There’s something about September that makes me want to reset everything. It really feels more like a new year to me than January ever has. We’re all starting new season of life with new routines, sports, and more.
The windows are open, the house finally isn't fighting for its life against the summer heat, and I'm somewhere between desperately hanging onto summer and enjoying my first Pumpkin Spice Latte.
But we also live in Saskatchewan, which means we all know what’s coming.
Winter.
And while I am absolutely not suggesting we rush it, fall is the perfect time to give your home a little reset and tackle a few of those maintenance jobs that are much less enjoyable once you’re doing them in mittens.
So before the snow falls, here are a few things worth checking off around your home.
OUTSIDE: PUT THE YARD TO BED
Clean Out Your Gutters + Downspouts
Once the leaves have fallen, clear out your gutters so melting snow and spring runoff have somewhere to go. While you’re there, make sure your downspouts are still directing water well away from your foundation.
Do One Last Grading Check
Take a walk around the perimeter of your house and make sure the ground is still sloping away from your foundation. If anything has settled over the summer, fall is a good time to address it before the spring melt.
Drain + Store Garden Hoses
Disconnect your hoses, drain them completely and store them somewhere protected for winter. If your exterior taps have interior shut-offs, turn those off and drain the remaining water from the line.
Frozen pipes are not the kind of winter surprise we're looking for.
Clean Up the Yard
Put away planters, garden décor and anything else that probably won't appreciate being buried under Saskatchewan snow for six months. Clean and cover your outdoor furniture, tidy garden beds and give the lawn one final mow if needed.
Check Trees + Shrubs
Trim dead or damaged branches, particularly anything hanging close to your house, garage or power lines. Heavy snow and prairie winds have a way of finding the branch you meant to deal with.
Winterize Your Sprinkler System
If you have underground sprinklers, make sure they're properly blown out before temperatures consistently dip below freezing.
INSIDE: THE FALL RESET
Spring cleaning gets all the attention, but I might actually prefer a fall reset.
We’re about to spend a lot more time inside, so this is my excuse to make everything feel cozy, clean and slightly more put together before hibernation season begins.
Wash the Windows
Give the glass, screens, sills and tracks a good clean before closing everything up for winter. You’ll appreciate every bit of sunlight you can get come January.
Swap the Seasonal Stuff
Pack away the beach towels, sandals and summer gear and make room for coats, boots, mittens and the lost single gloves every family somehow has.
It's also a great time to donate anything that didn't get worn this summer rather than storing it for another year.
Give the Entryway Some Love
Our entrances work hard through a Saskatchewan winter. Clear out anything you don't need, wash the mats and make sure you have somewhere practical for wet boots, coats and all that winter gear.
Your January self will thank you.
Refresh the Cozy Stuff
Wash your throw blankets, duvet covers, pillows and area rugs. Then bring out the heavier blankets, warmer bedding and all the cozy textures that make being inside feel a little more intentional.
HOME MAINTENANCE: BEFORE IT GETS REALLY COLD
Change Your Furnace Filter
Your furnace is about to become one of the hardest-working things in your house. Replace the filter and consider having your furnace serviced and your ducts cleaned if it's due.
Check Your Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Test every detector and replace batteries where needed. With furnaces and fireplaces coming back into regular use, this is an especially important fall check.
Check Windows + Exterior Doors
Feel for drafts and inspect weather stripping and caulking. Small gaps might not seem like much in September, but you'll definitely notice them when it's -30°C.
Inspect Your Roof + Exterior
Take a look for loose or damaged shingles, flashing, siding and anything else that should be repaired before snow and ice arrive.
Check Your Sump Pump
Spring gets most of the sump-pump attention, but fall is another good time to make sure everything is working properly before the ground freezes and eventually starts its next thaw cycle.
Clean Your Dryer Vent
Not glamorous, but important. Clear lint from the dryer vent and exterior exhaust so your dryer can operate safely and efficiently.
AND THEN... ENJOY FALL
Once the gutters are cleaned, the hoses are put away and you've accepted that patio season has an expiration date, you have my full permission to light the fall candle, make something unnecessarily pumpkin-flavoured and enjoy the three perfect weeks Saskatchewan gives us between too hot and why is my face freezing?
You don't have to do everything in one weekend, either. Pick away at the list while the weather is nice and future-you will be very grateful when the first real snowfall arrives. And if you’re like me, here’s a list you can print off.
And until then?
I'm keeping the patio furniture out for as long as humanly possible. 🫶🏽
Sincerely, Samantha
Comments:
Post Your Comment: