As the leaves being to change colors and the weather cools down, it is easy to let your mind turn to football games, pumpkin patches, and holiday meals. But it is important to make time to prepare your home so you can enjoy your fall traditions safely.
Clean Your Gutters
Consider it a reminder from mother nature to clean your gutters when the leaves begin to fall. An overflowing gutter can quickly result in an annoying drip during the warmer months that turns into frozen pillars and walkways once freezing temperatures arrive.
This is also a good time to trim any branches that have grown close to your home. It will be far easier to remove them now than when they are burdened by ice and snow and come crashing down onto your home or driveway.
Flip Your Mattress
At the change of each season it's a good idea to flip your mattress. If you have one of the mattresses that doesn't require flipping, rotating it 180 degrees will ensure even wear.
Industry experts recommend purchasing a new mattress every 5-10 years. If you haven't been sleeping well and your mattress is in that window, fall can be a great time to upgrade to a new mattress.
Reverse Ceiling Fans
During the fall and winter, ceiling fans should run in clockwise direction. This creates an updraft and brings the warm air near the ceiling down into the living space.
Clean Your Fire Place
You probably haven't used your fireplace since the last cold snap sometime in early spring. It's important to have it thoroughly cleaned before you light the first piece of kindling. A professional can inspect the chimney and clean out any old soot or other debris that could pose a fire hazard.
If you don't have a fireplace but want one to create a cozy environment this winter, an electric fireplace offers additional heat and the warm glow of a traditional fireplace without the additional upkeep.
Pictured: Aico Palace Gates Fireplace with Electric Insert. This fireplace is available for purchase at either of our Monmouth County, New Jersey furniture stores and can also be ordered online or by phone.
Safety Check!
Fall and spring are the ideal times to check the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
As the days grow shorter and night arrives earlier, you also need to check and replace exterior light bulbs. You may not have noticed darkened porch lights and flood lights during the short summer months but in the middle of winter you will miss the lighted entrance to the front door.
Coat Rack or Mudroom
As the seasons change you will likely begin to bring in more water and belongings when you return home each day. Ice melting onto hardwood floors and heavy coats piling up by the door will not create the warm and welcoming home your family craves at the end of the day.
If you have the space, create a mudroom with ample storage for bulky jackets, scarves, and winter boots. If you have a nook, add a coat rack and trey for shoes.
Outdoor Maintenance
Preparing your yard for the winter may not be as much fun as preparing for outdoor summer fun, but it is even more important. Putting away the patio furniture will ensure it is fresh and pretty for the summer months. Draining sprinklers and water hoses can help prevent damage caused by frozen pipes.
Once all of the summer things have been put away, take the time to stock up on firewood for your fireplace or outdoor fire pit. If you use either regularly, your future self will thank you for putting together a decent supply when it was warmer and the snow wasn't in the way.
This is also a great time to leave yourself a little spring surprise. Once the soil has cooled down, usually around October, you can plant the bulbs of spring-blooming flowers. Choose a sport that will get full sun when spring arrives and you will have a riot of flowers popping up when the weather starts warming up again.
Fall is a great time to take care of the little details that can get overlooked during the hectic summer months. As things begin to slow down and the temperature becomes more comfortable, take the time to prepare for the cooler months to make your home a safe cozy haven. Have a great season!
