minimal cost. This is one of the best rabbit nesting boxes you can make for an affordable price.

Are you looking for DIY Rain Barrel Ideas for your homestead?

Collecting rainwater is an excellent way to conserve water, save money, and help the environment.

 According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it only takes 1/4 inch of rain on your roof to fill a rain barrel. A 1,000 sq ft. roof plus 1 inch of rain equals about 600 FREE gallons of water!

Rain Barrels can provide the average home with about 1300 gallons of water/yr.

Depending on the type of rain barrel collecting system and the average rainfall in a particular location, it is not hard to exceed 2000 gallons a year.

Rain barrel water can be used in your garden and for many non-potable needs both indoors and out.

If you are in a rush this is the rain barrel our readers buy most often.

It might seem hard to believe that there are certain states that have restrictions on rainwater collection.

Some of these laws are long overdue for reform and others are based on some practical factors that are not hard to comply with.

As you will see most restrictions are not based on concerns about rainwater collecting having an impact on the hydrologic water cycle.

Private homes collecting water was studied and not found to be a concern if the water was used for personal use Scientific World Journal.

The state restrictions are actually quite reasonable and make sense to avoid abusing the use of this natural resource.

Below, is a list of some of the restrictions states may or may not impose on rainwater collection.

The most common stipulation or restriction that states require is that water collected on your property stays on your property and is not transported to another facility or location.

* This prevents the sale of rainwater and the disruption of the hydrologic water cycle for a particular location.

Collecting Rainwater:

1. It is to be used on the property where it was collected.
2. It cannot be used indoors.
3. The collecting system must be designed by trained engineers.
4. Total water collection restrictions apply in some states (Colorado, Utah, etc..)
5. The collection is for personal use.
6. Some states offer DIY rain barrel ideas.
7. Many states encourage it for conservation.
8. Some states have incentives (Florida, Rhode Island).

This list is only some of the restrictions a state might impose. Many states have no restrictions and actually encourage the collection of rainwater. Since this list is being constantly updated, it is important to check with your local water supply company to be aware of the most current guidelines for rainwater collection in your community.

 The following website is an excellent resource to determine what the legalities are of collecting rainwater in your state: Is it Illegal to Collect Rainwater in 2020: State by State Guide

There is no federal law restricting rainwater collection which is great news for homesteaders!

Let’s jump in and take a look at some simple DIY rain barrel designs.

10 DIY Rain Barrel Ideas For Your Homestead

1. Rain Barrel Stand  by Practically Functional

Having a secure rain barrel stand is a must.

Depending on how much rain you will be collecting using one of these DIY Rain Barrel Ideas, the collection tank can get very heavy.

If not securely fastened, it could be extremely dangerous if the collection tank was to fall on top of a child or animal.

The Rain Barrel stand presented by Practically Functional is an excellent plan and is very stable.

PracticallyFunctional.com

2. Easy Trash Can Rain Barrel  by A Cultivated Nest

Coming up with creative DIY Rain Barrel Ideas for your home is not difficult and best of all, they can be very inexpensive.

There are so many examples of DIY Rain Barrel Ideas online that your head will be spinning.

Whatever rain barrel you choose for your home, there are a few important details you want to keep in mind:

1. Make sure it is secured when filled.
2. Avoid collecting water that may contain toxic substances.
3. Determine the capacity you will need to serve your needs.
4. Construct out of materials that will hold up best through multiple seasons.
5. Consider DIY rain barrel ideas that you can add on to, so you can make collection and storage modifications if your water needs increase.

ACultivatedNest.com

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3. DIY Raised Rain Barrels  by Pretty Handy Girl

Rain barrels need to be winterized to prevent damage. All standing water needs to be removed or ice will form and will crack the rain barrel. Whatever is channeling water into your rain barrel has to be disconnected or diverted. Lastly, it is important to wash out the inside and remove the spigot.

PrettyHandyGirl.com

4. Your Rain Barrel by Condo  Blues

Remember to winterize your rain barrel if you live in an area that has winter weather with temperatures dipping below freezing. If ice forms in your rain barrel it will crack.

