The leaves are falling and it’s getting chilly — fall is officially here! And with that comes a hefty list of to-dos in preparation for winter. Take advantage of this transitional season to prepare your home for what’s to come. Here are 10 home refresh ideas you can tackle before winter arrives.

10. Brighten the mood with lighting

With days getting shorter, it’s time to revamp your lighting situation, and if you want to create a homey feel, don’t rely solely on overhead light fixtures. Choose a mix of light-diffusing shaded lamps placed at varying levels. For example, place a floor lamp next to the sofa to create a comfy reading nook or a desk lamp in your work area to help diffuse the winter blues. You can also light candles to amp up the coziness factor.

9. Bust the dust

The best times of the year to clean your home? Spring and fall! Tackle all the tasks before it gets too cold. Rake and pick loose leaves from your yard and deep clean your indoor spaces to make your home more comfortable for winter. If you’re in need of yard waste bags or other fall cleaning supplies, remember to check the free Flipp app for the best savings.

8. Reorganize your wardrobe

Simplify your life by organizing your closet and drawers, and placing your fall and winter pieces front and center. If you have a small closet, consider storing summer items in storage containers with lids that can go under your bed or in a storage room. Remember to wash your coats and sweaters to have them handy and ready to use too!

7. Switch up your linens

Just like your wardrobe, your bedding needs to be changed for the season. Swap the cooling sheets and comforter for warmer duvets and layers of cozy blankets.

6. Clear out the pantry

Cans and packages of food can get easily lost, pushed back, and forgotten in the pantry. Take this time to inventory all your pantry items, check for expiration dates, and organize everything to avoid wasting food. For some organizing inspiration, check out 6 Pantry Organization Tips on a Budget.

Pantry Organizing

5. Inspect your heating system

If you haven’t done so already, schedule the yearly tune-up of your home’s heating systems with a professional. It’s best to do this before cold weather arrives to avoid any last-minute fixes.

4. Reverse your ceiling fans

If your ceiling fan has a reverse switch, here’s why: running the blades clockwise to create an updraft and circulate warm air around the room. This method will also let you turn down your thermostat by 1-2 degrees to help you save energy, in turn saving you money.

3. Seal the leaks

The goal is to keep the hot air in and cold air out. Ensure that caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors are applied properly to prevent leaks. If you need to re-caulk some areas, this project is easy to DIY — and trust us, sealing the leaks will pay off in energy savings.

2. Clean the gutters

Clogged gutters can cause damage and cost you money in the long run. Keep up with proper maintenance by clearing out those fall leaves and twigs, then flush everything down with water using a garden hose with a powerful spray nozzle.

1. Cover your patio furniture

If you live in a region where you won’t be using your outdoor patio furniture for the season, be sure to cover it properly to prevent damage. A fitted furniture cover for each piece of furniture will do the trick. 

Fall is the best time to prepare your home for winter. With these to-do’s you can feel organized and prepared for the new season ahead. Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!

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