How to Prep Your Home for Fall This Year and Safely Store Your Summer Gear

Prep your home for fall this year with this guide to ensure your space is ready for the cooler weather. As the seasons change, cleaning and correctly storing your summer gear is essential, as well as making the necessary adjustments to keep your home cozy and well-maintained throughout the colder months. By taking these steps now, you’ll save time, protect your belongings, and enjoy a smooth transition into the next season.

1. Store Your Summer Gear

When storing summer gear like outdoor furniture, gardening tools, and grilling equipment, early fall is the ideal time to get everything in order. Correctly storing your gear will ensure it stays in excellent condition and is ready to use when warmer weather returns. Here’s how to prepare your summer items for long-term storage:

Outdoor Furniture:

• Clean Thoroughly: Clean off dirt, dust, and debris from your outdoor furniture. Use a hose to wash away dirt and a mild detergent to wipe down surfaces.
• Storage Options: Store your furniture in a dry place like a garage or shed. Be sure to cover furniture with waterproof covers to prevent moisture or cold weather damage.

Grills and Gardening Tools:

• Clean and Maintain: Make sure your gardening tools are cleaned and sharpened before storing them. If you have a gas grill, freeze-proof the propane tank by disconnecting it and storing it outside in a dry location.
• Safe Storage: Keep grills covered and tools hung on wall racks to save space and ensure everything is in great shape for next summer.

2. Store Your Summer Clothing

It’s time to put away your shorts, bathing suits, and tank tops and make room for your cozy sweaters, scarves, and winter coats. Properly storing your seasonal clothing helps to preserve delicate fabrics and will give you easy access to your favorite summer clothes when the weather warms up again. Here are some storage tips:

Clean Everything:
Before packing away your clothes, give them a final wash. Clothes stored with dirt, sweat, or body oils can attract insects or develop stains over time.

Donate: Take this time to declutter and donate any clothes you no longer wear. Not only will you free up space, but you’ll also be helping someone in need.

Storage Containers:
Use breathable garment bags or plastic containers for long-term storage. Avoid storing clothes in plastic bags or cardboard boxes as they can trap moisture, leading to mildew or damage. For winter coats, hang them in breathable garment bags to protect the fabric while saving valuable closet space for everyday clothes.

Label and Organize:
Organize your storage by labeling each container with a permanent marker. Labeling will save you time when you want to retrieve your summer clothes in spring. It’s also good to vacuum seal items like t-shirts and shorts if you’re tight on storage space.

3. Prepare Your Home for the Heating Season

As temperatures drop, it’s time to ensure your home is ready for the heating season. Preparing your home’s interior and heating ensures a comfortable, energy-efficient winter. Plus, it can save you from dealing with higher heating bills during the year’s coldest months.

Inspect Your Heating System:
One of the most important steps is to check that your heating system works properly. Replace your furnace filter to improve airflow and efficiency. This simple task can help reduce heating bills and keep the air in your home clean.

Check Windows and Doors:
Seal gaps or cracks around your windows and doors to prevent drafts from letting cold air into your home. Consider adding weather stripping to your doors for extra insulation. Set up draft stoppers for the bottom of doors. This preparation will make your home more energy-efficient, reduce the need to crank the heat, maintain a comfortable temperature, and reduce heating bills.

Wood Burning Stoves and Fireplaces:
If you have a wood-burning stove or a fireplace, remove any ash or dust buildup using a wire brush and make sure that the chimney is clear of debris. A thorough cleaning will help improve efficiency and protect your home correctly from potential fire hazards.

4. Check Your Home’s Exterior

Check your home’s exterior before the cooler weather arrives and falling leaves take over. Taking care of a few key areas now will protect your home from the elements and save you time and money in the long run.

Clean Gutters:
Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your roof and foundation when ice and snow start to melt. Clear out any leaves or debris to ensure your gutters are working correctly.

Drain Outdoor Water Systems:
Don’t forget to freeze-proof your outdoor water systems, including garden hoses and faucets. Drain any remaining water from hoses, detach them, and store them in a dry place to prevent freezing and cracking.

Check Security Lighting:
With shorter days, now’s a great time to ensure your security lighting works. Replace any bulbs and make sure that lights are positioned correctly to keep your home safe and well-lit throughout winter.

5. Create a Cozy Haven

Winter is a time to enjoy the warmth and comfort of home, and there’s no better way to do that than by transforming your living space into a cozy haven.

Switch Out Bedding and Decor:
Swap out lightweight summer bedding for heavier blankets and quilts. Add a few plush throws and pillows to your living room for extra warmth. Don’t forget to clean and store your summer linens in storage containers to keep them fresh and dust-free for next year.

Decorate: Add some winter charm to your space by decorating with candles, warm-toned accents, and cozy textures like faux fur or chunky knit blankets. Embrace the season with festive decorations like pinecones and evergreen sprigs for a touch of natural beauty indoors.

Prep Your Home for Fall with C’s!

Ready to get your home in tip-top shape for the coming season? Contact C’s Home & Office Management today for a free consultation. Let us help you save time and keep your home safe, cozy, and well-prepared for the upcoming months!