16 Home Chores to Check Off the To-do List By the End of Fall

Finally, Summer has ended and Fall has made its much-welcomed entrance. Summer and I truly said everything we needed to say to one another. No closure is needed, whatsoever. The sweltering temps of July and August nearly felt like we might never make it back to the lower 60s and lower 70s again. Yet, here we are!

Related: Here’s a Fall Chore That Could Save You Hundreds In the Long Run

Now that we've settled into Autumn, we need to keep in mind that winter is coming. As we indulge in spooky season, our PSLs, pumpkin decor, and sweet potato pies — let's all remember that we've got other chores to do.

After a warmer-than-usual winter and this sticky hot summer, I found myself whining for cooler temperatures and I know I wasn't alone. In the same way that Summer ensured she had her full say, Winter is tracking to be just as vocal. The Farmers' Almanac predicts this winter will be more traditional — cool and damp. We're also likely to get snow!

So, if we're going to embrace the cooler temperatures, let's make sure we're prepared to get what we've asked for.

I don't need to remind you to pull out the cozy clothes. You'll receive that reminder each time you step outside. However, there are a few ways to winterize a few different things around your home before the coldest part of the year comes around.

Home Chores to Check Off the To-do List By the End of Fall

You'll want to close it up for winter so it doesn't freeze over.

Depending on where you live, it may be time to start thinking of how you'll prep your garden for the cold. You may have weeds to clear, mulch to add, a greenhouse to heat, peonies to trim, or more. Whatever it is you have to do, get to it before the fall ends.

Your pond, plants, and fish need to be ready to brave the chilly temps. Here's a step-by-step guide to making sure your pond survives.

Double-check that the chicken coop is sealed properly so no draft or water can get in. Also, make sure the chickens stay warm by adding a timed light and  adding extra bedding (use straw, hay, or mulch).

I run my heat year-round (cold-natured gal here) but for you folks who don't cue up the heat until the season calls for it, you might want to go ahead and see what's happening. Make sure vents are doing what they need to do. Call an HVAC pro out to check your boiler or furnace. Make sure your electric fireplace is still good.

Also, this may seem minor, but now is also a great time to pull those heated blankets out of their storage spot and plug them up to ensure they haven't given out. By the time November rolls around, they're super hard to come by and cost way more.

You'll need to winterize any drafty windows and doors. Go ahead and grab those window insulation shrink kits, caulk, weather strips, door draft stoppers, and whatever else you need to stop drafts.

Bring the plants in from the porch and patio so they don't freeze during a cold night. Even Fall nights can surprise you with how low temperatures can get. For the ferns specifically, make sure you give them extra light and water to give yourself a chance of them lasting throughout the colder months.

Clogged gutters lead to far more trouble than they're worth. It's way cheaper to clean the gutters out now than it is to restore your roof and repair any other water damage later.

If you can inspect your roof yourself, then great. If not, dial up a contractor who can inspect and repair for you.

This may be a lot in one reminder but it's a big chunk of the winter prep. If you live where the snow and freezing rain do a number on roads and power lines, then you'll want to get your house in order.

Stock the pantry with non-perishable items. Refresh your flashlights. Get extra batteries. Pull all the stuff you've been piling on the generator this spring and summer so it's easily accessible (or buy one!). Buy salt now. You know the drill so get started early.

The destruction that ice and other debris can cause from getting in a concrete crack that has spread will cost you far more than it will to proactively fill them.

Folks who live in a region where winters get brutally cold likely need to remove their A/C window units altogether. However, if your region doesn't get as cold during winter months, then you can leave it in your window with a few extra steps for care.

When fall ends, you'll need to make sure any trees you freshly planted are protected with the appropriate tree wrap so they can withstand the cold.

You may want to cover the pool sooner rather than later so fallen Autumn leaves don't make their way into your pool. Here are a few pool cover types to match your needs and preferences.

Make sure you have a pipe heating cable installed. This will help prevent your pipes from freezing, which will obviously stop the water flow all over your home. If somehow you find your pipes have frozen this winter, 1) I told you so and, 2) here's a helpful guide.

You probably haven't really touched the fireplace since last winter, so go ahead and make sure that everything is everything.

Also, I'm assuming you know the difference between what's needed for your electric fireplace versus an actual fireplace. For fireplaces requiring natural wood, we recommend hardwood.

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