Now that summer is behind us, it’s time to focus on the fall. While most associate autumn with crisp air, changing leaves and Halloween festivities, it is actually a fantastic time to get some cleaning in. So what exactly should your fall cleaning and home prep consist of? Try out the following to-do list and make the transition from summer to fall a little bit easier:
Take Out Your Winter Linens
Sure, it isn’t winter yet, but that doesn’t mean it’s not time to start preparing for it. Pull out your winter linens now, before it gets too frigid to sort through your garage or attic for storage containers. Once you’ve got these linens out of storage, begin switching out your light cotton sheets with the flannel ones as the temps drop. You can also replace your lightweight bedspread with heavy covers instead.
Give a Good Dusting
During the summer months, the inside of your home tends to build up dust. That’s why you should grab your vacuum now and use its long brush attachment to eliminate dust on walls, ceilings and baseboards. You should also suck up the dust that’s settled on your furniture and use a duster or rag on your solid furniture—especially on higher surfaces, where dust builds up unnoticed. Some vacuums even come with a separate attachment specifically for upholstery.
Change Out Your Window Treatments
Replace your lightweight summer curtains with heavier drapes to block out cool air, insulate your home and manage heating costs. Changing up your window treatments also provides the opportunity to match your home’s look to the fall season—consider richer hues like plum or forest green to reflect the chillier time of year.
Winterize Your Garden
Obviously you won’t be growing much in your garden as the winter temperatures plunge. That’s why you should winterize your garden once you’ve harvested the last of your fall bounty. This includes not only cleaning up your garden, but also preparing it for freezing temperatures. By winterizing your garden, you’ll help it survive the winter and keep it healthy and ready to grow once spring rolls around.
