Ready For Fall, Y'all? Here Are A Few Tips To Smooth The Way

Ah, fall…my favorite time of year. While it seems as if everyone around me is hanging on for dear life to summer, I am quietly cheering autumn’s arrival. Still, with cooler temperatures coming our way and pretty soon falling leaves
serve as a reminder that the fall season is fast approaching. As the seasons change, so do our activities and home needs. Even though summer is not quite over yet, it’s a good time to do some seasonal maintenance to keep your home running smoothly.

The weather can change quickly and you don’t want to be caught unprepared. A bit of attention now will save you - and me! - potential costly repairs and headaches down the line.

Fall Cleaning & Organizing

• Turn over your mattress and vacuum. Wash all of your bedding, including comforters and blankets.
• Get your carpets professionally cleaned. Think of all the sand and grass clippings that have been tracked in on your flip-flops this summer.
• Wash your windows, inside and out, including the sills. If you have new windows with UV filters don't clean with glass cleaners. Instead, use microfiber towels dampened with warm water. I use a mixture of warm water and vinegar. My windows sparkle!
• Clean and declutter your home from top to bottom. You will probably want to focus on public rooms such as the living room, family room, entryway, guest bedroom and guest bath. But in addition, go through the rest of your home. The holiday season is coming and guests will always see the junk room!
• Get out the vacuum. Vacuum the drapes, window treatments, baseboards and in the corners. Move furniture and vacuum beneath and behind it. Vacuum upholstered furniture, or have it professionally cleaned if needed. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall, and vacuum the condenser coils. For bottom-mounted coils, use a long, narrow brush to gently clean coils of dust and debris.
• This is a good time to clean out your pantry and fridge. Be prepared for all of that baking and cooking you will be doing in the coming months. Remember, if you have had spices and baking soda/powder since last year, it's time to purchase new spices. I simmer my old spices on the stove top; it makes our home smell like Fall!

Indoor Maintenance

• Check for drafts around the edges of windows and doors. A good tip is to use a lighted candle and if the flame flickers, there’s a draft. If necessary, replace seals and repair caulking around window and door frames.
• Have your furnace inspected by a HVAC professional to test for leaks, check heating efficiency, and change the filter. They can also do a carbon monoxide check to ensure air safety. It’s also a good idea to stock up on extra air filters and change them every few months.
• Test home safety devices. Replace the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide devices and make sure they’re working properly.
• Fall is a good time to have your air ducts cleaned if need be.
• Inspecting washing machine hoses for bulges, cracks or splits. Replace them every other year.
• Checking the dryer exhaust tube and vent for built-up lint and debris. Make sure the exterior vent door closes tightly when not in use.
• Check the weather-stripping around your doors and replace if necessary.
• Trim, treat, clean and repot - if needed - your houseplants. Use insecticidal soap to ensure you don’t have any unwanted pests and fertilize. 

Outdoor Maintenance

• Clean gutters and inspect your roof’s surface for any needed repairs - we recently had a bad hail storm. For safety reasons, you may want to consider hiring a qualified professional to take care of any repair work that needs to be done.
• Check windows for any loose caulk or weather stripping. Replace if needed.
• Cut back any trees or shrubs that may be touching the roof or exterior of your home. 
• Once your lawn and garden stops growing run all of your gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel tank is empty. By doing this, you are preventing flammable liquid from being stored in your garage and protecting the equipment from damage.
• If you won't be using your patio this fall, clean and cover all of your patio furniture. Pack away any decorative items that may be on your patio or deck.
• Pressure wash your deck, patio and/or outdoor recreation area.
• Check the chimney and fireplace if you burn wood and use it often. Have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional. 
• Stock up on firewood if you plan on using it in your fireplace. Make sure it’s dry and ready. It’s best to cover firewood and store away from the house for safety reasons.
• Once the leaves have fallen, rake and remove from your yard. Fertilize your lawn to prevent winter damage and spring weeds. Plant a few bulbs!

Most of us will not undertake all of these chores. However if you properly maintain your home it enhances its value and appeal and is less effort than managing a crisis later. When the chilly weather approaches you and your home will be ready and waiting!

organizing, cleaning, maintenance, household, chores, fall, winterize, prepare, weatherize, manage, maintain,