October To Dos: Getting your home ready for winter

Oct 4,2021 | Guelph Living

Yes, it’s October!

Once again, we all find ourselves saying the oh too familiar saying, “wow, summer is over. I can’t believe its October, where did the time go?”

Our homes are one of the biggest investments we have. Spending a few hours on your to-do list will make sure you keep ahead of issues that in the long run could cost you more money and time.

Here are a few tips from our October to-do list that will help organize your home and get ready for winter. Some of these tips will also save you money in the long run and maintain your investment in your home!

  1. Tidy up the mudroom or hall closets:
  • Get out your winter mitts and hats and those cozy scarfs. Give them a fresh wash if you didn’t have the time at the end of last winter.
  • Clean the floors and add a new doormat if needed. Keep a recycling basket near the entrance to make sorting mail and school papers easier.
  • Dedicate a tote or bin for the items to donate.
  1. Keep seasonal decorating low-key with natural finds:
  • Pumpkins, gourds, and fresh heirloom apples, pomegranate and figs with fall foliage makes a wonderful simple decor.
  • Vacuum radiators, baseboard heaters and heating grates. This is the best time to clean your Ducts (we all get those calls, I hope you kept one number on hand lol)
  • Check safety devices:
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, in the house.
  • Replace batteries as needed.
  • Check the expiration dates on the kitchen fire extinguisher and replace it if needed.
  1. As the leaves fall, and the outdoor markets are bursting with pumpkins
  • Raking all the leaves and place them over the gardens for a winter blanket.
  • Add the leaves to the compose pile.
  • It’s very important to make sure keep leaves from drains and eves.
  • Cover or store outdoor furniture and grills, if you plan to leave your patio furniture of grill outside through the winter make sure you cover them.
  1. Here’s a big one we can’t forget:
  • Shut off all exterior faucets and store hoses for winter.
  • Disconnect, drain and roll your garden hose before storing them for the winter.
  • Shut off the water supply to the exterior faucet to prevent frozen pipes.
  1. Trim dead tree limbs:
  • They are more likely to fall during winter storms, making them a potential safety hazard. If you need to have an arborist inspect and trim larger trees.
  • Clean gutters and downspouts
  • Wait till most of the leaves have fallen to schedule a rain gutter cleaning.
  1. Maintain your wood stove or fireplace:
  • It is essential for safety that you have it serviced before lighting the first fire of the season.
  • Schedule an appointment to have your chimney inspected and if necessary, cleaned.
  1. Clean carpet and area rugs:
  • Have them professionally cleaner if needed or spot cleaning on your own.
  • Rotate area rugs before putting the back in place, this will prevent one side from becoming more worn or faded than the other.
  1. Clean gutters and downspouts:
  • Wait until most of the leaves have fallen to schedule a rain gutter cleaning.
  • Inspect gutters and downspouts for cracks and loose parts, and make repairs as needed.
  1. Examine the sump pump:
  • If you have a sump pump in your basement as protection in case of flooding, make sure it is working properly before rains season really gets going and them repairs or replace it if needed.
  1. Check paths, stairs and railing for safety:
  • Slips and falls on ice and snow can happen anywhere but they’re even more likely if the footings is uneven or a railing isn’t sturdy.
  • Take a walk around your home’s exterior, paying special attention to walkways, stairs and railings and make repairs as needed.

11. Get out your bird feeders out:

  • Clean them and make sure they are attached sturdy for our feather friends for the winter
  • Get a container with a secure lid to keep the mice out, keeping it handy for refills.
  1. Time to get a supply of salt for the walkways and driveways:
  • Make sure your snow shovels are sturdy and your snow-blower is in good working order.
  1. It’s almost time for lights:
  • Check the strands that they are all working, replace broken or burnt out bulbs
  • Replace bulbs outside around your home.
  1. Give the garage a good sweep & organize:
  • Bikes, basketballs and pool toys are almost ready to retire to the back of the sheds or the garages. Pull the snowshoes, sleds, skates and skis to the front

Prepare now in October than in those colder months.  The fresh air will do us good, get the kids involved and make it a family day!

 

FINAL TIP & Last but not least:

    • Start a gift list:
  • It may seem that the holidays are long way off, but that’s why it pays to start getting organized now.
  • Keep in mind local shops and restaurants for gifts, and keep the money flowing in our neighborhoods and city.
  • This is also the time to start making homemade gifts for family and friends.
  • Ornaments, knitting, jams, sauces, relish, or hot sauce make great gifts.

 

If you get through your list early, Bravo!!! but don’t forget your senior neighbours that may need a hand or two.