The Fall Home Checklist You Didn’t Know You Needed
Fall is more than crisp air and colourful leaves - it’s the season to set your home up for comfort and ease before the real cold hits. Think evenings curled up with a blanket, hearty meals in the kitchen, and a space that feels ready to welcome you in from the chill. While most people remember the big chores (like raking leaves or turning on the furnace), it’s the smaller, often-overlooked tasks that can make your day-to-day life smoother. Here are five little to-dos that pay off big once autumn is in full swing.
1. Check Your Outdoor Lighting
With earlier sunsets, outdoor lights quickly shift from optional to essential for both safety and comfort. Replace any burnt-out bulbs, give fixtures a quick clean, and consider adding motion sensors to paths and driveways. Good lighting not only deters unwanted surprises but also makes your home feel warmer and more inviting on chilly autumn nights.
2. Prep Your Entryway for Mud and Rain
Fall weather is beautiful - but it also tracks plenty of mud and leaves indoors. Keep mess at bay by laying down sturdy mats inside and out, adding a basket for umbrellas, and carving out space for wet boots. A simple setup turns your entryway into a welcoming buffer zone, saving you endless cleanup and protecting your floors as the season gets wetter.
Photo credit: Better Homes & Gardens
3. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Cooler weather brings back the glow of fireplaces, the flicker of candles, and the hum of space heaters. Before you settle in for that first cozy evening by the fire, take a few minutes to test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and pop in fresh batteries. It’s a small task that delivers peace of mind all season long.
4. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
This is a small trick many homeowners overlook: flip your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise. The shift pushes warm air down from the ceiling, making rooms feel instantly cozier as the temperatures dip. It’s a simple switch that can help your home feel snug while keeping heating costs in check.
Photo credit: Fanco Australia
5. Inspect Walkways and Driveways
Tiny cracks in pavement may seem harmless now, but once freeze-thaw cycles begin, they can quickly turn into bigger (and more expensive) problems. Take a quick walk around your property to seal small gaps or uneven spots. Not only will you avoid costly repairs, but you’ll also cut down on slip hazards when leaves and frost start to blanket the ground.
These quick tasks don’t take much time, but together they make your home safer, cleaner, and more comfortable for fall living. Tackle them now, and you’ll be free to enjoy the season’s best parts - from Sunday dinners to weekend hikes - without small annoyances getting in the way.