To avoid this make sure your fall checklist includes making sure there is no standing water in the rain barrel before the onset of freezing temperatures.

In addition, you will also want to disconnect your downspout connection to the rain barrel or use a downspout diverter. With all the chores we need to do in preparation for winter, it is easy to forget to drain your rain barrel. Add this to your list so you won’t forget.

CondoBlues.com

5.  Garbage Can Rain Barrel with Hose  by Design Decor

DIY rain barrel ideas are endless. This design includes a hose for easier water distribution. This an inexpensive way to get your rain barrel system up and running.

You can always swap it out for a prettier or fancier one later on.

You’ll have access to free water for your garden or other homestead projects quickly.

When you start homesteading you learn fast that it can be expensive. Inexpensive or free is the way we approach projects on our homestead.

Can we do it for free?

If not, can we do it inexpensively?

DesignedDecor.com

6. Rain Barrel Stand by The Handyman’s Daughter

If a rain barrel is going to become a permanent fixture on your homestead, you will want to be sure it is supported by a solid stand.

Even the smallest rain barrel, when filled with water, is extremely heavy.

If it is perched on a stand that is not designed properly it can pose a significant danger if it were to fall.

TheHandyMansDaughter.com

7. $35 Rain Barrel  by Measuring Up

If you are looking for easy DIY rain barrel ideas that won’t break the bank, this rain barrel is a great option.

It is made from a 55-gallon plastic trash can.

The only additional items are a spigot to be attached at the bottom, a stand that you can make, or improvise with stones and a screen to cover the water to keep mosquitoes away.

Though this gutter-less rain barrel can stand alone. You can also learn ways to increase rain collection!

JustMeasuringUp.com

8. Backyard Rainwater Collection System  by Salvage Sister and Mister

If you are looking for a done-for-you rainwater collection system, this is for you.

Follow the process of installing a rain barrel system to supplement your outdoor watering needs.

SalvageSisterandMisterr.com

9. Gutter-Less Rain Barrel by Confessions of an Overworked Mom

If you are considering using one of these DIY rain barrel ideas it is important to note that you don’t have to collect the water from your gutter.

If you do not have gutters, during a rainstorm, go out and observe where the water from your roof collects and runs off the roof.

That will be the place you will want to put a catch basin that will funnel into a collection tube. Water run-off volume is usually the largest where two portions of the roof intersect.

If your roof has gables, dormers, etc. knowing the place with the most water runoff is best done by observation during a heavy storm.

You can measure and design all the plans in the world, but ultimately the channel water takes off your roof is most easily determined through observation. Once you funnel the water, a rain barrel pump can be used to direct the water to additional storage units.

Conclusion: 

Are you looking for ways to chase off the ice-cold chill of winter?  Try these 10 expert cold weather hacks that will help you stay warm and toasty!

These are the very best tips that we use all winter long to stay warmer in bitterly cold New England Winters.

This post contains affiliate links. You can read our affiliate disclaimer at the bottom of this post.

1. Dress in layers of clothes

Layers will help insulate and keep you dry and warm. So make sure you wear a shirt, sweater or sweatshirt, and a coat. Also, be sure you have a hat, gloves, and/or mittens.

Another way to keep warm during the winter is to wear thermal underwear underneath your clothes. Flannel is another option, though thermals are the best design for cold weather.

The thing that’s great about thermals is that they are form-fitting and made of a material to wick away moisture from the skin surface which reduces the discomfort and chills associated with the cold weather.

Remember the importance of keeping your hands and feet warm.

Wool socks are a great way to keep toes warm and cozy.

2. Waterproof boots

Make sure you are wearing waterproof boots when you go outside.

A good way to add a little extra waterproofing is to put plastic bags on your feet before you put on your boots.

Yes, just like your mom made you do when you were a kid!

This definitely works to keep their feet drier.

Your feet can be easily affected by the cold. Do everything you can to keep your feet warm and dry.  

