The temps are dropping, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is flowing, and the comfy sweaters are front and center in the closet… it must be Fall! While it certainly is the time to enjoy bonfires and pumpkin patches, and some Friday night lights, it is also the time to prepare your home for the winter months so your holiday celebrations are not interrupted by unexpected home repairs.
Here are some tips on how to prep your home for Fall and Winter, along with a few bonus decor tips that we just love this time of year.
Prep outdoor spaces
Not only is it necessary to prepare your home for winter, but you also need to ensure the exterior, landscaping, and outdoor spaces are ready for the cold.
- Gutters – Have your gutters cleaned to ensure that the roof’s drainage system is working properly and able to keep all of that water from damaging your home’s exterior.
- Outside Water Sources – Protect your pipes from freezing temperatures by shutting off water to exterior faucets before the weather dips below freezing. Drain hoses and store them indoors and winterize your irrigation system.
- Landscaping – Do a quick inspection of the exterior of your property for damage to the siding, rot in trees that might put limbs or branches at risk of falling, and for any other issues worth addressing before it is too cold.
- Equipment & Furniture – Put away or cover lawn furniture, drain any water features, remove gasoline from the lawnmower, and be sure equipment needed for the winter is easily accessible in your garage.
- Plan for Spring – If you enjoy early Spring blooms, then now is the time to prepare. By raking/fertilizing your lawn and planting bulbs, you can ensure that your yard is in good condition and make spring that much more rewarding after a long winter.
Creating a cozy interior
A little extra effort in the early days of Fall can ensure that you spend the rest of the cold weather months enjoying your cozy – and well decorated – home.
- Windows & Doors – Sealing leaks around windows and doors helps to keep heating and cooling costs down while making sure your home is comfortable. If you have removable screens, this is the time to clean and store them, and replace with storm windows.
- Filters – Your furnace filters work hard to keep dust from accumulating throughout your home, so it is important to maintain them by cleaning or replacing them monthly.
- Furnace – It is a good idea to have your furnace checked annually by a professional to ensure it is working properly and for routine maintenance.
Pro Tip: If you don’t already have one, consider a humidifier to keep the humidity in your home between 38-55% to help prevent gaps in your hardwood floors, and to help maintain your trim work, cabinetry, wood furniture, and, of course, your comfort.
- Fireplace & Chimney – If you have a wood-burning fireplace, it is important to have a professional inspect and clean your chimney, and ensure your damper closes tightly to keep out drafts.
- Safety Check-up – Avoid the annoying chirp of your fire alarms by replacing batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and be sure your fire extinguisher is in good condition, and replace it if it is more than 6 years old.
A few Fall decor trends
Some of our favorite Fall decor and design trends are those that create a cozy, warm home for friends and family to gather and relax together. While we are always a little cautious on following fleeting trends, these are timeless trends that have some staying power.
- Use warm toned colors
- Consider natural finishes and decor items
- Create calm with cozy items like pillows and blankets
- Don’t be afraid to be bold with accent colors, wallpaper (!), and accessories
- Bring the outdoors in with Fall and Winter florals – the easiest way to transition between seasons
Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Facebook or visit us on Pinterest and Houzz for more trends, inspiration and ideas, or just to get to know us a little better. And if you are looking to make your home epic, we would love to talk with you!