Indoor and Outdoor Tips for Cold Weather Preparation

Winter is just around the corner, and while cozy fall days may entail a trip to the pumpkin patch and apple picking, it also calls for preparations to safeguard your home's exterior for the impending colder months and to ensure the interior is primed for the upcoming holiday season.

Discover how to prepare for the homey season with our practical fall cleaning tips. From outdoor to indoor cleaning, we'll guide you through the steps to ensure you can fully welcome the chill without any worries.

Outdoors

Check the Roof & Chimney

Is your roof ready for winter? There's only one way to find out, and it's not waiting until the snow starts falling. Instead, inspect your roof in the fall for any signs of sagging or dipping. Your roofline should be straight and strong enough to shield your home from harsh elements. Additionally, clean away debris, trim overhanging branches, clear out the gutters, and look for and replace missing shingles.

Also, remember to attend to your chimney as part of your fall-deep clean. Check for any signs of cracking and decomposition, as these issues can significantly damage your home. Moreover, planning for a chimney sweep is essential if you rely on a wood-burning stove for heating. Chimneys can accumulate a dangerous amount of creosote over time, posing a potential fire hazard.

Tend to Your Yard and Garden Beds

As we welcome the cooler weather, outdoor living takes a temporary back seat. While it's goodbye, for now, it won't be long before our outdoor spaces experience a vibrant spring awakening again. To prepare, here are a few helpful tips:

We're all familiar with the task of raking leaves, yet there are other essential steps to follow. Cleanup includes tending to garden beds, removing fallen debris, and trimming branches on low-hanging trees that could potentially snap under the weight of the first snowfall. 

Don't forget, now is the ideal time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths, to ensure a colorful and lively garden when spring arrives.

Winterize the Air Conditioning Unit

The chill in the air signals the need to winterize your air conditioning system and begin monitoring your thermostat. However, before adjusting your thermostat, you'll want to take care of business with your AC.

Winterizing your AC unit can help prolong its lifespan. Begin by turning off the power to the unit, then clean and remove any debris. Place a sheet of plywood over the unit to prevent debris and moisture from accumulating. Additionally, experts recommend applying a coat of car wax to the outside of the condenser to protect it from the harsh elements.

Indoors

Clean the Kitchen

Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, and this sentiment holds especially true during the back half of the year. To get your kitchen ready for this special time of year, it's essential to thoroughly clean this area of your home. Cleaning involves the microwave and the oven well before Thanksgiving Day. Baked-on dirt and grime can affect the taste of your dishes, so it's crucial to address this in your preparations.

Organize Your Closet

Get your wardrobe ready for a cozy fall and winter atmosphere by organizing your closet. Avoid piling your fall/winter clothing on top of your summer pieces. Instead, set aside time and space to carefully go through your clothes, pinpointing outfits you haven't worn in a while that can be donated to those in need. Alternatively, consider storing your summer outfits to make room for your winter wardrobe.

Dust Furniture, Shelves, and Decor

Deep cleaning isn't limited to just springtime. As you prepare for holiday gatherings in your home this season and deck the halls with festive decor, it's important to begin with a clean slate. Begin at the top and work your way down, addressing areas such as ceiling fans, light fixtures, window ledges, curtains, blinds, tables, and all the nooks and crannies in between.

Pay special attention to often-overlooked places like baseboards and areas under furniture that are rarely moved. This comprehensive approach will ensure your home is in top-notch condition for the festive season.

As we bid farewell to the pleasures of summer outdoor living and welcome the cozy allure of fall, we can make this transition all the more enjoyable with fall cleaning. By tending to outdoors and indoors, we can prepare our spaces for the upcoming season and set the stage for a warm and inviting autumn experience.

What is your top cold weather cleaning tip? We want to hear in the comments below!