Fall is Here, Now What?

Home Tips & Tricks
October 1, 2013

Summer in Calgary decided to make an elegant appearance this year, arriving a month later than anticipated! So the fact that Fall is already here feels a bit premature to some of us. With this in mind, we thought we’d put together a quick check list of things to do now that Autumn is here to stay.

1. Swap out bedding

Pull out the quilts, wash or dry-clean them and then tuck them across the foot of each bed. You’ll be prepared for the first chilly night of the season. It’s also a good time to turn mattresses front-to-back and end-to-end to equalize wear.

2. Accessorize

  • Why not get a bit festive andadd a wreath onto your front door (later this month we will be blogging some wreath inspired ideas).
  • Put together some dramatic fruit and outdoor inspired arrangements.
  • Swap out the cushions around the home. This year, we’re trying out the “scarlet and saffron” and “Raspberry and Pear” combination. Aqua and chocolate combinations are also very popular this Fall.

3. Add rugs

Rugs not only create warmth and coziness on a chilly night, but they’re also fantastic for defining spaces within open-plan rooms. Rugs also add that extra burst of colour around the home! This ideabook, created by the talented Houzz team, showcases gorgeous rugs for every room in the house.

4. Clean out the garage

Let’s face it, in winter we want to spend as little time outdoors so be prepared by cleaning out your garage so you can drive straight in and out!

5. Check your heating

Make sure that everything is operating at its optimum and that furnace filters don’t need replacing. If you have a gas-fired room heater, have it inspected by a pro. Also perform any routine maintenance recommended by the maker. Check fireplaces for soot or creosote build-up.

6. Get your mind in the gutters!

Your roof's drainage system annually diverts thousands of gallons of water from your home's exterior and foundation walls. That's why it's so important to keep this system flowing smoothly. Clogged gutters can lead to damaged exterior surfaces and to water in your basement. They are also more prone to rust and corrosion. Before the leaves fly this fall, have your gutters cleaned, then covered with mesh guards to keep debris from returning.

Do you have any other Fall maintenance tips and tricks? Share with us on Facebook for a chance to win an Autumn prize.