Preparing Your Home for the Fall Season

Published: October 01, 2024

As summer fades and the air cools down, it’s time to prepare your home for the fall season. Whether it’s cozying up your space or getting your home ready for the cold weather, a few key steps will ensure you’re all set to enjoy everything the fall season offers. Here’s how to get started!

1. Deep Clean Your Home

The first step to preparing for the fall season is giving your home a good deep clean. Start by dusting surfaces, vacuuming carpets, and cleaning those often-overlooked areas like baseboards and light fixtures. Pay attention to your windows, as clean windows allow the natural light to brighten your home during the shorter fall days. A clean home will feel fresh and inviting as you transition into the cooler months.

2. Swap Out Seasonal Décor

One of the best parts of the fall season is the chance to update your home décor. Bring out fall-themed items like pumpkins, wreaths, and cozy blankets to add warmth to your space. Opt for rich colors like deep reds, oranges, and gold to create a welcoming atmosphere. Don’t forget to add a few autumn-inspired candles or essential oils with scents like cinnamon, apple, or pumpkin spice to complete the look.

3. Prepare Your Outdoor Spaces for the Fall Season

While summer may be over, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy your outdoor spaces during the fall season. Start by tidying up your garden, rake the leaves, trim the bushes, and remove any dead plants. If you have outdoor furniture, consider covering or storing it to protect it from the elements. You can also add some fall-friendly plants, like mums or ornamental kale, to enhance your outdoor curb appeal.

4. Service Your Heating System

As temperatures drop, it’s important to make sure your heating system is working efficiently. Schedule a professional inspection to ensure everything is running smoothly before the cooler days of the fall season set in. Don’t forget to replace your air filters and check your vents for any blockages. Proper maintenance will keep your home warm and comfortable while helping you avoid unnecessary energy costs.

5. Update Your Bedding and Linens

Fall brings cooler nights, so it’s time to swap out your lightweight summer bedding for something a little cozier. Choose warm blankets, comforters, and soft flannel sheets to make your bed extra inviting. This small change will help you stay comfortable throughout the fall season, especially as temperatures continue to dip. You may also want to update throw pillows and blankets to enhance the cozy vibe.

6. Stock up on Fall Essentials

Preparing your home for fall isn’t just about décor and comfort. It’s also about being ready for cooler weather. Make sure you have all the essentials you need to tackle any fall tasks. Stock up on firewood if you have a fireplace, purchase extra batteries for your smoke detectors, and grab a few ice scrapers and de-icing salt for those early morning frosts. Being prepared will help you transition smoothly into fall.

7. Seal up Drafts

As the weather cools, now is the perfect time to check your windows and doors for drafts. Gaps around windows and doors can let in cold air, making it harder (and more expensive) to keep your home warm. Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal any gaps and prevent drafts from creeping in. Not only will this help keep your home cozy, but it will also improve energy efficiency during the fall season.

8. Clean Out Gutters

With falling leaves come full gutters, so it’s important to clean them out at the start of the fall season. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage or ice dams later on, so take the time to remove any debris. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, consider hiring a professional to take care of it. Clean gutters will help protect your home from any potential water damage as the fall season progresses.

9. Review Your Safety Measures

As you start to use your fireplace or candles more frequently during the fall season, it’s important to review your home’s safety measures. Check that your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly. This is also a good time to review your fire safety plan and make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in an emergency. Taking these precautions will help keep your home safe.

By following these nine tips, you’ll have your home ready to welcome the fall season in no time. Embrace the cooler weather, enjoy the beauty of the changing leaves, and make the most of the season’s warm and cozy vibes!

For help with storage for the fall season, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Detroit or call (248) 617-0567.