20 Smart Tips to Get Your Home Ready For Fall

Fall-lovers, rejoice: our favorite season is just around the corner! While some of us are squeezing the last bit of Summer out of these next few weeks, others are just counting down the days until the crisp, cool weather begins. Whatever your opinion of Fall, now is a great time to start getting your home ready for the change in the seasons. From small updates to larger maintenance tasks, whether you take on the whole list or choose just a few, these tips are sure to get your home ready for the Autumn weather.

01
Get a New Doormat
Sarah Hearts

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!

02
Weatherstrip Windows and Doors
Studio McGee

Weatherstrip Windows and Doors

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.

03
Reverse Ceiling Fans
Polished Habitat

Reverse Ceiling Fans

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.

04
Stock Up on Blankets
Francois et Moi

Stock Up on Blankets

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.

05
Clean Your Fireplace
Kristi Murphy

Clean Your Fireplace

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.

06
Keep Vents Clear
House*Tweaking

Keep Vents Clear

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.

08
Clean Out Your Gutters
Studio McGee

Clean Out Your Gutters

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.

09
Drain Outdoor Plumbing and Sprinklers
Stocksnap

Drain Outdoor Plumbing and Sprinklers

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

10
Replace Batteries in Smoke Detectors
Flickr user sundazed

Replace Batteries in Smoke Detectors

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

11
Check For Drafts
The Makerista

Check For Drafts

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.

12
Make Sure Outdoor Lights Are Working
A Beautiful Mess

Make Sure Outdoor Lights Are Working

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.

13
Switch to Flannel Sheets
My Fabuless Life

Switch to Flannel Sheets

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!

14
Check Your Roof For Damage
Love Grows Wild

Check Your Roof For Damage

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.

15
Put Away Patio Furniture
The Crafted Life

Put Away Patio Furniture

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.

16
Start Collecting Firewood
Funky Junk Interiors

Start Collecting Firewood

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.

17
Hang Heavy Curtains
Love Grows Wild

Hang Heavy Curtains

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.

18
Rake Your Leaves
Flickr user drewandleighann

Rake Your Leaves

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!

19
Remove Your Fly Screens
Say Yes

Remove Your Fly Screens

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.

20
Hang a Coat Rack
A Beautiful Mess

Hang a Coat Rack

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.