There’s always something around the house you’ve been meaning to get to. A draft under the door, porch furniture that needs cleaning, or an entryway that becomes a pile of shoes every time you walk inside.

Fall is a good time to tackle a few of those projects before colder weather settles into the Shenandoah Valley. You don’t need a renovation or an entire weekend dedicated to chores. A few small fixes can make your home more comfortable and easier to manage this winter.

Give drafty doors and windows some attention

If you noticed a chilly spot last winter, now is a good time to take another look.

Check for worn weatherstripping around doors and windows, and look for gaps where outside air may be coming in. Weatherstripping can help seal moving parts, while appropriate caulk can address gaps around stationary frames. These small improvements can help reduce drafts.

If you rent, let your property manager know about damaged seals or windows that don’t close properly so they can address them.

Put away the outdoor things you won’t be using

Cleaning outdoor cushions and storing them somewhere dry is much easier before they’ve spent weeks sitting in cold, wet weather.

Gather up garden tools, empty planters you aren’t using, and decide what needs to be stored or covered according to its care instructions. Make sure cushions and other fabric items are fully dry before putting them away.

Disconnect, drain, and store garden hoses before freezing weather arrives. Follow the winterizing instructions for your outdoor faucets, including shutting off and draining their supply lines where applicable.

A little cleanup now also means fewer things to work around when it’s time to clear a walkway.

Make your entryway work for colder weather

Think about what happens when you come home with wet shoes, a coat, bags, and possibly a muddy dog.

A washable mat, a boot tray, and a few convenient hooks can give those things a place to land. If you have a dog, keep a towel near the door so you aren’t searching for one after a rainy walk.

You don’t need a large mudroom. Even a small entrance can work better when the things you use every day have a designated spot.

Fix the lighting you keep putting off

That burned-out porch bulb or dim hallway may not bother you much on a bright afternoon, but you’ll probably notice it more when you’re coming home after dark.

Replace bulbs that need attention, clean accessible light fixtures, and check that your entry and walkways are well lit. Inside, move a lamp to the corner where you like to read or add lighting near a workspace.

This is one of those small projects you get to appreciate almost immediately.

Clear a little space before bringing seasonal things inside

Before pulling out heavier blankets, coats, and holiday decorations, make room for them.

Start with one closet, cabinet, or shelf. Put away the summer items you won’t need, donate things you no longer use, and make the cold-weather essentials easy to reach.

While you’re organizing, give winter supplies a convenient home too. Your ice scraper, flashlight, and snow shovel are more useful when you know where they are.

Take care of the little repairs you notice every day

A loose cabinet handle, a sticking drawer, or a wobbly chair may be easy to ignore, but those small annoyances add up.

Walk through your home and write down three things you’ve been meaning to fix. Pick the ones you can realistically handle, gather what you need, and take care of them.

For anything beyond a simple repair, getting an appointment on the calendar still counts as progress.

Add alarm checks to your routine

While you’re working through your list, test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms using their test buttons and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.

Both should be tested at least monthly, so this is a good task to keep on your calendar beyond fall cleanup.

Pick a few projects and start there

Preparing your home for winter doesn’t have to become a huge checklist you feel guilty about not finishing.

Choose a few projects that will make the biggest difference in your daily life. Maybe that’s stopping a draft, making room for winter coats, or finally fixing the light by the front door.

Whether you own or rent here in the Shenandoah Valley, a little attention now can help your home feel more comfortable when you’re spending more time inside.

Courtney May, Realtor®
HomeGrown Real Estate
Phone: 540-435-3861
Email: Courtney.may@homegrownreva.com