Getting ready for winter

The nights are getting colder, the days are getting rainier, and with the clocks going back this weekend, it is time to face the facts – winter is upon us. Given the current restrictions and the growing likelihood of a second lockdown, it is clear that the most wonderful time of the year might look a little different this time around.

At PMP, we worked from home all throughout the summer lockdown to keep your properties in check. But a home office in the winter is a far cry from our home office in the back garden, so we’ve come up with some ‘PMP Approved’ ways of keeping your spirits high while you work from home this winter.

Change all your light bulbs to LED bulbs

Not only do LED light bulbs more reliable, with higher energy efficiency, longer life span and ability to operate safely in cold temperatures, they have also been proven to have excellent benefits for your mood and productivity.

According to greenenergy.org.uk, people working under LED lighting are less likely to experience ‘burn out’ in the working day and reported an above-average overall mood. They are also extremely affordable, so you can save some pennies for Christmas presents!

Get your boiler serviced

Now that you’re going to be at home all day, it is more important than ever that your boiler has been fully serviced and is up and running efficiently.

At PMP, we are offering 50% off your boiler service with the discount code BOILER 2020. Head to our Facebook page for more information and for tips and tricks on how to keep your boiler happy all winter long.

Get outside

Yes, we know this is easier said than done. The summer sun had us desperate to find any excuse to get outside, for walks, runs, cycles, rounders, picnics or sunbathing. Somehow, the outside world seems a lot less inviting now…

Get yourself a decent pair of wellies and one of those big golf umbrellas, pull on your rain jacket and give yourself a good pep talk before stepping out into the wind and the rain, even if it is just for a brisk walk round the block. We promise you’ll feel better for it after being hunched over your computer all day, although you might resent us at first!

Get dressed everyday

Okay, so we’re not saying you should be sat at home in a suit all day. But in the depths of winter, it can be more tempting to work in your dressing gown rather than braving the cold to get changed. Simply sticking on a nice jumper and jeans can make you feel more presentable and boost your productivity for the day. You can also stop pretending that your webcam is broken when you join zoom calls…

Watch out for mould

A mouldy workplace is the last thing you want. Follow precautions to ensure that you’ll be having mulled wine and not mouldy walls this winter.

When boiling food, cover up the pans, open a window slightly and make good use of the extractor fan if you have one.
Dry your clothes in a ventilated room and avoid putting wet clothes on radiators.
Ventilate the bathroom after a shower or bath and wipe away any condensation immediately.
Leave space between the furniture and the wall to allow air to circulate.
Open the window or trickle vent to change the air.

If you do find yourself with an unwelcome tenant spreading across your walls and ceilings, check out this handy guide of natural remedies to try to rid yourself of those pesky mould spores.

Stay connected

It’s traditionally the party season, and its hard not to think of all the Christmas parties, birthday celebrations and cocktail nights we should be having. It is very easy to want to curl up in bed and cry into your hot chocolate at this thought, but it is so important to stay connected and keep your spirits high during this time.

Clearly we will not be able to party in the traditional sense, but perhaps its time to dust off those quizzing skills from the early lockdown period and have a few Christmassy zoom quizzes from the comfort of your own home. Pop some prosecco and have a virtual celebration or set up Netflix party to have a cosy viewing party with friends. Nothing will stop us partying (responsibly)!

Treat yourself

Look at the positives – all that money spent on drinks, Christmas party outfits and meals out can be saved or redirected to some indulgent purchases to boost your serotonin in the dark winter months. Are you partial to a decadent Christmas coffee on your daily commute?

Why not treat yourself to a coffee machine that will make you your favourite drinks while you work from home. Had your eye on some nice new homeware, appliances or electronics? Go on, you’ve earnt it! Alternatively, save your pennies for a later, (hopefully not) rainy day.

Have a redesign

Suffering from cabin fever? Why not treat yourself to a complete makeover of your home office. Our PMP approved contractors offer unrivalled refurbishment and renovation services to transform your tired home office to a haven of productivity.

To find out more about our services and get a free quote, get in touch today.