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In October, it’s time to start preparing your home for the changing weather. Embracing the cool, crisp autumn air is a lot easier when your space is cozy and clean.
If you’ve been putting off your fall home preparation, seasonal cleaning, or pre-winter home maintenance, now is the perfect time to get started.
Here are some best practices for fall cleaning to help you get your home in top shape for the coming season.
Start with decluttering
Before you can really deep clean your home, you’ll need to get rid of any clutter. Go through each room and decide what you want to keep, donate, or throw away.
This will make the actual cleaning process much easier. Plus, a clutter-free home feels more spacious and inviting. Make sure to tackle often overlooked areas like your closet or garage during this process.
Check your home’s exterior
Fall is an ideal time to give your home’s exterior a thorough check-up. Look for any cracks in the siding or peeling paint. Check your gutters for any debris and make sure your downspouts are directing water away from your home.
This is also the time to inspect your roof for any damage. Addressing these issues now can prevent more serious and costly problems down the road.
Clean your windows
After a long summer, your windows probably have a layer of grime that can dim the natural light in your home.
Clean the glass inside and out, and don’t forget to wipe down the sills and frames as well. Not only will this make your home look cleaner, but it can also help improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Focus on your floors
Your floors can take a beating during the summer, from tracked in sand and dirt to spills from summer parties. Deep cleaning your carpets and floors can help remove any accumulated dirt and stains.
This is also a good time to apply a protective sealant to your hardwood floors to protect them from winter wear and tear.
Prepare your furnace and fireplace
Before the cold weather hits, make sure your furnace and fireplace are ready to go. Have your furnace inspected and change the filter to ensure it’s operating efficiently.
Clean your fireplace and chimney to remove any soot or creosote buildup.
Switch out your bedding
As the weather gets cooler, you’ll want warmer bedding. Swap out your summer linens for flannel sheets and heavier comforters. Don’t forget to clean your summer bedding before storing it away for the season.
Organize your pantry
Fall is a great time to go through your pantry and get rid of any expired or seldom-used items. Organize your remaining items so you can easily find what you need for those cozy fall dinners.
As you can see, fall cleaning involves a lot more than just dusting and vacuuming. It’s about preparing your home for the colder months ahead and making your space comfortable and inviting.
Whether you tackle all these tasks in a weekend or spread them out over the season, you’ll be glad you took the time to properly prepare your home for fall.
Feel free to share these fall cleaning best practices on social media to help your friends and family get their homes ready for the season too. Happy cleaning!
