September in Orlando brings the first hints of fall, making it a prime opportunity to prep your home for the upcoming season. Our September homeowner checklist is tailored to help you smoothly transition from summer’s end into the cooler months. Whether you’re decluttering summer gear, setting up a shared family calendar, or tackling outdoor tasks, these essential tips will ensure your home stays organized, functional, and ready for fall’s arrival.
Indoor Home Maintenance
Get Your Home Cozy for Fall: Transition to cooler weather by swapping out summer bedding for warm flannel sheets and plush duvets. Enhance your living spaces with throws and pillows in luxurious fabrics like wool, velvet, or faux fur. Thicker area rugs and curtains can also help improve insulation and reduce energy costs.
Optimize Your Kids’ Study Space: Create an efficient and inviting study area for your children. Equip the space with a large desk or project table and ensure it’s well-organized with all necessary supplies to support a productive school year.
Proper Care for Leather Furniture: Differentiate between protected and unprotected leather before cleaning. For unprotected leather, gently wipe with a dry cloth or one slightly dampened with distilled water. Protected leather can be cleaned with a mild soap solution or a commercial leather cleaner applied with a microfiber cloth.
Ensure Your Washer and Dryer Are in Top Shape: Perform routine maintenance on your washer and dryer by cleaning dryer vents and checking washing machine hoses for wear. Replace any cracked hoses to prevent leaks and ensure efficient operation.
Outdoor Home Maintenance
Prepare Your Yard for Fall Weather: Complete essential outdoor projects such as restaining your porch or clearing stone surfaces before colder weather sets in. Maintain safety and curb appeal by keeping walkways free of debris.
Enhance Window Insulation: Add weatherstripping to older windows to improve insulation, retain heat, and reduce drafts, helping to lower your energy bills.
Trim Trees for Safety and Maintenance: Ensure a safe distance of at least ten feet around your chimney flue by trimming overhanging branches. Check for chimney screens to keep out debris and animals.
Embrace Fall with Seasonal Touches
Embrace Fall with Seasonal Decor: Bring the spirit of autumn into your home with decorations like scarecrows, pumpkins, and turkeys. Get your winter blankets ready for cooler nights by cleaning and storing them appropriately.
Revamp Your Fall Wardrobe: Refresh your closet by sorting through your clothes, removing items you no longer wear, and organizing your fall wardrobe. Polish shoes, remove pilling from sweaters, and clean handbags to prepare for the season.
Home Safety Precautions
Ensure Home Safety with Functional Devices: Test and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as needed. Verify the expiration dates on fire extinguishers and replace them if expired to maintain safety.
Maintain and Inspect Fire Extinguishers: Check that fire extinguishers are easily accessible, not obstructed, and within the expiration date. Inspect the pull pin, tamper seal, hoses, and nozzles for proper function and cleanliness. For CO2 extinguishers, ensure they are weighed to confirm pressure.
Service Your Heating System for Winter: Schedule an inspection with a licensed HVAC professional to prepare your heating system for the colder months. They will clean the blower, test safety controls, and check for leaks. Inspect and seal ductwork yourself and consider installing a programmable thermostat for energy savings.
Prepare Your Fireplace and Heating System: Have your chimney and furnace professionally cleaned and inspected to ensure safety and efficiency. Add a chimney cap to prevent animal nests and protect your roof from embers.
Maintain Your Garage Door: Clean your garage door, clear debris from the tracks, and lubricate hinges, bearings, and springs to prevent noise and ensure smooth operation.
Stay Prepared for Hurricane Season: With hurricane season ongoing until November, it's crucial to remain vigilant. Ensure your emergency kits are stocked, secure outdoor furniture, and have a plan in place in case of severe weather. For more detailed guidance, check out our hurricane preparedness guide to keep your family and home safe during the peak of storm season.