Homeownership comes with its share of routine seasonal tasks and chores. But keeping track of what needs to be done – and when – can be a challenge. To help homeowners stay on top of their maintenance projects, home improvement retailer Lowe’s offers easy-to-follow checklists for each season of the year ad covers both inside and outside chores. Get your home ready for Fall and Winter with these tasks:

Indoor Tasks:

• When you turn clocks back, change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Install weatherstripping where needed around the windows.
• Have the furnace professionally inspected.
• If needed, set traps for rodents.
• Dust blinds and vacuum curtains throughout the house.
• Clean kitchen and bathroom cabinets and throw away outdated food, medicine and cosmetics.
• Change or clean furnace filters. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to determine how frequently the filters should be replaced.
• Clean kitchen appliances inside and out, including refrigerator coils.
• Maintain clean drains by adding one-half cup of baking soda followed by one-half cup white vinegar. After 10 minutes, flush with boiling water.

Outdoor Tasks:

• Clean gutters and downspouts.
• Inspect the roof and chimney for cracks and damage, and have
  them repaired.
• Rake and shred leaves to use as mulch or dispose of them.
• Close or install storm windows.
• Remove hoses from spigots and drain, and store indoors, coiled and flat.
• Store outdoor furniture and cushions.
• Walk around the house to check for open crawl space vents and close them before cooler temperatures set in.
• Cover your central air conditioning unit, and remove and store window air conditioners.
• Clean and store garden tools.

For recommendations on a handyman, please give me a  call. I am your full service real estate agent and go-to girl for who-to-go-to!

Photo courtesy of Dillon Scheps