Heed the words of Led Zeppelin: “Leaves have fallen all around, time I was on my way.” Get a jump on fall this month with these 10 quick and simple home prep ideas — so you can sit back, relax and enjoy a little rock ‘n’ roll knowing you’re all set for the season!
1. Liner up
Replace the shower curtain liner in your bathroom — the summer months can wreak havoc in terms of mold and mildew build-up and can exacerbate allergies and asthma.
2. Be a go-gutter
If you live in the suburbs or a city townhouse, now is the time to check to make sure the gutters and leaders are securely attached and are in good working order.
3. Reset the stage.
Come up with a new living room plan to give your pad a fresh look. Slip socks onto the legs of heavy pieces to avoid scratching wood floors.
4. Catch a breeze
Clean or replace your ceiling fan blades. Plus, now is the time to turn your fan on to run in reverse (most fans have the ability to switch direction with a toggle or switch). This will push hot air down and help spread the warm air throughout your room.
5. Smart change
Replace regular bulbs with energy-saving bulbs. They last longer and use half the energy of incandescent bulbs, which makes up for their initial cost. Try the 3M LED Advanced Light bulb, which runs around $20.
6. Filter through
For less than $20, a new air filter will allow proper air flow from your furnace. A dirty filter forces your system to work harder and less efficiently. If you have an HVAC system, change its filter, as well — replacing the filter every three months keeps hot and cool air clean and breathable.
7. Window dressing.
Replace your summer sheers with double- or even triple-lined drapes for extra warmth. This Victorian-era solution has a lot of practicality today. Velvet or wool drapes lined with satin or felt prevent drafts and keeps warm air from leaking out of older windows.
8. Color your world.
Now that humidity levels are down, it’s a great time to paint any room in your home. Drier air allows paint to dry more quickly.
9. Sleep well.
Now is the time to flip and turn your traditional mattress. Strip the bed and vacuum the top. Then flip mattress over, turn and vacuum the “new” side. If you have a pillow-top mattress, which can’t be flipped, rotate it, then vacuum the top.
10. Be prepared.
Create a winter emergency kit. Fill a sturdy box with these handy essentials so you’re not stuck looking for them in the dark if the lights go out: flashlight, extra batteries, candles, matches or a lighter, first-aid kit, insulated grip gloves, hand-operated can opener, Swiss Army knife. For those with a house, don’t forget a snow shovel and salt for sidewalk and driveways.