As the leaves change, it’s time to prep your home for the cozy season ahead! Here are some must-do tasks to refresh your space and create that warm, inviting vibe:
- Clear out garden beds – Tackle those leaves and weeds to keep things neat for winter.
- Add some eye candy – Brighten up the outdoors with colorful mums for a welcoming pop!
- Don’t skip the holiday decor – A little spooky or festive fun can make your kids (and guests) feel right at home.
- Purge unwanted items – Fall is the perfect time to declutter and simplify! Clear out any extra furniture or unused stuff.
- Deep clean the garage – Get rid of dirt, cobwebs, and organize for the season ahead!
Feeling ambitious? Here is the rest of the list!
Yard Cleanup & Maintenance:
Rake leaves regularly to prevent buildup and dead spots on your lawn.
Trim dead branches and prune trees and shrubs.
Mow your lawn one last time, setting the mower blade to a lower setting.
Clean gutters to prevent water backup and damage.
Aerate your lawn to allow water and nutrients to reach the roots.
Fertilize the lawn with a fall-specific fertilizer.
Remove dead plants from flower beds and vegetable gardens.
Mulch flower beds to protect roots from freezing temperatures.
Plant bulbs for spring flowers like tulips and daffodils.
Protect sensitive plants with burlap or plant covers.
Drain and store garden hoses to prevent freezing and damage.
Winterize irrigation systems by blowing out pipes.
Store outdoor furniture or cover it to protect from winter weather.
Clean and store gardening tools to prevent rust.
Inspect and repair fences or gates before winter.
Remove fallen branches and debris from the yard.
Home Maintenance:
Check for drafts around windows and doors, and apply weather stripping as needed.
Inspect your roof for damaged shingles or leaks.
Clean out chimneys or hire a professional for chimney cleaning.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries.
Service your HVAC system to ensure it’s running efficiently.
Seal cracks in driveways or walkways to prevent ice damage.
Reverse ceiling fans to clockwise to push warm air down.
Inspect insulation in your attic and walls, adding more if necessary.
Stock up on winter supplies, including ice melt and snow shovels.
This list should help keep your home and yard in top shape as you prepare for winter!