We know, we know, it seems like just yesterday you were sitting out on the pontoon, slurping down a Popsicle and watching the sun set in 90 degree heat, or strolling through the Midway, washing down a gooey mouthful of State Fair Cheese Curds with a delicious milkshake from the dairy barn. Well, as much as we’d like to travel with you back to that simpler time when all you had to worry about was when to turn the hot dogs over, fall is officially here and it’s time to get you and your house ready both mentally and physically.
Getting your house fully prepped for the coldest months can be quite an ordeal, but since we’re only in the midst of sweatshirt weather let’s just take it one step at a time and deal with the simplest issues first.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
1) Clean your carpets and rugs.
Pretty soon you’re going to be spending a lot of time indoors, and a musty carpet can make a case of cabin fever about ten times worse. This is especially important if you have pets, since we all know they can get into (and roll around in!) a lot of dirty trouble during those sticky summer months.
2) Check weather stripping around windows and doors.
Don’t wait until the first snowstorm of winter blows a few snowflakes in your lap while you’re napping on the couch. Take care of weather proofing now and avoid any freezing cold mishaps later. Even if you won’t be turning the heat on for a few more months, keeping your house warm and cozy throughout fall will make it easier to transition into the below-zero temperatures soon to come.
3) Get your chimney cleaned and your firewood stacked.
There’s nothing worse than snuggling down for a relaxing evening in front of the fireplace only to realize that too much soot has built up in your chimney to burn safely and you forgot to get the wood ready to boot. If you regularly order your firewood from an outside company, make sure you have a place in your garage or shed cleared before the clutter of oncoming lawn furniture takes over all the space. If you chop your own firewood, well, let’s just say your hands will thank you come December!
For more fall maintenance tips, check out this helpful guide from The Daily Green!