Fall Outdoor To Do List

Heather says:

Fall is just around the corner. -Try telling that to the marketing people in my inbox, they keep sending emails that say, “Fall is officially here.” Um no, not until next week, try again.- That said, in most areas of the country the triple digit days are over and it’s time to head outside and check things out.

Over the next few weekends while the weather isn’t deadly hot:

• Take a slow, careful walk around the perimeter of your home. Look for cracks and holes, pests consider these neon vacancy signs*.
• While you are walking, look up at the gutters and down at the downspouts, do either of these need attention?
• Check the caulking around windows. Expansion during the heat of the summer may have caused cracks. Re-caulk if needed.
• Wash the windows. If they are really grimy, check out Window Washing 201.
• Clean patio furniture for storage -well around our house, the fall is when we actually use our patio furniture so we clean it for use.
• Check the propane tank, do you need more for grilling? Autumn is my favorite time to cook out-of-doors, it’s nice to not return to the house a melted puddle.
• If you have a deck or patio, clean it. Use oxygen bleach on wood decks. After the the deck has dried, sprinkle a few drops of water on it, if the water doesn’t bead up, it’s time to reseal. Yes. Again. Don’t wait too long after cleaning to seal or you’ll need to clean it again before sealing. In most areas the fall is better than the spring for this project as it’s often a drier time of year.
• Take a good look at your entry way. Is it inviting or are the hanging baskets wilted and scary. Have spiders and wasps taken over your porch? Give the front door & windows a wash, too.
• If you live in an area that gets cold, roll up and store the garden hoses. Cover the spigots, and if you have a sprinkler system make sure the water is blown out to prevent pipe ruptures.

*A note to renters, in many cases your landlord takes care of many of these tasks. However, being aware of and alerting your landlord to potential problems (such as cracks or holes pests may use) can minimize the inconvenience of the situation for both of you.

Ok Home Eccers, what would you add to the list?

Tagged as: Frugal Living, Smart Living