The last few weeks have been a lot for so many families across Middle Tennessee. Between power outages, school closures, and the stress that comes with freezing temperatures, it can feel like we are still catching our breath. As things begin to settle, this is a great time to take care of both your home and your people.

Here are a few simple, practical ways to reset after a winter storm and ease back into normal routines.

1. Winter Home Aftercare Checklist

Once the ice melts and things warm up, it is important to walk around your home and check for any damage that may not be obvious right away.

Inside your home:

Check under sinks and around toilets for slow leaks or water stains.

Look at ceilings and around windows for discoloration that could signal moisture.

Listen for dripping sounds in walls or crawl spaces.

If you had frozen pipes, consider having a plumber inspect the system even if everything seems fine now.

Outside your home:

Walk the roofline if it is safe and look for missing shingles or sagging areas.

Check gutters and downspouts for heavy debris or separation.

Inspect siding and exterior vents for cracks or loose panels.

Look for fallen branches that may have stressed fences or roofs.

Insurance tip: If you do notice damage, take photos right away and document what you see before making repairs. This can make the insurance process much smoother if you need to file a claim.

2. A Cozy Home Reset After the Chaos

After days of being cooped up, routines disrupted, and maybe even sleeping in one room to stay warm, your home can feel a little out of sorts. A simple reset can go a long way in helping everyone feel calmer.

Here are a few easy ways to bring some comfort back into your space:

Wash and refresh blankets, throws, and bedding that were used more than usual.

Open the blinds and let in as much natural light as possible.

Do a quick tidy of the main living areas rather than trying to tackle the whole house.

Restock essentials like batteries, candles, bottled water, and shelf-stable foods.

Reset family routines slowly. It is okay if everything does not snap back to normal overnight.

Even small changes can help your home feel peaceful again after a stressful week.

3. Power Outage Lessons Learned (For Next Time)

No one enjoys thinking about the next storm, but a few gentle preparations can make future outages less stressful.

Consider adding these to your home checklist when you have time:

Keep flashlights in more than one room so they are easy to grab.

Have portable phone chargers fully charged and ready.

Know where your water shutoff valve is and how to turn it off if needed.

Save local utility numbers and city resources in your phone.

If you have young children or pets, keep a small comfort kit with snacks, activities, and familiar items.

Prepared does not have to mean anxious. It just means giving yourself a little extra peace of mind.

We Are Here for Our Community

If you have questions about storm-related damage, insurance conversations, or how this might affect buying or selling a home, we are always happy to be a resource. Even if you just need help finding the right person to call, we are here.

Most of all, we are grateful to be part of a community that shows up for each other, especially during hard weeks like this one. Take care of yourselves, check on your neighbors when you can, and know that easier days are ahead.