Summer 2026 might still be hanging on but smart shoppers are already prepping for the best end-of-season markdowns coming up.
Whether you're trying to lower heating costs, block chilly drafts or create a cozier space for less, now is one of the best times to stock up ahead of the Labor Day shopping surge.
As part of USA TODAY's Fall Reset event today, we're focusing on winterizing your home and prepping for cold temperatures. We've rounded up the best winter home essentials available right now, from smart thermostats and draft blockers to cozy bedding and humidifiers. These practical upgrades can help improve comfort, boost energy efficiency and prepare your home for colder weather without breaking your budget.
Best cold-weather home prep products and essentials to shop now
1. Fix gaps around doors and windows in seconds
Alien Draft Seal Weather Stripping Door Seal
You don't need a major renovation
to make your home feel warmer. This easy weather-stripping upgrade helps seal out chilly drafts before winter settles in.
Buy now at Amazon
2. Combat dry winter air and soothe seasonal congestion
Levoit 4.2L Top Fill Humidifier for Large Room
Banish harsh winter dryness and keep your air comfortable with this ultra-quiet, long-running humidifier that features a dishwasher-safe tank for effortless cleanup.
Buy now at Amazon
3. Stop cold drafts from sneaking under your doors
Gorilla Grip Under Door Draft Stopper for Bottom of Doors
Cold air coming in under the door? When cold air slips underneath exterior doors, even a well-heated room can feel uncomfortable. This simple draft stopper is a low-cost fix that can make rooms feel cozier in minutes.
Buy now at Amazon
4. Block hidden drafts coming through your walls
Airmont Products Outlet Draft Sealers Combination Pack
Stop hidden drafts coming through your walls with these easy, snap-in outlet insulation pads that boost energy efficiency in minutes.
Buy now at Amazon
5. Stay cozy on the couch without heating the whole house
Gotcozy Heated Electric Blanket
Wrap yourself in luxurious warmth with this ultra-soft faux fur heated throw, featuring customizable heat settings and auto-shutoff safety for ultimate cold-weather cozying up.
Buy now at Amazon
6. Upgrade to heavier layers for warmer, better sleep
Bedelite Fleece Comforter Set
Upgrade your winter sleep with this ultra-plush faux-fur comforter set that instantly traps heat while giving your bedroom a high-end, cozy reset.
Buy now at Amazon
7. Cut heating bills automatically before winter hits
Google Nest Smart Thermostat
For homeowners looking to modernize their heating setup, the Nest Thermostat offers a streamlined approach to temperature management.
Buy now at Amazon
8. Keep your home safe when running winter heating
Heiman Carbon Monoxide Detector
Keep your home safe all winter with this long-battery carbon monoxide detector, featuring an advanced sensor to monitor hidden heating hazards with zero hardwiring needed.
Buy now at Amazon
9. Ensure essential home safety for space heater season
Heiman Smoke Detector
Keep your home safe during the space heater and holiday cooking season with this 10-year sealed smoke detector, engineered with advanced sensors to catch real threats and prevent false alarms.
Buy now at Amazon
10. Keep mud, slush and debris off your floors
Gorilla Grip WeatherMAX Door Mat
Stop winter slush, mud and debris at the front door with this heavy-duty, all-weather doormat built to keep your floors clean through high-traffic season.
Buy now at amazon
Smart shopping tips for cold-weather home prep
- Start with quick, high-impact fixes. Tackle drafty doors and windows first with affordable, low-effort solutions like adhesive weather stripping, door draft blockers, outlet sealers and window insulation film. These inexpensive upgrades stop warmth from escaping immediately without requiring major home renovations.
- Balance practical utility with everyday comfort. Saving on energy bills doesn't mean sacrificing cozy vibes. Pair functional efficiency items—like programmable or smart thermostats and pipe insulation—with lifestyle essentials like heated blankets, flannel bedding and cool-mist humidifiers to keep your living space both cost-effective and comfortable.
- Opt for renter-friendly, non-permanent upgrades. You don't need to own your home to prep it for cold weather. Stick to damage-free items like removable window film, tension-rod thermal curtains, plug-in space heaters and temporary draft stoppers that deliver maximum performance without risking your security deposit.
- Prioritize heating safety essentials. When buying space heaters or electric blankets, look for essential built-in safety mechanisms like automatic tip-over protection, overheat shut-off sensors and UL certification. Always place heaters on flat, non-flammable surfaces at least three feet away from bedding or curtains, and take the seasonal transition as a reminder to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
What is USA TODAY's Fall Reset?
USA TODAY's Fall Reset is a month-long shopping event in August to help shoppers prepare for the busy fall season before prices increase and popular products sell out. The event highlights the best deals and must-have seasonal items across categories including school supplies, dorm essentials, TVs, mattresses, home upgrades, fall fashion and football gear.
Throughout August, the USA TODAY Shopping team curates product recommendations, discounts and seasonal essentials to help shoppers save money and get ahead of common fall expenses before Labor Day sales begin.
Shop USA TODAY Shopping's Fall Reset by week
- Week 1:Back-to-school and dorm shopping
- Week 2:Fall vibes, home, family and seasonal prep
- Week 3:Home improvement, outdoor and yard prep
- Week 4:Football, entertainment and Labor Day shopping
USA TODAY Shopping will be covering all the best deals and drops, so be sure to sign up for text alerts, check us out on Flipboard, follow us on TikTok, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to stay updated!
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 10 winter home essentials to buy now before temperatures drop
