Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels
There’s a cool breeze in the air, the leaves are falling, and Halloween candy has arrived on grocery store shelves. It can only mean one thing; fall is officially in full swing!
We know Minnesotans are all about making the most of the beautiful seasonal weather. After all, it doesn’t always last long, right? However, we’d like to suggest adding something to your list other than apple picking this fall: wrapping up lingering home projects.
In a lot of ways, autumn is the last real chance to get your home base organized before the hectic holiday hustle begins! Keep reading for tips to help you get everything in order before your winter hibernation begins.
Clear Out the Clutter
Honestly, cleaning away the clutter is helpful any time of year. But, there’s a big reason why we think this matters most in the fall: holiday stuff. So many people and things are going in out of our homes from November through January. Now is the perfect time to clean up your home with a little sorting and donating while tossing out stuff you don’t use or need.
Put Away Summer Gear
As the seasons change, the things we wear and use also change. Start sorting through your clothing and storing away the summer items you won’t need for months. This is also a great time to get rid of items that are worn out or in rough shape. Move outside and get the kids to help you put away their pool toys, summer sports equipment, and outdoor gear.
Stock and Organize the Pantry
Along with cleaning out clothing or kitchenware that you aren’t using, fall is an excellent opportunity to take stock of your pantry. Clean up that rice you spilled six months ago and throw away the canned food that expired five years ago. Once you’ve pared down, you can rearrange and find new and more efficient ways to store what you need. And remember, kitchen storage has progressed a lot in recent years; browse a few home improvement stores for ideas (or talk to a remodeler!) if your pantry is still lacking after all of this reorganization.
Prep the Wood Burning Fireplace
There is nothing cozier than a warm fire on a chilly day! If you’re dreaming about gathering by the fire this winter, then you should think about getting everything clean and ready to use now. Annual inspections and upkeep are essential to fireplace and chimney safety. Letting things fall by the wayside could put your family in real danger. If you’re not quite sure what to do, don’t hesitate to call in a professional. They’ll make sure your fireplace is all set for when the snow starts to fly.
Give the Landscaping Love
While the interior of your home can benefit from some fall prep, don’t forget about the outside! With cooler weather on the horizon, fall is the ideal time to get everything squared away outdoors. The maintenance you do now not only improves your curb appeal but is also crucial to helping your lawn and landscaping thrive in the spring. Beyond the obvious leaf raking, be sure to clean out your gutters, fix any loose pavers or sidewalk divets (which could cause injuries once hidden by snow), and cover your plants as needed.
We hope this list will help you get a jump on your seasonal chores. And don’t forget, we’re just a phone call away if you want a professional to help you make the most of your space. Our team can create that organized mudroom, efficient kitchen, or holiday-hosting ready family room!
