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You can feel it in the air—fall is here in the Pacific Northwest. The mornings are crisp, the leaves are turning, and the rain… well, it’s back. While it’s easy to get caught up in pumpkin spice and football season, it’s also the perfect time to tackle a few home maintenance tasks before winter settles in.
I know, not the most exciting weekend plans—but a few small things now can save you a lot of time (and money) later. Here are a few fall maintenance tips that every PNW homeowner should add to the list:
1. Clean your gutters and roof.
The leaves are beautiful until they clog your gutters and send rainwater exactly where you don’t want it. Clear out the gutters and downspouts, and sweep or blow debris off the roof. Bonus tip: make sure those exterior drains around your driveway or walkways are clear too—our fall rain has a way of finding every low spot.
2. Protect your outdoor spaces.
Once you’ve finished your last backyard BBQ, cover your patio furniture, grill, and any outdoor gear. If you have an A/C unit, grab a weatherproof cover for that too. A little protection now helps everything last longer—and keeps you from discovering a soggy mess come spring.
3. Winterize your faucets.
When those nighttime temps start to drop, it’s time to shut off and cover your outdoor faucets. It’s one of those small chores that’s easy to forget, but it can prevent a big plumbing headache later.
4. Get cozy—but safely.
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, now’s the time for a quick inspection or chimney cleaning. Make sure it’s safe and ready for those cozy winter nights. Nothing ruins a fireside evening like realizing there’s a bird nest up there (trust me, it happens).
5. Check your weatherstripping and furnace filter.
Drafty doors and windows can make your home feel like an icebox. A quick check and some new weatherstripping can make a big difference. And while you’re at it, replace that furnace filter so your system is ready to work efficiently all winter long.
6. Trim back trees and shrubs.
Heavy rain and wind are part of the deal here in the PNW, so make sure branches aren’t too close to your roof or power lines. A little pruning now can help prevent storm damage later.
Fall is one of my favorite seasons around here—those sunny, crisp days before the gray sets in are tough to beat. So after you knock out a few of these home to-dos, grab a warm drink, take a walk, and enjoy the season.
A little maintenance now means a lot less stress later—and your future self (and your gutters) will thank you.
