End-of-Summer Prep: Key Tips to Ready Your Home for Fall

Wash cushions with mild detergent and air-dry them in the sun, then scrub furniture surfaces to remove grime, mold, or mildew, paying attention to crevices and joints. Treat rust on metal pieces and apply a protective sealant or oil to wood before storing everything in a dry, sheltered space or under weatherproof covers.

Give the lawn a final mow at a slightly higher blade height to protect roots over winter, then rake up leaves and debris. Aerate to relieve soil compaction, harvest the last of your vegetable garden, and compost healthy plant material (discarding diseased plants). Cut back finished perennials, clear spent annuals, and mulch around plants to insulate the soil.

Declutter and donate or dispose of what you no longer need, then sweep floors and clean surfaces, watching for signs of pests. Group similar items together with shelving, pegboards, and storage bins, and clean and maintain large equipment like mowers and leaf blowers before storing them.

Check the roof for damaged or missing shingles, clean out gutters and downspouts, and seal or repair any cracks in your siding. Check windows and doors for gaps or drafts, and apply weatherstripping or caulk where needed.

Disconnect the propane tank, remove and scrub the grates, burner covers, and drip pans, and clean the exterior with a stainless-steel cleaner or mild detergent. Apply a light coat of cooking oil to interior surfaces if rust-prone, then store the grill in a dry, sheltered area or under a quality cover.

Schedule a maintenance check before you're relying on the heat daily -- a professional can inspect and clean the furnace and catch potential issues early. Replace HVAC filters and switch ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to help distribute warm air.

Check snow shovels, ice scrapers, and de-icing products and replace anything worn out. Stock firewood if you have a fireplace, and keep batteries, bottled water, and non-perishable food on hand in case of winter storms or outages.

Taking these steps at the end of summer sets you up for a smoother transition into the colder months, and when warm weather returns, your home and yard will be in great shape and ready for another season of enjoyment.