Winter on the island has its own rhythm, doesn’t it? Those short days, the wind whipping across from Culver, roads slick with leaves. But Islanders know how to look after each other when the temperature drops.
Here are a few simple ways to make winter easier, with a little help from your neighbours on Wightbay. Are looking looking to clear some clutter? Place an ad on Wightbay for free!
Check the house before the real weather arrives
Loose fence panels, tired heaters, broken latches. Cheaper to sort them now than when the wind’s already howling through the gaps. Quick checks to do:
- Walk around the outside on a calm day. You’ll spot things you’d miss in a rush
- Check window seals and test your heating
- Make sure gutters aren’t clogged with autumn leaves
- A roll of insulation tape and some weatherproof sealant go a long way
If you need tools or a spare heater, someone local usually has one sitting unused.
Get ahead with winter clothing for the kids
They sprout. Coats don’t. Last winter, a mum in Sandown found three winter coats for her kids in one afternoon, all from neighbours within walking distance. It’s worth checking what other Island families are passing on before heading to the shops. Saves money, reduces waste, and helps someone else clear space at home. Waterproof trousers, wellies, fleeces, all the practical stuff that gets outgrown fast.
Sort the car for rough mornings
You don’t think about winter car prep until you’re stood in the cold at 7am with frozen fingers. Check your boot now for:
- Scrapers and de-icer
- Floor mats in decent condition
- A working torch
- Jump leads
- A blanket (sounds excessive until you’re stuck in traffic near Blackgang in January)
Make sure the screen wash is topped up with winter mix. A small torch that actually works is worth it’s weight in gold when you’re fumbling with keys in the dark and you’re phone is dead.
Stock up without the mainland trip
Slow cookers, blankets, lamps, dehumidifiers. Winter comfort without ferry faff. Think about what actually makes your home feel warmer – sometimes it’s a soft throw on the sofa or a decent reading lamp more than cranking up the heating. If you’re still air-drying washing indoors, a dehumidifier will change your life. Keeps the damp down and your energy bills lower.
Clear the shed
Old bikes, garden tools, odd timber. If you haven’t touched it since spring, chances are you won’t miss it. A Ventnor resident recently cleared their shed, and the timber offcuts helped a local builder finish a project. You get room to breathe again, someone else gets exactly what they need, and nothing goes to waste. It’s one of those jobs that feels enormous until you just start.
Keep pets comfortable
Older dogs feel the cold more, and cats will claim any warm spot they can find. Simple ways to help:
- Layer up a couple of old blankets for extra warmth
- Check outdoor pet shelters are actually weatherproof – wind gets in through the smallest gaps
- Make sure water bowls aren’t freezing overnight
- Consider a heat pad for elderly pets with joint pain
Extra bedding, crates, and carriers are worth having sorted before the worst weather hits.
Support small spots during the quiet months
Repair shops, craft sellers, and cafes across Ryde, Shanklin, and beyond get quieter now. Pop in for a coffee if you’re passing. Buy that candle you’ve been eyeing. Get your shoes fixed instead of replacing them. These small businesses carry the Island through winter, and they remember the people who show up when tourism drops off. If they’re selling anything second-hand or running winter offers, spread the word.
Check if a neighbour needs help
Not everyone finds technology easy. An older neighbour might have things to pass on but no idea how to take a decent photo or write a listing. Five minutes of your help makes a real difference. It’s one of those small acts that make Island life work, and you never know when you’ll need a hand yourself.
Pick up one winter project
A bit of upcycling, a shelf, a tidy. Something to do on a wet Sunday that isn’t just scrolling through your phone. Cheap materials turn up all the time, such as offcuts, old drawers, and leftover paints. You might meet someone interesting while you’re collecting it. And there’s something satisfying about making something useful when the days are short and grey.
Winter is easier when we look out for each other. Whether you’re hunting for a bargain, clearing space, or helping a neighbour sort something out, keeping things local and simple makes all the difference.
If you’re buying, selling, or passing things on this winter. Wightbay’s here to help connect you with neighbours across the island.
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