Fall is here.  Which means Winter isn’t far behind.  Here is our Fall Checklist to help you get organized and prepped for everything winter brings.

The Fall Checklist

This post contains affiliate links.

Once cold weather strikes, its no fun to drudge out into the cold unless you have to, so stock up on:

• Pantry items (flour, sugar, butter, coffee)
• Freezer items (Meats, cheese, frozen veggies/fruits)
• Essentials (toilet paper and toothpaste)
• Ramen Noodles (there are those days… usually about Sunday nights where a cheap bowl of Ramen just feels right)
• If its been awhile since you have cleaned out the fridge… wait until its as empty as possible then throw out old condiments, unused ketchup/sauce packets and wiped the inside out.
• Here is a more extensive list of staples you want to have on hand for winter (This list is general so if you are looking for gluten-free or vegan list… there are about 2 million of those on Pinterest.  I suggest you carve out about 2 days to get through all of those pins.)

• Consider and air duct cleaning since the vents will get used more than they probably did over the summer
• Change your furnace filter
• Make sure screens are taken out and the exterior glass panes are put in in the windows and doors.
• Invest in insulated energy-efficient curtains

• Go through do a fall cleaning… get rid of old toys and items you no longer need.
• Invest in some clear storage totes (You are more likely to stay organized if the boxes are clear)
• Build or buy shelving if you do not have enough to store remaining items after a cleaning.
• We invested in Rubbermaid fast track system to hold bikes, toys, beachchairs, strollers, etc and it saved us a ton of floor space by storing these items on the wall… and you can reconfigure the hooks in any order anytime you want to change things around.

• Store handheld garden tools in a tub of topsoil to prevent rusting.
• Make sure equipment is cleaned and oiled before putting away
• Winterize the lawnmower (Click here for a video on how to winterize your lawnmower)
• Clean gutters
• Cover up patio furniture

• Assuming that you already have a snow blower or at least a snow shovel you probably are already prepared for that but you may want to stock up on salt for ice and go ahead and put it in a container by your front or back or even both (We sometimes save the “shake” containers and refill them from a bigger bag which is much cheaper than buying melting ice in those small containers.  An old pitcher from your kitchen or dollar store is an easy solution too.  Then just keep the heavy bag in your garage and refill the containers as needed.

• Consider doing a fall cleaning room by room (take one each day) and go through drawers, containers, etc and get rid of broken things or things you may no longer need
• If you also have the energy and time, you could also move furniture around in each room and sweep and wipe down floors/walls… you may want to at least do this for your main living areas if nothing else.
• Turn mattresses – I do this when the time change takes effect – makes it easy to track
• Check your fire and carbon monoxide detectors
• Take comforters, heavy blankets to the dry cleaners or laundry-mat
• Get our mittens, gloves, scarves etc and clean as needed then store in bins by the door.
• Make sure everyone can fit into their snow boots/winter jackets from the previous year…

And finally, don’t forget the birds! The snowbirds who manage through winter are always appreciative of your hospitality