As September arrives, marking the transition from the lingering warmth of summer to the first hints of autumn’s chill, it’s time to prepare your home for the upcoming season. Here’s a checklist of tasks to complete, ensuring your space is cozy and well-maintained, allowing you to relish the comforts of home:
Quick Tasks (1 Hour or Less):
- Embrace Coziness: As the weather cools, consider swapping out lighter bedding for flannel sheets and plush duvets. Enhance the warmth of your rooms with throws and pillows in rich fabrics like wool, velvet, or faux fur. Invest in thicker area rugs and curtains to create a cozier ambiance and potentially lower energy bills.
- Secure Firewood: If you enjoy the comfort of a wood stove, now is the time to order a delivery of firewood. Ensure it’s stored away from the house to deter pests, but keep it sheltered from rain and snow.
- Check Safety Devices: Prioritize safety by testing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and replacing batteries as needed. Verify the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace if necessary.
- Optimize Kids’ Workspace: Create a comfortable, organized, and attractive area for children to complete their schoolwork. Provide ample surface space for projects, considering the dining table or adding a dedicated project table or large desk if space allows.
Weekend Tasks:
- Clean Leather Furniture: Determine whether your leather furniture has a finish before applying any cleaning products. For unprotected leather, use a clean, dry cloth or slightly damp cloth with distilled water. For protected leather, use a mild nondetergent soap mixed with distilled water or a commercial leather cleaning product applied with a microfiber cloth.
- Remove Window AC Units: If you use window air-conditioning units, consider removing them to minimize winter heat loss. Alternatively, cover them with insulating covers designed for this purpose.
- Apply Weatherstripping: For older windows, apply weatherstripping to improve heat retention and reduce drafts. Check and replace any weatherstripping that has worn out.
- Refresh Your Fall Wardrobe: Sort through your wardrobe, removing clothes you no longer wear and collecting items needing repair. Store summer clothes in an out-of-the-way spot to make room for your fall wardrobe. Take the opportunity to polish shoes, remove pilling from coats and sweaters, and clean out handbags and totes.
- Inspect Roof and Gutters: Perform a visual inspection of your roof and gutters, clearing any debris from gutters and noting worn-out seals around vent pipes and chimneys. If needed, hire a professional for a more thorough inspection and any necessary repairs.
Maintenance and Budget Considerations:
- Schedule Chimney and Furnace Maintenance: Ensure your fireplace and heating system are clean, safe, and ready for use by having a professional inspect them. Consider adding a chimney cap to prevent critters and protect your roof from embers.
- Maintain Washer and Dryer: Clean out dryer vents to reduce the risk of fire. If uncomfortable doing so, hire a professional for washer and dryer maintenance. Replace washing machine hoses as needed to prevent potential home damage.
- Upgrade Insulation: If you aim to save on energy bills, contemplate adding insulation to your attic or inside walls. Improved insulation can enhance your home’s heat retention in winter and cooling in summer.