Home To-Do's for Fall

Can you believe it's already October? We're still in denial that we are heading into the final stretch of 2018. However, as we mentioned in our previous post, we do love this time of year. The trees are officially starting to change and it has definitely been sweater weather!

This weekend and next week is looking like it's going to stay a bit on the cooler side, which means it's going to be a great time to cozy up or get some things done around the home to prepare as we head into the colder months!

Just like with Spring, Fall is a great time to do a few key home to-do's to make sure that you are ready for winter, or to just feel refreshed after a busy Summer of cabin weekends, time at the lake, or just playing outside every chance you get.

Here are some key things that you should plan to do around the home in the next few weeks.

Exterior

Gutters & Roof

As we all know, once the leaves start falling, they get everywhere! It would be a good idea to make sure you check your gutters to make sure they are staying clear and while you're up there, you should probably check out your roof to see if there is any damage from any Summer storms. If you do notice anything, you'll want to call a contractor ASAP as they will likely be busy before snow hits!

Chimney & Fireplace

If you have a fireplace, it would also be a good idea to ensure there isn't any blockage, if you have rain cap, that it is in place. This one also implies for indoors as we would recommend that you take a look up as well to check for blockage and make sure your damper is working. If you haven't had your fireplace professionally checked, you can always reach out to a contractor to take a peak to make sure that everything is up to par to keep your fires safe!

Tune up the Leaf Blower and/or Check Your Snow Blower

Yes, it's time for these tools again! If your in the metro, you can be grateful you may only need a leaf blower this weekend. Word has it that Bemidji has seen some snow.... Make sure that these items are working and stock up with gas or any bags you would need so you are ready to go when the time comes to use them.

Outdoor Water/Hoses

It's time to make sure that any outdoor hoses you have are stored for the winter. Give them a quick clean if needed so they are ready to go for the Spring once we start thawing out. Additionally, make sure that when you are putting away hoses that you also turn off the outdoor water supply.

Holiday Lights

This is the most fun one! At least, in our opinion. Yes,  it may seem early to be putting up holiday lights, but we actually recommend doing it by the end of this month before we start getting hit with lots of snow and ice. It'll be easier to get them put in place without freezing, and then you can just turn them on once you feel like the time is right! If you don't want to put them up, maybe at least go through your supply to make sure they're all working before you are ready to get them going for the holidays.

Interior

Clean Out the Closets

Just like with Spring cleaning, Fall is a great time to go through your summer wardrobe and get rid of all the stuff you didn't wear all season. This will feel especially great if you rotate clothes out of your closet for the seasons. You'll have less to pack away and unpack for the next season. Our general rule of thumb if it's seasonal? If you didn't wear it once during the season it's appropriate for, it's probably time to let it go. Try to donate your clothing if in good condition to those in need. This is true for any cold weather clothing you feel you won't wear this year, someone in need will appreciate that you donated something you won't use to help keep them warm.

Furnace

We're trying to hold out as long as possible before we turn it on too, but there's no denying it, you're going to need it. These already cool temperatures indicate that if you haven't checked your furnace, you'll want to as soon as possible. Change any dirty filters if needed and think about having a professional out for a full HVAC check and cleaning. They'll make sure that your furnace is running well and can give you a heads up if it's aging. You don't want it to die in the middle of winter!

Check Your Windows and Doors

There's not much worse than a cold draft when you're trying to stay warm in your home. Go around and check out your doors and windows to make sure there is not cracking or seal missing. If there is, caulk what you can, or replace exterior door seals to help keep the draft out and keep your heating bill lower.

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Check

This is really something you should be doing every few months. Check the batteries in your detectors, or run a system test to make sure that these are working. The Carbon Monoxide one can be extremely important because you are running your furnace during the winter. Along with this, once we get snow, make sure you check vents leading out of the house to ensure it is not causing a back up. However, if you are unable to do so, just ensuring you have working detectors can be a big help.

Clean Behind Appliances

How often do you really move appliances and clean behind them or under them? We know this isn't the most fun thing to do, but you don't want all that dust build up, or crumbs under kitchen appliances to stay there forever. Clean out the dryer vent as well if you can get at it! Making this a seasonal chore will help motivate you to get a good deep clean in, so you are breathing fresh air all winter long.

We hope that you found some tips to help you stay on top of caring for your home this Fall! What are your go to's in the Fall to get ready for the colder weather? We'd love to know what you do to share with other homeowners, just like yourself!