The weather is cooler, the leaves are turning orange, we can finally start wearing boots and chunky scarves — fall is really here. Stuck between summer and Christmas many people find themselves without much to do, something that will be even more apparent this year. Yet, there is a lot you can get done, especially when it comes to doing things around the home – both to make the season more homely and to get ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here are tips on what to do around the house this fall to keep you feeling productive:
Decorate your space
The changing of the seasons gives you an excuse to decorate your space. Ring in the colder months by incorporating autumnal pieces and accents around your home. Apartment Therapy suggests adding accessories with classic fall colors like orange, gray, and brown. Plus, since the weather is chillier in the fall, dial up the cozy factor by adding more soft throw blankets, fuzzy textures, and a few fall-time botanicals to your space. These will also see you into the winter months.
Deep-clean your kitchen
Fall is the time to roll up your sleeves and do things that may be a lot less glamorous, but necessary. With Thanksgiving and Christmas round the corner, you should prepare your kitchen as it’s a place where you’ll be spending a lot more time. Clean your stove and de-clutter your fridge, as they will be used more often in the coming months. One area that many people forget to clean is the sink, and the last thing you want is unpleasant smells coming up during the holidays. HomeServe’s Andy Floyd recommends dealing with any unwanted smells by pouring baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water down the sink to flush everything through. If this doesn’t work and you feel that your drain is blocked it is best to call a professional. The only thing worse than a smelling sink is one you can’t use.
Stock and upgrade your kitchen ready for the colder months
After cleaning the kitchen, fall is the perfect time to make comfort food. As the days get colder you are going to want to spend less time outside so stock up on your larder. The longer nights are perfect for baking, like a Whipped Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal that is super fun and easy to make, so make sure you have plenty of stock ingredients. If you are planning on upgrading your kitchen, now is the time to plan for big sales days like Black Friday where you may be able to get a good oven or fridge deal.
Clean your chimney
If you have a wood fireplace and use it often, it’s recommended that you have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional. You don’t want to gaze into crackling flames and deal with sooty buildup when you’re cozied up in front of the fireplace. If you want to save some cash and feel up to it, you can also opt to remove chimney soot yourself. An article by Country Living advises you to prioritize safety, so protect yourself with the appropriate gear like protective goggles, a dust mask, and a sturdy ladder. Use drop cloths and plastic tarps to seal off the area and help clean up the mess after, and purchase the right types of chimney brushes to do the job well. It may sound like a chore, but the results will be well worth it.
Fall is here and we hope the above tips will get your ready to see this season and the next in.
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