HomeBase Living

HomeBase Seasonal Guide

Practical reminders to help prepare your Western Montana home, vehicles, and winter equipment for the colder months ahead.

Hello from all of us at Sherley Real Estate!

One of the best parts of living in Montana is experiencing four distinct seasons. It also means our homes work hard through changing temperatures, summer sun, and the occasional surprise early snowfall.

That’s why HomeBase exists. We want to continue supporting you long after closing day by sharing practical homeowner tips that help you protect your investment and enjoy your home with confidence. These aren’t meant to become another long to-do list. Instead, think of them as a handful of simple projects that can save time, prevent bigger repairs, and make the transition into winter much smoother.

Here are a few maintenance items worth tackling before more snow hits.

Early Winter Home Checkup

Winter showed up a little early this year.

That October snow may have been just enough of a reminder to pull out the snow shovel, check the furnace, or start moving things inside. But as we all know in Montana, an early storm doesn’t necessarily mean we’re fully ready for what comes next.

Before we settle into the colder months, this is a good time for a quick check around the house, garage, and driveway. Nothing too complicated—just a few practical things that can make the first extended cold snap a whole lot easier.

Inspect Your Snow-Removal Equipment

The worst time to discover your snowblower won’t start is when there are eight inches of snow in the driveway and somewhere you need to be. A quick check now gives you time to address problems before you’re relying on it.

Start your snowblower and let it run for a few minutes.
Check the oil level and condition according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Inspect belts, paddles, scraper bars, and tires for visible wear.
Make sure you have fresh fuel and the correct fuel stabilizer, if needed.
Check shovels for cracks or loose handles and put them somewhere easy to reach.

Time: 20–30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Inspecting snow-removal equipment before winter

Stock Ice Melt Safely

A little ice on a front walk, driveway, or set of steps can quickly become a problem. Having ice melt ready before you need it means you aren’t searching for a bag after temperatures drop.

Check what you already have and make sure it is still dry and usable.
Choose a product appropriate for your sidewalks, pets, landscaping, and concrete.
Store it in a sealed container away from children and pets.
Keep a small scoop with it so it can be applied evenly rather than dumped heavily.
Place some near the entrance or walkway you use most often.

Remember, more isn’t necessarily better. Follow the manufacturer’s application instructions to help protect your concrete and surrounding landscaping.

Time: 10–15 minutes | Difficulty: Easy

Safely stocking ice melt for winter walkways

Test Backup Heat Sources

Montana weather can change quickly, and a furnace problem or power outage feels a lot different when temperatures are well below freezing.

If your home has a fireplace, wood stove, gas fireplace, generator-supported heating system, or another backup heat source, make sure you know it is ready before you need it.

Test the system according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check the vents and make sure the surrounding areas are clear.
Make sure smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors are working.
Confirm you have the appropriate fuel supply on hand.
Review how the system should be safely operated before an emergency.

Never use outdoor grills, camp stoves, or unapproved portable heating equipment inside your home or garage.

Time: 15–30 minutes | Difficulty: Moderate

Prepare Your Vehicles for Winter

Cold weather is hard on batteries, tires, fluids, and everything else we depend on when we leave the driveway.

Check tire condition and pressure, including your spare.
Test your battery if it is older or has been slow to start.
Top off winter-rated windshield-washer fluid.
Check antifreeze and coolant levels.
Put an ice scraper, gloves, blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, and a few basic emergency supplies in the vehicle.

Time: 20–30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy

Preparing a vehicle for Montana winter weather

Store Patio Furniture

Snow, wind, freezing moisture, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles can be tough on outdoor furniture, cushions, umbrellas, and grills.

Clean and completely dry furniture before storing or covering it.
Bring cushions and fabric items indoors.
Secure lightweight furniture and décor that could blow away.
Fold and store umbrellas and canopies.
Cover larger pieces that will stay outside, leaving enough ventilation to prevent trapped moisture.

Time: 30–60 minutes | Difficulty: Easy

Storing outdoor patio furniture for winter

Licensed Professional Spotlight

Forced-Air Heating Systems

Ryan Sutheimer | All Temp Heating & Cooling

For homeowners with a forced-air furnace or HVAC system, Ryan Sutheimer and the team at All Temp Heating & Cooling can help with professional heating-system service and repairs.

Phone: (406) 449-6644

Boiler-Based Heating Systems

Ethan May | Rugged Ridge Plumbing & Heating

For homes with boiler-based or hydronic heating systems, Ethan May with Rugged Ridge Plumbing & Heating is another trusted local resource.

Phone: (406) 788-8138
Address: 1625 Spring Street, Helena, MT 59601

Need a different kind of helping hand?
Scan the QR code to find more local professionals in our Sherley HomeBase Vendor Directory.

QR code for the Sherley HomeBase Vendor Directory

HomeBase Tool Highlight: Portable Heater

Sometimes you need a little temporary heat while working in the garage, tackling a project, or waiting for a repair.

Our HomeBase portable heater is available for eligible Sherley Real Estate clients to reserve through the HomeBase program.

As always, portable heaters should only be used in approved spaces and exactly as directed. Never leave one unattended or use a heater in a space where it isn’t designed to operate.