A 14-Point Checklist to Prepare Your Home for Fall

Fall is a favorite season for many, especially early fall. Maybe it’s because the sweltering heat and the humidity of summer dissipates and the weather transforms into crisp, clean breezes and cool nights. Maybe it’s because the leaves change from vibrant greens to jewel-toned reds, oranges, yellows and purples.

The anticipation of fall also means you’ll need tackle some house and yard maintenance in the coming weeks. Here are 14 tips for your fall home prep to-do list:

1. Roof

If you live somewhere that gets snow, it’s a good idea start your fall home prep by inspecting your roof, before the first big snowstorm of the coming winter hits. This can be done from the ground using binoculars or even from a ladder if it’s safe to do so. But there’s no need to get up on your roof, and in fact, it’s better for your roof if you don’t. Look for curled, cracked or missing shingles, rusted flashing and moss and lichen. If you find any evidence that might indicate a potential problem, have a professional come out to inspect your roof.

2. Gutters

Although you might want to wait until the majority of your leaves have fallen before you clean your gutters, clogged gutters can quickly lead to a watery mess, so it’s best to get started on this task sooner rather than later.

In addition to removing leaves and other debris, check for an accumulation of granules. This could indicate that your roof is losing its coating, so if you do notice a buildup, contact a roofing specialist. Once your gutters are clean, consider installing gutter guards to reduce the likelihood of a clog in the future.

And while you’re working on your fall home prep, don’t forget to check your downspouts for clogs. One way to do this is to guide a plumber’s snake into the downspout to loosen the debris. It’s also a good idea to add downspouts extensions to direct the flow of water away from your home and foundation.

3. Siding

Be sure to check your siding for any cracks or gaps. With the weather cooling down, small animals might try to make their way into your home for shelter and warmth. Repair smaller holes with caulk and patch larger holes with new siding material. Also, touch up your exterior paint as needed. Not only will this increase your home’s curb appeal, but it will also help to shield your home from the elements.

4. Landscaping and Gardening

Have your tree branches trimmed, particularly those that are damaged, that are too close to your roof or power lines or that overhang your driveway. Cool weather is often accompanied by strong winds, and the last thing you need is for a tree to come crashing down on your car.

Once the leaves begin to fall, stay on top of raking them. You might be tempted to let them pile up, but there are a couple of reasons to avoid this.

• Your Neighbors. They probably don’t want your leaves blowing into their clean yard. 
• Your Yard’s Health. The more the leaves pile up and begin to break down, the more difficult they’ll be to clear away. If it snows before you’ve had a chance to rid your yard of them, they’re likely to stay on your lawn all winter, where they’ll block sunlight and encourage the growth of mold and fungus on your lawn. 

After you’ve cleaned up the majority of the leaves, apply fertilizer to your lawn to help prevent winter damage and so that it revives quickly next spring.

In addition to cleaning up your yard, don’t forget to harvest and cook your fall veggies and plant your spring bulbs. You can also start bringing in your potted plants or flowers. If your annuals have already died, dispose of them and empty, clean and dry the pots before you put them away for use next spring.

Finally, drain your garden hoses and disconnect them from the outdoor spigots. Store them in a dry place to prevent freezing or cracking. Be sure to winterize your outdoor faucets and irrigation systems. You can even call in an expert to help you with this fall home prep.

5. Lighting

As the weather cools down, the days grow shorter and it gets dark earlier. If you don’t have outdoor lighting installed, consider making it a priority. After all, you don’t want to risk tripping when you take the dog out. Make sure to purchase products that are meant for outdoor use. Energy-efficient bulbs are a good option because they help you save money.

If you already have outdoor lighting installed, be sure to check that everything’s in working order.

6. Yard Equipment

To store your lawn mower until next spring, empty the fuel tank or add a fuel stabilizer to a full tank of fuel, change the oil and have the blades cleaned and sharpened. It’s also a good idea to remove the battery and stash it in a cool, dry place.

Service your snow blower so that it’s ready at a moment’s notice for unexpected winter weather. And if you have an emergency generator, test it out to make sure it’s in good working order. You don’t want to find out that your generator is out of order when you’re stuck in the middle of a storm with no electricity or heat.

7. Garage and Shed

Forget spring cleaning. Now is the perfect time to tidy up your garage or shed. Start by disposing of any liquids that might freeze, as well as unneeded flammable or hazardous materials.

Check out our 30 day declutter challenge for cleaning inspiration!

Clean, organize and put away your tools and equipment. Make room for your car in your garage so that you can safely pull it in during bad weather.

8. Summer Vehicles

Summer cars, ATVs, boats, golf carts and RVs should be serviced and stored for the winter. Change the oil, top off the gas tank (and add a fuel stabilizer) and cover the gaps through which rodents might be able to enter. And don’t forget to consider your vehicle insurance needs. If your car, for example, will be garaged all winter, you might be able to drop collision coverage, but it’s a good idea to maintain your comprehensive coverage should theft, fire or another type of non-collision damage occur.

9. Windows and Doors

Seal any gaps and cracks around your windows and doors with caulk, weather stripping or window insulator. Also seal any entry points for cable lines or phone lines — these are all exit points for your home’s warmth. And if you have reason to suspect severe winter weather may be headed your way, swap out your screens for storm windows and doors if you have them.

10. Safety Checks

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, test your fire extinguishers and review your emergency escape plans. If you don’t have any documented plans, now would be a good time to put them together and discuss them with your family.

11. Furnace

It’s a great idea to hire a professional to service your furnace. They can change the filter, make sure the moving parts are lubricated, inspect the burners and electrical connections, check for leaks, test safety features and ensure proper ventilation. You might be able to tackle some of these things yourself, but you’d risk doing them wrong, damaging your furnace and endangering your safety. For those reasons, it’s best to let a specialist handle this.

12. Fireplace

As the temperature drops, it’s crucial to follow fireplace safety tips. Hire a professional to check your fireplace and chimney and to remove any build-up. This person can also repair or replace the chimney cap if it is damaged or missing to prevent animals and debris from entering.

If yours is a wood-burning fireplace, stock up on firewood but store it at least 30 feet away from your home or any other structures. Seasoned hardwoods, such as oak, are best for firewood. And be sure to use a mesh metal screen or glass fireplace doors to prevent stray embers from escaping while your fireplace is in use.

13. Thermostat

If you haven’t already upgraded to a programmable thermostat, you should at least consider it. You can program it to lower the temperature while you’re asleep and when you’re not home, reducing your energy consumption and saving you money. And if you go away for the weekend, but forget to adjust the temperature before you leave, a lot of newer models—the so-called smart thermostats—will let you do so from your smartphone, tablet or computer.

14. Pantry

With the holidays just a few months away, now is a great time to clean out your pantry. Remove the boxes and cans so that you can vacuum up any loose crumbs to avoid providing a meal to critters that might get into your home looking for a good meal and a warm bed. Obviously, you’ll want to dispose of anything that’s expired. If you have unopened, unexpired items that you probably won’t get to in the next few months (such as ice tea or lemonade mix), consider donating them to your local food pantry.

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Fall, especially in the Northeast, is breathtaking. And with some fall home prep you can get your house cold-weather ready while you enjoy the fleeting moments that make fall unique. In the process, not only will you be prepping your home for the coming winter, but you’ll also be mentally preparing yourself for the transition from heatwave to snowstorm.

How will you be getting your home ready for fall? Share with us in the comment section below.