Investing in a good pair of boots that keep your feet warm and dry is priceless when working around your homestead in the winter.

3. Put felt inside your indoor shoes and your outdoor boots.

This is an inexpensive hack that can easily add extra insulation and warmth to your feet this winter. You can get the felt at any craft store.

You can try Michael’s, Joann Fabric, or even Walmart. Just cut the felt to fit the sole inside the shoe.

4. Make meal plans that involve using the oven.

A great hack to add a little more warmth to your home during the winter is to cook and bake more in the afternoons.

The oven gets to do double duty by cooking and baking and heating your home (at least the kitchen area).

When you’re done baking and the oven is off, you can open the door and let the excess heat warm up the room. (Never run the oven with the door open).

11 Best Homemade Mac N Cheese Recipes

Are you looking for the best homemade mac n cheese recipes? Look no further! Mac n Cheese is one of the most popular comfort foods. It is Delicious, versatile, and filling! Homemade Macaroni and cheese can be a stand-alone meal or a side dish, either way, it is always a crowdpleaser!

5. Be sure to insulate your windows

It is estimated that 85% of home heat is lost through the windows. Stop heat loss by insultating your windows.

This can be decreased significantly with DIY window insulating products available at hardware stores.

Even if your windows are double panes, adding a third layer of insulation can make a difference.

This is one of the best things you can do to keep the cold out. You can cover them with an insulating film or use heavy curtains that will insulate your windows as well.

6. Place wool Blankets, throws, and scarves next to couches and chairs for easy use.

In our family room, we keep a basket of blankets and throws to help us stay warm on cold afternoons and nights. 

I found this DIY no-sew fleece blanket tutorial that is a budget-friendly way to make sure you have enough warm throws for the winter months.

We enjoy writing curled up on the couch, but it can get cold as the sun goes down and temperatures drop. This is another blanket that we love:

Sherpa Reverse Blanket

7. Be prepared for sudden winter storms.

Winter storms can be unpredictable. Living in the Northeast, we often see rainstorms that quickly turn into 30-inch snowstorms resulting in power outages and fallen trees. 

Some things you may want to have on hand:

• Cold and Flu Medication, be sure you have everything on hand in case you or your kids or your spouse get sick in the middle of a storm, that is the worst.
• Have extra food, snacks, diapers, wipes, and formula if you use it. Just in case the power goes out. It’s a good idea to keep a stash of batteries as well.
• If a winter storm is on the way, I always make sure that the kids and the adults have all taken baths and showers just in case the power goes out.
• Have sand or rock salt available to spread on icy walkways and stairs.
• Make sure your snowblower is working before the storm. If you travel, make sure you take it slow.
• Make sure your snow plow is good to go. Even if you have a 4 wheel drive truck, consider getting a good set of chains.
• Make sure you always keep a small shovel, sand, and blankets in your vehicle.

8. Keep a list of winter and snow day activities

Some options for snow day activities include:

• Select books to read to your child
• Coloring books
• Try new recipes
• Play your child’s favorite movies

A great option in the winter is the free videos that come with Amazon Prime Video. Amazon Prime Video is a free perk you get when you’re a member of Amazon Prime.

They have lots of movies and TV shows for free. It’s a great way to keep the kids entertained on a snowy cold day and keep them in the warmest room in the house. 

9. Serve more hot beverages and soup

The winter cold has a tendency to go right into your bones. A good way to fight feeling cold is to drink more hot drinks and eat more soup.

I find drinking warm beverages like hot chocolate, tea, coffee, warm broth, and eating soups for dinner helps keep us warm. 

Soups are easy to make in your slow cooker, dutch, oven, or instant pot.

We’ve put together our 20 favorite instant pot soup recipes that are perfect for cold winter days.

10. Fix an old fashioned bedwarmer: warm rice and bean bags

Crawling under freezing cold blankets at bedtime can make falling asleep more difficult.

One solution is to fill socks with dry rice or beans and heat them in the microwave, or on your woodstove before bed.

Slide them under the covers to pre-heat your blankets and sheets.

It is old fashioned but it works!