As summer winds down and the crisp air of fall approaches, it's the perfect time to tackle some essential end-of-summer house chores. While summer is all about relaxation and fun, the transition into fall requires a bit of preparation to ensure your home is ready for the colder months ahead. By taking care of these tasks now, you'll not only maintain the health of your home but also set yourself up for a smoother, cozier autumn. In this blog, we'll walk you through some key end-of-summer chores to get your home fall-ready.
1. Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture
Throughout the summer, outdoor furniture gets a lot of use—and exposure to the elements. Before the colder weather arrives, take the time to clean and properly store your patio furniture.
- Clean: Use a mild soap and water solution to scrub down tables, chairs, and cushions. Be sure to remove dirt, dust, and stains that accumulated over the summer.
- Store: If possible, store furniture in a garage, shed, or basement to protect it from fall and winter weather. If storage space is limited, invest in high-quality furniture covers to shield your pieces from the elements.
2. Check and Maintain Gutters
Your gutters play a crucial role in directing rainwater away from your home. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, leaks, and foundation issues.
- Clear debris: Remove leaves, twigs, and dirt that may have built up over the summer.
- Inspect for damage: Look for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or sagging. If you notice any issues, consider making repairs before the rainy fall season begins.
3. Deep Clean Windows and Screens
After months of pollen, dust, and bugs, your windows and screens could use a good cleaning.
- Wash windows: Use a window cleaner or a simple mixture of water and vinegar to clean both the interior and exterior surfaces. A clean window allows more natural light into your home, which is especially welcome during the shorter fall days.
- Clean screens: Remove screens and gently scrub them with soapy water, then rinse and allow them to air dry before reinstalling. This prevents dirt buildup and allows for better airflow.
4. Prepare Your Garden and Lawn
Your garden and lawn may look lush and vibrant now, but as the season changes, they'll need some attention to prepare for fall and winter.
- Trim shrubs and trees: Prune overgrown branches, especially those close to your house or power lines. This reduces the risk of damage during fall storms.
- Fertilize the lawn: Apply a fall fertilizer to strengthen grass roots and prepare your lawn for the cooler months. This will help your lawn bounce back quickly in the spring.
- Harvest and clean up: Harvest any late-season vegetables or fruits, and clear out dead plants or weeds from your garden beds.
5. Service Your HVAC System
As temperatures drop, you'll be relying on your heating system to keep your home comfortable. End-of-summer is the ideal time to give your HVAC system a checkup.
- Replace air filters: Clean or replace your HVAC filters to ensure your system runs efficiently and circulates clean air.
- Schedule maintenance: If you haven’t had your HVAC system serviced recently, now is a good time to schedule a professional inspection. Regular maintenance can help identify and fix potential issues before they become costly repairs.
6. Declutter and Organize Storage Spaces
With summer toys, beach gear, and other seasonal items still lingering around, end-of-summer is the perfect opportunity to declutter and organize.
- Store summer items: Pack away seasonal items such as pool floats, beach umbrellas, and camping gear. Label storage bins for easy access next summer.
- Organize garage and shed: Take some time to organize your tools, sports equipment, and gardening supplies. By decluttering these areas, you'll have more room for fall and winter items like rakes, snow shovels, and holiday decorations.
7. Clean the Grill
Before you retire your grill for the season (if you don’t use it year-round), make sure it’s properly cleaned and stored.
- Deep clean: Scrape off any remaining food particles and grease, and give the grill a thorough cleaning with a grill brush and soapy water. Clean the grates and empty the grease tray.
- Cover or store: If you're not planning to use your grill in the colder months, cover it with a protective cover or store it in a sheltered location.
8. Inspect Weather Stripping and Doors
With cooler weather on the horizon, now’s the time to check your windows and doors for any drafts or worn-out weather stripping.
- Check for drafts: Walk around your home and feel for air leaks around windows and doors. If you notice any drafts, replace the weather stripping to improve insulation and reduce energy costs.
- Inspect door seals: Make sure that your door seals are intact. If they're worn out, install new ones to keep warm air in and cold air out during fall and winter.
9. Clean and Check the Fireplace
If you have a wood-burning or gas fireplace, you’ll want to ensure it’s clean and ready for use as the weather cools down.
- Clean the fireplace: Remove ash, soot, and debris from the fireplace and chimney. If you have a gas fireplace, inspect the logs and ensure everything is functioning properly.
- Schedule a chimney inspection: For wood-burning fireplaces, have a professional inspect and clean the chimney to prevent dangerous buildup of creosote, which can cause chimney fires.
10. Prepare for Fall and Winter Projects
With summer ending, it’s time to start thinking about indoor home improvement projects that will keep you busy during the colder months.
- Assess home maintenance needs: Check for any repairs that can be done indoors during fall and winter, such as painting, upgrading appliances, or organizing storage.
- Plan holiday prep: Start planning any fall or winter holiday decorations and gatherings, so you're not rushing as the holidays approach.