Your Fall Cleaning And Organizing Checklist
We’ve all heard of spring cleaning, but what about fall cleaning? Just as you clean your home in the spring to prepare for summer, fall is the perfect time to get your home cleaned, cozy, organized and ready for the cool weather and approaching holiday season. So, before you settle on the couch with your favorite Netflix show, a pumpkin spice candle and a cup of cocoa, check out the fall cleaning checklist we’ve put together to help you get prepared for the season!
CLEAN
Interior
- Wipe down all cabinets
- Deep clean your stove/oven
- Remove everything from your freezer and refrigerator, wipe down all shelves and drawers
- Wash windows (interior and exterior), windowsills and groves
- Wash curtains
- Move couches, beds, tables and appliances so you can sweep, vacuum and/or mop underneath
- Vacuum under couch cushions
- Wash couch cushions and pillows
- Wipe down your baseboards
- Dust ceiling fans and reverse their rotation so they will circulate the warm air upwards rather than down
- Flip your mattress
- Have your chimney checked and cleaned.
- Wash sheets, comforters, and pillow cases
- Wash your mattress pads and covers
- Wash your pillows
- Clean toilets, showers, tubs and sinks
- Wash shower curtains, liners, and bathmats
- Dust Shelves
- Wipe TV screens
Exterior
- Mow your lawn
- Rake up leaves
- Clean the gutters
- Replace exterior lights
- Sweep the garage
- Clear walkways of debris
CHECK
- Make sure all smoke detectors are working and have fresh batteries.
- Schedule a time for someone to check your heating system.
- Inspect your fireplace and chimney. We recommend hiring a professional inspection service to ensure it’s safe to use.
- Check HVAC filters and change if necessary.
- If you live somewhere that often gets snow, make sure you have a good snow shovel and lots of salt to help prevent snowy, icy walkways.
- Check all windows and doors for cracked or broken seals, reseal if necessary.
- If possible, check your roof to make sure there aren’t any small holes, or damaged shingles.
- Winterize outdoor furniture, or put it in storage.
- Turn of sprinkler systems and winterize any outdoor water features to prevent broken or frozen pipes and leaks.
- Check your dryer vent, and clean it out if necessary.
ORGANIZE
- Put your summer clothes away. By moving your t-shirts, shorts and swimsuits you’ll free up much needed space for your bulk sweaters and coats!
- Arrange your cookware and appliances from most to least used. Store small appliances and miscellaneous cookware that you haven’t used in the last few weeks somewhere accessible, but not in-the-way. Keep the holiday season in mind while you store your items. If you plan on entertaining, make sure any cookware and appliances you might use are clean, working and easy to reach.
- Take a look at your linen closet. Put all light weight summer linens in storage. Replace them with freshly washed fall/winter linens.
- It’s never too early to start organizing your holiday décor. We recommend testing and untangling lights, checking all ornaments and other decorations to make sure they’re not broken, and arrange decor in order of use (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Years).
GET COZY!
- Stock up on candles. We recommend swapping out any summery scents for something more seasonal, think pumpkin spice, cedar, cinnamon and smoky vanilla.
- Break out the blankets! It’s time to pull out your favorite knits, heavy blankets, flannel sheets, and down comforters.
- Lighting is always important. Change out any old light bulbs and when swapping the bulbs, opt for a less harsh light. Try a soft or warm white bulb. Soft or warm white bulbs emit a “warmer” light, that will make any room feel instantly cozier.
- Curtains! Curtains! Curtains! Adding curtains to any room will help block cool air from coming off the windows. Skip the darker colored curtains and choose something neutral to keep things feeling fresh and warm.