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Get your home ready for winter with this easy fall home maintenance checklist. From cleaning gutters to sealing windows, we cover it all!

Prepping Your Home for Winter

Fall is that magical time of year when the leaves change color, the air turns crisp, and cozy sweaters come out of storage.

But as we enjoy all the beauty of autumn, it’s also a critical time to prepare our homes for the colder months ahead.

Close-up of dry autumn leaves scattered on green grass, like nature's nod to your fall home maintenance checklist. The leaves, in shades of brown, orange, and red, highlight the seasonal change as sunlight gently illuminates the scene, casting soft shadows.

Whether you’re facing mild winters or freezing temperatures, taking the time to tackle some essential fall home maintenance tasks can save you from costly repairs and make sure your home is ready for winter.

So, grab a cup of coffee, get your favorite fall playlist going, and let’s work through this fall home maintenance checklist.

These tasks are easy to knock out in a weekend and will keep your home cozy, safe, and efficient all winter long.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. For more information, see my disclosures here.

Download the Free Checklist

Prepping your home after the fall season doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. To make it easier, I’ve created a free Fall Home Maintenance Checklist that you can download and use to stay on track.

Simply download the checklist, print it out, and check things off as you go.

A flyer showcasing a "Fall Home Maintenance Checklist" with a brown border on the left. On the right, an arrow directs attention to the checklist beneath text that says, "Get your FREE fall home maintenance checklist" against a gray background.

Click here to download your free checklist now and start prepping your home for winter!

Fall Home Maintenance Tasks

1. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

When fall leaves start to pile up, they can quickly clog your gutters and downspouts, leading to water damage and ice dams when temperatures drop.

It’s important to clean out the debris before winter sets in.

A close-up of dry, brown autumn leaves scattered on the ground, reminiscent of a fall home maintenance checklist. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the warm tones of the fallen leaves under the gentle sunlight.
  • Clear out leaves, twigs, and other debris from your gutters.
  • Ensure your downspouts direct water away from your foundation.
  • Consider adding gutter guards to make future cleaning easier.

2. Inspect Your Roof

A small roof problem now can become a huge headache later.

You’ll want to inspect your roof for any signs of damage before winter’s wet and icy weather rolls in.

A two-story house under construction features a sleek blend of black siding and light stone, complemented by large windows and a small covered entrance. Amidst the dirt construction site and cloudy skies, it promises future homeowners an easy fall home maintenance checklist.
  • Check for missing, cracked, or curling shingles.
  • Look for leaks or water stains in your attic or ceiling.
  • If you’re not comfortable climbing onto your roof, hire a professional to do a thorough inspection.

3. Seal Windows and Doors

Drafts are a big energy drain in winter.

Sealing gaps around windows and doors can help keep your home warm and cut down on heating bills.

Bright, modern interior with large windows, a staircase, and an open doorway creates a serene escape for busy moms. A kitchen island in the foreground features a vase with flowers and a cake stand under a glass cover, adding decorative elements to the clean, minimalist space.
  • Inspect the seals around your windows and doors for any cracks or gaps.
  • Replace worn weatherstripping or add caulk to seal the gaps.
  • Consider using draft stoppers or heavy curtains for extra insulation.

4. Check Your Heating System

You definitely don’t want to wait until the first freeze to find out that your heating system isn’t working properly.

Fall is the perfect time to give it a once-over and ensure everything is in good shape.

A thick, cream-colored knitted blanket draped over the arm of a light beige sofa in a bright, minimalistic room with a wooden floor, adding cozy warmth to your fall home maintenance checklist.
  • Replace or clean your furnace filters.
  • Schedule a professional inspection and tune-up to ensure your heating system is running efficiently.
  • Test your thermostat to make sure it’s working correctly.
  • If you have a fireplace, have your chimney inspected and cleaned.

5. Winterize Your Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers

Freezing temperatures can cause outdoor water lines to burst, leading to costly repairs.

It’s important to winterize your outdoor faucets, hoses, and sprinkler systems.

A green garden hose coiled neatly on a wall-mounted reel with a yellow nozzle is ready for action, set against an outdoor backdrop of grass and a stone path—an essential item on your fall home maintenance checklist.
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  • Disconnect and drain garden hoses, and store them indoors.
  • Shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water.
  • Blow out and winterize your sprinkler system, or hire a professional to do it if needed.

6. Inspect and Clean Your Fireplace and Chimney

There’s nothing better than curling up by a cozy fire in the winter.

But before you light that first fire, make sure your fireplace and chimney are clean and safe to use.

A cozy living room with a large stone fireplace, flanked by shelves, sets the stage. A landscape painting and a HiSense Canvas TV review magazine rest above the mantel. The space features a dark gray couch, wooden coffee table, armchairs, and windows welcoming natural light with autumn decor accents.
  • Have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned, especially if you use it regularly.
  • Check for cracks or gaps in the chimney that could allow dangerous fumes into your home.
  • Make sure the flue opens and closes properly.

7. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

As we spend more time indoors during the colder months, the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning increases.

It’s essential to make sure your detectors are working properly.

  • Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Replace batteries, and if your detectors are older than 10 years, consider replacing them entirely.
  • Place detectors in key areas like bedrooms and hallways.

8. Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture

If you have outdoor furniture, now is the time to clean it and store it away for winter.

This will protect it from the elements and extend its life.

  • Cover or store furniture in a shed or garage to protect it from snow and ice.
  • Store cushions indoors in a dry space.

9. Clear Your Yard and Trim Trees

A yard covered in leaves may look picturesque, but letting those leaves pile up can harm your lawn and create a mess come spring.

Fall is also the perfect time to prune trees to prevent damage during winter storms.

A large tree with green and yellow leaves stands in an open field under a clear blue sky. A small house is visible in the background with a fence surrounding the grassy area, reminding one of tasks on a fall home maintenance checklist.
  • Rake up leaves and add them to your compost pile, or dispose of them properly.
  • Trim back dead or overhanging branches to prevent them from falling in heavy snow or ice.
  • If you have large trees, consider hiring a professional to inspect and prune them.

10. Test Exterior Lights

With shorter days and longer nights, outdoor lighting becomes even more important in the fall and winter months.

Make sure your exterior lights are working to keep your home well-lit and safe.

Exterior wall with stone texture, featuring three illuminated lantern-style lights above garage doors at dusk, perfect for a cozy ambiance. The sky is a deep blue, and the surrounding area appears to be under construction—a timely scene for your fall home maintenance checklist.
  • Test all outdoor lights, including pathway, porch, and security lights.
  • Replace any burned-out bulbs.
  • Consider upgrading to energy-efficient LED bulbs if you haven’t already.

Final Thoughts: Prepare Now, Relax Later

Prepping your home for winter may seem like a lot of work, but tackling these tasks in the fall can save you from bigger problems down the road.

Close-up of a branch with yellow autumn leaves against a blurred background of greenery and sky. The sunlight highlights the delicate textures, much like how a thoughtful fall home maintenance checklist ensures a cozy and serene atmosphere.

Plus, once everything is done, you can cozy up inside with a hot cup of cider, knowing your home is ready for whatever winter brings.

So, take it one step at a time, and soon you’ll have your home prepped, protected, and ready to keep your family cozy and safe all season long.

More Home Maintenance Tips

Winterize Your Home

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My goal is for you and your family to absolutely LOVE the home you live in. I’ll show you how to create a home that looks good, feels good, and functions well!

As a mom, wife, and home blogger, home decor is my passion! I have seen firsthand how my home can impact my family. How our home feels, looks and functions is a critical part of our family’s wellbeing!

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