Every autumn, around this time, Dave and I start to feel the pressure of all the home maintenance tasks that need to be completed before winter arrives. If you own a house, you probably know the feeling — there’s a steady stream of chores that keep piling up as the days get shorter and colder.
Here are the main projects on our fall home maintenance checklist and the status of each:
- Rake the leaves — Most of the leaves were blown out of our yard by a storm, but we still have piles to gather. Nora has been a big help, which makes the chore faster and more fun.
- Clean the gutters — We have gutter helmets installed, which helps, yet debris still finds its way in and can cause clogs. Clearing gutters before freezing temperatures arrive is essential to prevent ice dams and water backup.
- Wash exterior windows — Done. I washed the outside and the inside, so the house feels brighter going into winter.
- Prune plants, shrubs, and trees — Cutting back perennials and trimming bushes helps prevent winter damage and keeps spring growth healthier. This is one of the inevitable trade-offs for enjoying colorful summer gardens.
- Pack away outdoor furniture — Done. Storing or covering patio furniture protects it from moisture and freeze-thaw cycles.
- Blow out the underground sprinkler system — Done. Winterizing irrigation lines prevents frozen pipes and costly repairs in spring.
- Clean and organize the garage — I worked on this over the weekend and it’s almost finished. Clearing out the garage now makes it easier to access tools and equipment during winter.
- Inspect the furnace and clean filters — Done. We use a washable filter, and we cleaned it before running the heat. We’ll have the furnace professionally inspected in a couple of weeks to ensure efficient operation and safety.
There are always more tasks, but we’re trying to squeeze in a few extra projects this year while we can:
- Assemble the new swingset for Nora’s birthday — A friend generously gave us a used set. We’re happy to give it a second life; assembling it will keep the kids entertained for years.
- Install a backyard fence — We’ve purchased the fence materials but need the time, tools, and energy to get it installed. Fencing improves privacy, safety, and curb appeal.
- Seal the deck after power washing — We recently power washed the deck and now need to apply a sealer to protect the wood from moisture and winter weather. I’m researching durable, weather-resistant deck sealers and welcome recommendations for long-lasting products.
- Have the carpets professionally cleaned — Done. We had a professional cleaner come in last week and the carpets look fresh and revitalized, which is a real comfort as we spend more time indoors.
- Clean the HVAC ducts — We schedule duct cleaning every other year, more often if we’ve completed dusty renovation projects. Clean ducts improve indoor air quality and system efficiency.
- Remove roof moss and debris — Done. We had moss and organic buildup on the roof, and because climbing on the roof isn’t something I’m comfortable doing alone, we hired professionals. They cleaned the roof, garage roof, and an outbuilding in a few hours, and the results were excellent.
I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished so far. Even so, there’s only so much you can realistically finish before temperatures drop, and a few tasks may need to wait until spring. That said, I’ll keep plugging away until it’s truly too cold to work outside.
Fall home maintenance and winter preparation can feel overwhelming, but tackling high-priority items — sealing areas where heat escapes, preventing water damage, and ensuring safe heating system operation — will save time and money later. Prioritize tasks that protect your home from freezing temperatures and moisture: insulating pipes, clearing drains, winterizing irrigation, and servicing heating equipment should be near the top of the list.
What projects are you hoping to tackle this fall? Whether it’s roof cleaning, gutter maintenance, furnace service, deck sealing, or garage organization, planning and taking a few decisive steps now will make your home safer, more comfortable, and easier to maintain through the winter months.