Even though we’re still experiencing the dog days of summer, it’s not too early to get a jump on prepping your home for fall. Before you know it, the kids will be going back to school and the weather will begin to get chilly. By doing some maintenance chores now, you will be ready for the season before the first leaves start to fall. If you’re wondering where to start, check out our list of helpful tips below.
Tend to your gutters. Clean out all the dirt and debris that has accumulated over the summer and make sure everything is in good working order before the leaves begin to fall off the trees. While you are up there, take a look at your roof and make sure you don’t have any missing or damaged shingles that need repair.
Trim trees. Look for limbs near your house and trim them back. This will help reduce the chance of snow or ice damage to your roof.
Stock up on firewood. Get your pile ready now by using some of the larger limbs from your tree trimmings for firewood.
Organize your garage and/or shed. Take inventory of everything you might need for fall and winter, such as leaf bags, ice melt and windshield washer fluid. Make sure all of your leaf-collecting tools are in good working order. You want that leaf blower ready to go when you need it.
Get your furnace inspected. Head off a potential heating disaster by having your furnace inspected for potential leaks or efficiency issues.
Clean your outdoor furniture. Give everything a good scrub and get it prepped for storage.
Seal & caulk windows and door frames. Stop potential drafts before they start.
Get the kitchen back-to-school ready. Stock up on supplies you need to make lunches: lunch bags, baggies, plastic containers, etc. Set up a designated lunch-making station and have all your supplies ready to go. Claim a specific drawer in the refrigerator for lunch supplies. Set up a snack station in your pantry where the kids can go to grab a healthy snack after school.
Designate an after school drop zone. If you’ve got a mudroom, great! Make sure it’s ready for the busy season by doing a clean and purge session. If you don’t have a mudroom, create a space in your home to become the designated drop zone for backpacks, jackets, shoes, and other items. Choose a spot that is near the main entrance or exit of your home and stock it with bins or baskets, a few wall hooks, and an outdoor rug that’s easy to clean that will protect your floors.
Get started on major updates or remodeling projects. Perhaps your home is in need of more than a little cleanup or TLC. Fall is the perfect time to embark on a new remodeling project like a new sunroom, finished basement, garage, or kitchen.
Now that your house is all set for fall you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the last few weeks of summer!
