🍂 The Ultimate Fall Checklist for Homeowners

Fall is one of the best times of year to get your home ready for cooler weather. With shorter days and winter around the corner, taking care of a few key tasks now can save you money, stress, and even prevent costly repairs later.

Here’s your ultimate fall checklist to keep your home in top shape:

✅ 1. Clean Gutters & Downspouts

Falling leaves may look pretty, but they can clog your gutters fast. Clogged gutters cause water to back up and damage your roof, siding, or foundation.

Pro Tip: After cleaning, run a hose through the downspouts to make sure water flows freely. Consider adding gutter guards if your home is surrounded by trees.

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✅ 2. Check Your Roof

Look for missing or damaged shingles, cracked flashing, or areas where water might leak in. Catching small issues now prevents big problems when heavy snow or ice hits.

Helpful Tip: Use binoculars from the ground to do a quick visual inspection — safer and easier than climbing up. If something looks off, call in a pro.

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✅ 3. Service Your Heating System

Your furnace or heating system has been sitting idle all summer — give it some attention before you need it.

• Change the filters

• Schedule a professional inspection

• Test the thermostat

Pro Tip: Stock up on extra furnace filters now so you can swap them out every 1–2 months during the winter without running to the store in the cold.

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✅ 4. Seal Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors can spike your heating bills. Check for gaps around frames and use weatherstripping or caulk where needed.

Helpful Tip: At night, turn off the lights inside and shine a flashlight around windows/doors from the outside. If light sneaks through, so will cold air.

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✅ 5. Prepare Your Lawn & Garden

A little prep now means a healthier yard come spring.

• Rake leaves

• Fertilize your lawn

• Trim trees and shrubs

• Plant bulbs for spring flowers

Pro Tip: Mulch fallen leaves instead of bagging them — they add nutrients back into the soil and save you time. And don’t forget to disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor faucets.

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✅ 6. Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Cooler months often mean fireplaces, space heaters, and furnaces are running. Make sure your smoke and CO detectors have fresh batteries and are working properly.

Helpful Tip: Get in the habit of changing batteries every time you change the clocks for daylight savings. Easy to remember, hard to forget.

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✅ 7. Store Outdoor Furniture & Equipment

Clean and cover patio furniture, grills, and tools to extend their life. Store what you can indoors or in a shed/garage.

Pro Tip: Wipe everything down before storing — dirt and moisture left behind can cause mold or rust. A simple cleaning now makes spring setup much easier.

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✅ 8. Stock Up on Winter Essentials

Now’s the time to make sure you have:

• Snow shovels

• Ice melt

• Warm blankets

• Emergency kit (flashlights, batteries, bottled water)

Helpful Tip: Keep a small shovel and bag of ice melt in your car. If you get stuck in a storm, you’ll be glad you did.

🍁 Wrapping It Up...

Fall is the season of cozy nights, colorful leaves, and pumpkin everything — but it’s also the perfect time to prep your home. Use this checklist (and the tips!) to stay ahead of the game and avoid those mid-winter surprises.

Need help with any of these tasks? Local pros in your community are ready to lend a hand.

Request a Local Pro Here!