As summer nears its end, it's a good time to start a fall-cleaning checklist. Fall is a great time to get on track so that you can end the year on a productive note. As autumn leaves begin to fall, and we start to spend a bit more time inside and out of the cold, you may find yourself realizing that some areas of your home have been neglected in the warm, summer months. And that's okay! But before fall officially begins, consider getting your home in order with this fall to-do list:
1. Create your own list. While we have some great suggestions, everyone's priorities are different. By creating your own checklist for fall, you can get in touch with what measures are most important to you. Spending more time at home means cultivating a comfortable space for yourself, which only you can do.
2. Get your gutters cleaned. This simple task is great to do before fall rolls around. Having clean and functional gutters before the rainy weather hits is an important step in keeping your home running smoothly.
3. Wash your windows. Clean windows can transform your home! After a while of having dirty windows, we forget about how much brighter the rooms in our home can be. By cleaning your windows, you can create a bigger, brighter looking space to help combat the oncoming of a gloomier, darker season.
4. Clean out your fridge. With the arrival of fall comes the arrival of new seasonal produce. It's time to use up your fruits and vegetables, and make way for a new wave of different fall produce like apples, carrots, pomegranates, pumpkin, squash, and zucchini. Eating seasonally is proven to have great health benefits!
5. Go through your closet. Whether you are someone who packs away their fall and winter wardrobe, or you donate your clothes often, it may be time to check out what you have in stock for fall. Going through your closet, pack up or donate whatever summer clothes you no longer need, and replace it with your fall staples.
6. Decorate for fall. Decorating for fall is one of the best parts of the season. Exchanging your bright, summer decor for more warm, burnt tones can instantly change the feel of your entire home. Simple swaps like a wreath, fall-scented candles, bringing out the blankets, and even adding a pumpkin to your decor can get you feeling ready for fall in a flash.
7. Think about firewood. If you have an operating fireplace in your home, it's definitely a good idea to have your chimney/fireplace cleaned. Once it is ready, make sure you actually have firewood! Once the fall season rolls around, firewood will be in high-demand. Stock up before prices shoot up.
8. Plant your garden. Fall is the perfect time to start planting. If you plant in the fall, your roots will begin to develop before winter hits, and come spring and summer, you'll have a beautiful and strong garden.