How to Prepare Your Home For Fall

1 Get a New Doormat

Over the Fall and Winter, dirt and dust get tracked into your home and make it dirtier. Get a new doormat so that dirt stays outside!

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2 Weatherstrip Windows and Doors

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Your windows and doors are major sources of heat loss in your home in the colder seasons. Installing weatherstripping around them can help reduce the amount of warm air leaking out of your home.

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3 Reverse Ceiling Fans

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Your ceiling fan should run in a clockwise direction during the Fall and Winter. This causes an updraft, forcing warm air down from the ceiling.

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4 Stock Up on Blankets

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Before you switch on your furnace for the year, stock up on warm blankets, and keep them handy throughout your home. They can help keep you cozy until the furnace becomes truly necessary.

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5 Clean Your Fireplace

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You likely haven't used your fireplace for the past few months, so it will need a good clean before you fire it up again. Get the chimney inspected and clean out any old soot.

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6 Keep Vents Clear

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Make sure the furniture in your home isn't blocking any air vents in the floor or walls. If necessary, move your furniture around and rearrange your spaces so the vents are kept clear.

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7 Clear Branches

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Is there a large branch hanging dangerously close to your home? Chop it down before a buildup of snow and ice brings it crashing down onto your roof.

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8 Clean Out Your Gutters

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If your gutters aren't kept clear during the Fall, heavy rains could cause flooding in your roof or home. Keep your gutters free of debris this season.

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9 Drain Outdoor Plumbing and Sprinklers

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Homeowners in areas that experience subfreezing temperatures should make sure to drain outdoor plumbing or sprinkler systems to avoid damage from frozen pipes.

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10 Replace Batteries in Smoke Detectors

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Every Fall, you should check that your smoke detectors have working batteries. The same goes for carbon monoxide detectors!

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11 Check For Drafts

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Your windows and doors aren't the only potentially drafty areas in your home. Check any electrical outlets on your home's exterior walls for drafts. Fill any holes you find with caulk.

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12 Make Sure Outdoor Lights Are Working

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The Fall season brings shorter days and longer nights, so make sure your front porch lights are still working. Replace any light bulbs if needed.

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13 Switch to Flannel Sheets

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When the days and nights start to cool down, you can make your bedroom even cozier with the addition of flannel sheets. They'll keep you warmer at night when the temperatures start to drop!

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14 Check Your Roof For Damage

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Summer rainstorms can do a number on your roof, damaging shingles or worse. Roof damage can lead to leaks, which can be even worse during the Winter. Inspect your roof this Fall, and get it fixed if you see any damage.

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15 Put Away Patio Furniture

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Your Summer patio furniture isn't built for colder conditions, so pack it up and store it in your shed, garage, or basement for the season.

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16 Start Collecting Firewood

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In particularly cold climates, you may need a lot of firewood to keep warm in the Winter. Start collecting firewood now so you have a decent supply.

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17 Hang Heavy Curtains

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New curtains don't just give your room an instant update; they can also help keep your home warmer during the cooler months! Just be sure to keep them open on sunny days.

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18 Rake Your Leaves

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You don't have to rake your leaves obsessively (one or two here and there can give your lawn nutrients), but a heavy layer of leaves can suffocate your lawn. Rake them throughout the season to keep your grass healthy. Try this genius cardboard raking hack to get the job done quickly!

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19 Remove Your Fly Screens

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If you have some great, south-facing windows in your home, consider removing the fly screens to let more light and warmth into your home.

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20 Hang a Coat Rack

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Fall is the beginning of the holiday season, so make sure you're ready for guests. Hang a coat rack by the front door to keep coats and jackets organized and close at hand.

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