September always feels like a bit of a fresh start. The kids are back at school, summer holidays are winding down, and everyone is getting back into their regular routines. It is also a great time to give your home a little attention before the colder weather arrives.
A few simple jobs around the house now can save you time, money and headaches later.
Take A Walk Around Your Property
Start outside and have a look around your home and yard.
Clean out your eavestroughs and make sure your downspouts are directing water away from the house. Take a look at your roof for any damaged or missing shingles, and check around windows and doors for cracked caulking or areas where cold air could get in.
It is also a good time to disconnect your garden hoses and prepare your outdoor taps for freezing temperatures. Put away patio furniture, summer toys and gardening equipment, and trim back any branches that could cause problems during a winter storm.
If you live on an acreage, there are a few extra things to add to the list. Check your driveway and access roads, inspect outbuildings and fencing, and make sure your well, septic system and outdoor equipment are ready for winter.
Get Your Home Ready For Winter
Inside, there are a few easy things worth checking before you turn the heat up for the season.
• Change your furnace filter
• Book your annual furnace service if you have not already
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Check your fireplace or wood stove
• Look for any signs of moisture in the basement
• Test your sump pump if you have one
• Check windows and exterior doors for drafts
• Make sure your shovels, ice melt and other winter supplies are easy to find
These are small jobs, but they can make a big difference once winter arrives.
Get The Family Organized
Fall is busy. Between school, work, sports and everything else going on, it does not take long for backpacks, shoes, jackets and sports equipment to take over the house.
September is a great time to create a simple drop zone near the entrance. Give everyone a spot for their backpack, shoes and jackets. A few hooks and baskets can go a long way.
You could also set up a small charging station for phones and tablets, organize a homework area or create a family calendar where everyone can see what is coming up that week.
It does not have to be fancy. The goal is simply to give everything a place.
Try A Sunday Reset
One thing that can make the week feel a little easier is spending 20 or 30 minutes on Sunday getting ready for the week ahead.
Check the family calendar, plan a few meals, get backpacks and sports bags ready, make sure lunch supplies are stocked and tidy up the main living areas.
Getting a few things done on Sunday can make those Monday mornings feel much less hectic.
And Do Not Forget To Enjoy Fall
With all the organizing and preparing that comes with September, it is easy to forget to enjoy the season.
Go for a family walk, have a backyard fire, visit a local farm, make a big pot of soup or head out for hot chocolate. Alberta's fall weather can be beautiful, so take advantage of it while you can.
Your home is more than a list of things that need to be cleaned, fixed or maintained. It is where your family spends time together and where all those everyday memories are made.
So get a few things checked off the list, get everyone organized and then take some time to enjoy the season.
Happy Fall from our team to your family!