As summer draws to a close, it’s the perfect time for homeowners to prepare their living spaces for fall and cooler weather. A thorough end-of-summer cleaning freshens your home and sets the stage for a smooth transition into the next season. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help prepare your home for fall.
Tips to Prepare Your Home for Fall
Refresh Bedding and Linens
Swap out lightweight summer bedding for cozier options that keep you warm during cooler nights. Launder and store summer linens and replace them with season-appropriate bedding to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere in the bedrooms.
Check and Service the HVAC System to Prepare Your Home for Fall
With the change of seasons, make sure the heating system is in great shape. Clean or replace air filters to improve indoor air quality, check the thermostat settings, and schedule a professional inspection to ensure everything runs efficiently.
Inspect and Clean Gutters
Clean your gutters and downspouts to remove leaves, pine needles, and accumulated debris over the summer. Clean gutters will keep water flowing away from your home and prevent damage to the roof, siding, and foundation.
Exterior Home Maintenance to Prepare for Fall
Inspect the outside of the house for signs of damage or wear. Check for cracks in the foundation, peeling paint, and loose siding. Address necessary repairs before cooler weather arrives to prevent further issues.
Evaluate Energy Efficiency
Look for ways to make your home more energy-efficient as the temperature changes. Seal drafts around windows and doors and add weatherstripping as needed. Check the attic insulation to verify it’s in good condition. Replace insulation that is damaged or has shifted out of place. Better insulation will keep your home comfortable and reduce energy costs as the temperatures drop.
Prepare the Landscape
As summer flowers fade, prepare your landscape for fall. Clear the yard of fallen limbs, trim overgrown bushes and trees, and plant fall-blooming annuals to add color to your outdoor living spaces. Add a layer of mulch to perennial beds to control weeds, boost curb appeal, and protect the plants from cooler temperatures.
Fall Decor Update
Embrace the new season by adding fall-inspired decor to your home. Swap out summer decor for cozy blankets, fall-scented candles, and festive decorations to make your living spaces feel warm and inviting.
This end-of-summer cleaning checklist will prepare your home for fall and help you feel ready to welcome a change of seasons. Taking the time to clean and maintain the living spaces sets the stage for a smooth and enjoyable transition to shorter days and cooler weather.
Redtail Building Services offers home inspections to homebuyers and sellers in Eastern Virginia. Contact us to request our services.