Fall is just around the corner, so what does that mean? That means it’s time to gear up for colder weather. Here is an early fall checklist of somethings you can do now that will help make fall, the holidays and even winter easier!
Make sure your outside outlets work.
With the holidays coming, you might like to put some nice lights up outside. Chances are you haven’t used some of those outlets since last year. So, make sure they work and fix them now, so you’re not doing this in the coldness of December.
Check and get that roof fixed!
Have you noticed a leak during these recent rainstorms? Whether you noticed a leak or not, next time it rains, check your attics and under all your roofs – even the shed. If there is a leak, fix it now. When the winter weather and snow come, you won’t have to worry or pay for emergency roof repairs.
Clean out your trash barrels.
Summer gets hot and that means our outside trash does too. After the trash gets picked up, clean the barrels out with some water and bleach. Although this is a gross task, you’ll be cleaning out all the yuck in the barrels and you’re letting rodents know early that the trash is no winter home for them.
Speaking of rodents… Check your house out!
From your foundation to your windows (especially basement ones), to doors and floorboards. If you see a spot where mice can get in, then seal it up now before they intrude into your home. Keep your basement as clean, organized and as clear as possible, limiting hiding spots. If you live in a rural area, you may also want to consider laying down traps in areas you may not use in the winter months, such as basements, sheds, screened-in porches and more. It’s always best to occasionally check on them throughout the season to see if there is an issue.
Take inventory, clean out and stock up!
Do an inventory of not just your winter gear, but your safety supplies, common household supplies and even commonly used health and beauty supplies. Make sure your coats fit and that you have that other glove. Do you have enough rock salt to get you through the 1st half of winter? Where did you put the shovel and car brush? And, is it time to replace them? Do you have flashlights and lanterns? If yes, do they work and do you have back up batteries for them? Speaking of batteries, do you have backup batteries for your smoke and carbon dioxide detectors? How much cleaning supplies do you have? Make sure to get enough to last you until spring. It’s always best to continuously check your paper towel and toilet paper levels.
Also, do you have body wash, toothpaste and other personal hygiene needs? You better stock up on that too! Get rid of any expired, old or unlabeled medications – keeping expiration dates in mind while restocking those as well. The holidays are approaching and the stores are going to be a mad house once again! If you stock up on these essentials now, then when you going shopping in November and December you don’t have to worry about all the necessities. Plus, you’ll have it when needed and during the winter storms!
Landscaping.
Cut down and trim back your bushes trees and other plants now. Chances are they won’t grow much between now and spring, but some trim work now might be good for the plants and will make it easier in the spring. Also, it’s time to rake up those leaves! Whether you try to keep up with the leaves or rake them once the trees are bare, do it before next spring so you can get to your spring projects sooner without the additional cleanup!
Get those potholes in your driveway/parking lot filled in!
The winter can be harsh on your driveway/parking lots. Get those potholes from last year fixed now, before they get worse! The winter will make them bigger and even harder to walk/drive on when covered in snow!
Make an appointment to get those gutters cleaned!
This is something you want to do when most of the nearby leaves have fallen, so you can have clear gutters for winter. However, if you plan on hiring someone to do so, book it now or earlier. Don’t wait until late October when most landscapers are booked for the season. You’ll be glad you called earlier and sometimes it’s even cheaper to book now.
Power wash your home or business.
Skipped this step in the spring? You might want to think about doing it now, while you still can. With the holidays right around the corner, that means more of your family and friends will be seeing your home. And for most businesses, this means more customers will be seeing your property. So, put your best foot forward now! Plus, you won’t want a disheveled building to take away from your holiday decorations.
Re:paint your Spaces!
With the weather cooling down, the fall is a great time to get some repainting done. Whether it’s your home or business, inside or outside, refresh your space or spaces with a fresh coat of paint. With the holidays nearby, you’re going to want your spaces to pop, before the mad rush of the holidays! There’s nothing like new paint to make your holiday décor look even better!
Bonus: Have some fun!
All work and no play can make you feel really dull. So, enjoy the last bit of summer and the nicer weather days now while you can! Go on a trip, or even spend one more day at the beach.
It seems like a lot, but you may already know what needs to get done. re:fab can help you prepare for the fall, and even the winter! Contact re:fab today, for all you painting, renovation, and power washing needs for your home or for your business!
