Whether it’s raking leaves in the backyard, having applesauce bubbling on the stove or simply hanging out late into the evening with friends, September beckons us to invest more time at home. Take advantage of the trend and devote a weekend or two this month to house projects you have been putting off.
Those in chilly climates may want to have a jump on things; if you stay in a warmer place, you may be able to hold off a little longer. In any case strategy a fall gathering to coincide with obtaining your housework done, or just revel in the sense of a job well done.
David Scott Interiors
1. Refresh your bedroom for fall. It’s time to locate those flannel sheets and comfy blankets — even if you don’t need them quite yet, you’ll be thankful to have them at hand on that very first quite chilly night, in regards. While you are sorting your bedding, then take some opportunity to rotate your mattress, then launder your mattress pad, and hit all of those under-the-bed dust bunnies.
2. Have the furnace and chimney inspected. Make sure your fireplace and heating system are prepared for cooler weather with a professional look at them now. Chimney fires are serious, and thus don’t light up your chimney till you have had it inspected and any buildup cleaned.
Smith & Vansant Architects PC
3. Order firewood. Should you use firewood to fuel your woodstove or fireplace, now’s the time to stock up for the winter. The ideal place for wood storage is away in the house, under cover and also lots of air. An open-sided portico or drop would be great. Place your wood in addition to pallets to increase air circulation and keep the wood dry.
Yvonne McFadden LLC
4. Clean and arrange. Spring cleaning receives all the attention, but fall is another pure time to get your house in shape. Vacuum and mop floors, spot clean carpets and wipe surfaces throughout the house. As you wash, place things aside to give away — aim to free up about a third of this space on shelves and in closets.
Hillary Thomas Designs
5. Replace home accessories. One of the simplest ways to maintain your house feeling present would be to tweak a couple of details every season. Replace throw cushions, add a comfy folded blanket or layer on a colorful rug. To get a cheap and chic update, decorate with new branches cut from outside and lovely, seasonal produce.
Jeffrey Dungan Architects
6. Remove window A/C units. Remember to wash them and clean or change the filters prior to storing them for following year. Keep any hardware at a labeled plastic bag taped to the unit.
7. Hang thicker window remedies. Over a fashion statement, thicker window coverings can help your house keep warmth — doubling energy bills. If you use blinds throughout this year, layer curtains at the top. If you have light cotton curtains, exchange them for thicker curtains.
8. Add weather stripping. Stopping drafts around windows and doors can be as straightforward as adding lengths of cheap weather stripping. In case you used some previous year or sooner, assess its condition and then replace as necessary.
9. Think about adding insulation. Adding insulation to your attic space or interior walls can be a terrific aid in saving money on heat during the colder months.
Joe Carrick Design – Custom Home Design
10. Establish a homework or project area. Invite children to get their work completed with an area that is comfortable, attractive and well organized. Ideally, create a larger surface available for spreading out large or messy projects on — that the dining table may work, but if you have the room, consider including a dedicated project table.
Whitten Architects
11. Carefully inspect the roof and gutters. Get up on a ladder or climb onto the roof (carefully!) And have a look at the rain gutters, roof and chimney. If there are sticks or leaves blocking the gutters, pull them out now — you can wait till after most of the leaves have dropped, later in the fall, to clean the gutters out entirely. Look for worn areas on the roof and then patch them as necessary.
Inform us: What’s on your house care record this September?
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