Temperatures are beginning to cool, leaves are turning and you’ve got that cozy feeling. It can only mean one thing: fall is here (and winter is coming)!

With the changing of seasons also comes the need to get everything in good working order before freeze up!

Follow our tips to get your home and yard ready for next spring.

1. Clean Up

Your summer furniture served you so well, but it's time to pack everything away so it won’t fall prey to the rapidly declining temperatures! Clean your outdoor furniture and store it in a dry space. If you’re short on storage space tuck it away in a corner and use a furniture cover to keep it protected, or consider investing in a shed to help with your storage needs.

Next, it’s time to clean up those dead leaves and plant debris. Rake your lawn, or use a leaf blower to speed up the process. Be sure to grab your ladder and clean out those gutters. Safety is important, so make sure you’re using the right ladder for the job.

2. Yard and Garden

Now, get your lawn ready for winter! Once the leaves have been raked and cleaned up from your lawn, complete your final lawn mowing of the season. Aim to do the last mowing to about 5 cm.

Be sure to take extra care to properly store your lawn mower, and winterize any other motorized tools.

You’ll also want to remove spent annual flowers and vegetable plants, prune dead tree branches and cover shrubs with burlap to protect them through the cold weather.

3. Winterize Summer Appliances and Machinery

Just like preparing your mower for winter storage, do the same for your summer appliances like BBQs, grills, heaters and anything else you won't be using for the next few months. Make sure you do a thorough clean, replace any burners if necessary, store the propane tank in a safe area and tuck the appliance away somewhere dry for its hibernation.

Finally, turn off all exterior spigots, remove all outdoor garden hoses, drain and store them.

4. Get Equipped for the Cold

With everything outside prepped, it’s time to make sure you’re fully stocked for the season ahead. Make sure you’ve stocked up on shovels, ice melt, snow throwers and anything else you might need to weatherproof your yard and walkways during snow season.

If you’re looking for ideas on storing firewood, you can build your own firewood shelter to provide storage and easy access to your firewood during the winter months.

5. Check the Safety of Your Home

Outside – check! Now, time to head inside and make sure everything is in working order. Assess any repairs that might need to be made while the weather is warmer, like garage doors, window repairs or door replacement.

Ensure all your alarms and fire extinguishers are in working order and follow our handy guide on fire prevention safety tips and placement. Finally, make sure your air filters are cold-weather ready and change your filters before the cold weather sets in, as this is when your HVAC unit usage is highest.

6. Keep the Heat in

Make your home feel warmer without turning up the heat! The best time to weatherize your home is late summer/early fall when your house is more accessible. Make sure you use the opportunity now to weatherize your doors and windows, check the insulation of your home and keep the precious heat in this winter.

Get everything you need to get set for winter with help from your Local Co-op Home Centre!