Ten Fall Handy Hints for the Season

Rake and collect fallen leaves for composting or mulching, and consider a leaf blower for larger yards to save time.

Plant fall-blooming flowers like chrysanthemums, pansies, and asters for color, prune dead branches, tidy garden beds, and apply mulch to protect plants from the cold and retain moisture.

Clean out gutters before they clog with leaves and debris, check the heating system and change the furnace filter if needed, and seal gaps around windows and doors to keep cold air out.

Hiking, apple picking, and pumpkin carving make the most of the season, along with a fall picnic with warm drinks and cozy blankets, or a bonfire gathering with friends and family.

Swap light summer bedding for heavier blankets and quilts, add autumn touches like pumpkins, gourds, and wreaths, and place draft stoppers at the base of doors to keep warmth in.

A deep clean before winter, covering carpets, windows, and upholstery, pairs well with decluttering and donating unneeded items, and cleaning and storing outdoor furniture and garden tools.

Warm up with soups, stews, and chili, bake seasonal treats like pumpkin pie or apple crisp, and experiment with fall flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed, and put together an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food.

Update the wardrobe with sweaters, scarves, and boots, and take time to clean and waterproof winter gear like jackets and boots.

Start planning ahead for Thanksgiving and other fall holidays, from meal prep to guest accommodations, and consider homemade gifts for the season ahead.