Fall Home Guide – Settle In Before the Snow

The mornings are crisp, the air smells like leaves, and routines start to return. Fall is a season of winding down and prepping up—closing out the warmth and getting ready for the cold. Here’s a short list to help your home, your people, and your pets ease into the season.

Home

• Clean out eavestroughs and downspouts—fall leaves love to clog up drainage.
• Check weatherstripping on doors and windows—drafts sneak in quickly this time of year.
• Schedule a furnace tune-up—don’t wait until the first frost to find out something’s off.
• Shut off and drain outdoor taps and hoses to prevent freezing damage.
• Check your roof and flashing—look for loose shingles or spots where snow might build up.

Pets

• Brush out any leftover summer coat and check paw pads for cracks as temps cool.
• Move water bowls away from drafty doors or patios—indoor hydration matters more in fall.

Kids

• Rotate out summer clothes and gear—time to check mittens, boots, and fall jackets for fit.
• Set up a spot by the door for wet shoes and backpacks.
• Prep early for Halloween: go through last year’s decorations, donate or upcycle costumes that no longer fit, and stock up on treats before shelves run bare.

Laundry

• Wash and store summer linens. Bring out warmer bedding and flannel sheets.
• Clean your dryer lint trap and check behind the dryer—fall is prime time for static and buildup.

Plants

• Cut back perennials, divide bulbs, and mulch garden beds to protect roots from early frost.
• Bring in houseplants that spent summer on the patio—check for pests first.
• Start a compost pile or refresh your bin with fallen leaves and kitchen scraps.

P.S.

Your Fall Home Guide Maintenance Checklist, is full of practical reminders to help your home stay safe, efficient, and ready for winter.