As sad as it is to say, those soaring summer temperatures will soon descend and will eventually chill our Minnesotan bones. The days are already shortening and the leaves are beginning to fall from the trees. Fall is just around the corner.
Now’s the time to take care of any maintenance projects before the frost sets in. Take care of these 9 chores to make sure your home is ready for the change in seasons.
EXTERIOR PREPARATION
FILL THE CRACKS
These upcoming weeks may be your last chance to fill any cracks in your asphalt or driveway. The water and eventual ice that will fill them can cause expansion and make them worse.
CLEAN THE GUTTERS
Ah, the dreaded gutters. The chore nobody enjoys but that nearly everyone has completed. A couple of hours of work can prevent future repairs. While you’re up there, inspect roof shingles, vents, and even your chimney.
OUTDOOR PLUMBING
Don’t forget to drain any outdoor faucets or sprinkler systems, and cover them in order to protect them from the elements.
OUTDOOR FURNITURE
I’m sure you feel the same way I do about putting your outdoor furniture into storage: doing so means admitting that fall/winter are here and the nice weather is gone. So, no thank you! But now is the time to make sure any outdoor furniture is clean so that when you are ready to store it, you don’t have to worry about it.
INTERIOR PREPARATION
FIX THE FURNACE
If you didn;t have it done last spring/summer, have your furnace professionally serviced. At the very least, do your own visual inspection and replace the furnace filter before you turn it on for the first time.
FIREPLACE DUTY
Clean out that dusty fireplace and check on the flue, doors, and shields. Have your chimney professionally swept if it’s gross enough, and don’t forget to stock up on that nice, dry firewood!
KEEP THE COLD AIR OUT
Inspect your windows and doors to make sure they’re still airtight. Recaulk around window and door casings if needed, and test your weather stripping.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LIGHT
You’re going to want all the light you can get for the darker, colder months of the year. Go through and clean all the windows and blinds to amplify natural light coming in. Think about adding lighting to darker spaces and replace any traditional light bulbs with energy-efficient ones.
MUDROOM SH-MUDROOM
If you don’t have a dedicated mudroom or mudroom-esque area in your home, now’s the time to consider developing one. Organize and stock an entry area to protect your pristine home from the outdoors. Lay down a quality indoor-outdoor rug and don’t forget some storage bins/racks for all those coats, hats, and boots.
After you finish this list of Autumn chores, you’ll be free to enjoy the last couple of weeks of nice weather without a worry in mind.