Fall is more than just pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters. It’s the season to ready your home, yard, and gear before winter arrives. A little time spent now will save you from mid-winter headaches and chilly “Why didn’t we do this sooner?” moments.
Here’s what to check off this fall so your home stays warm, safe, and efficient all season.
Home Maintenance
📸: Barbara R. of the Puyallup, WA area
1. Schedule HVAC & Furnace Maintenance
A fall HVAC inspection can catch small problems (like worn belts) before they turn into a mid-winter breakdown.
Also, keep extra furnace filters on hand so you can swap them out every 1–3 months. If you use a programmable thermostat, check the batteries or replace them.
2. Test Safety Systems
Cold-weather months mean more time indoors and more use of heating appliances, which can increase the risk of fire or carbon monoxide buildup. Test smoke detectors, swap in fresh batteries, check CO detectors, and make sure your fire extinguishers are easy to access and in good working order.
This is also a good time to check surge protectors. Appliances like microwaves and electronics should be plugged into surge protectors to prevent damage during power surges.
3. Seal Drafts & Weatherproof Windows and Doors
Even a small draft can make your furnace work overtime. Walk around your home and check for air leaks near windows and doors.
Caulk cracks, replace worn weather stripping, and consider adding a door sweep to keep warm air in and cold air out.
>> Shop Wilco Tools, Hardware, & DIY for these supplies and more.
4. Clean Before Cold Weather
Once the windows are shut for the season, dust, pet dander, and other allergens can build up quickly. Deep clean floors, furniture, and vents now to make winter cleaning easier.
If you have pets, wash their bedding and favorite spots, too.
5. Prep Your Pets for Winter
The holiday season can be stressful for anxious pets, especially with visitors, travel, or changes in routine. Start calming aides early so they have time to take effect.
Don’t skip flea and tick treatments either. Wildlife moving into lower elevations during cold weather can bring pests into your yard.
6. Inspect Roof, Gutters, Chimneys, and Heating Stoves
Leaves and debris left in gutters will block water flow and lead to ice dams once freezing temps hit. Clear them out now, then give your roof a quick once-over for missing shingles or damaged flashing.
If you have a chimney, a wood stove, or pellet stove, schedule a cleaning before your first fire of the season.
7. Look for Pest Entry Points
Fall is when mice and rats start looking for warm shelter, but they’re not the only ones. You may also notice more spiders, ants, and moisture-loving insects like earwigs and silverfish moving indoors as temperatures drop.
Walk around your home and seal any gaps around foundations, vents, and utility lines. Remember, a hole the size of a dime is big enough for a mouse to squeeze through, and even smaller cracks can be entry points for insects.
To make your home less inviting, repair torn window screens, add door sweeps, and store food in sealed containers.
Read Fall Rodent Pest Prevention and Getting Rid of Moisture-Loving Insects for more tips.
8. Inspect & Repair Your Home’s Exterior Surfaces
Check siding and paint for damage and reseal or touch up before the wet season. Walk your patio, driveway, and sidewalks for cracks. Repair them before freezing water makes them worse.
Treat moss on roofs and walkways to prevent slippery buildup in winter.
9. Get Ready for Winter Storms
Big storms can mean power outages, icy roads, and limited supply access. Stock up on non-perishable food, drinking water, batteries, and extra pet supplies. Keep flashlights, blankets, and a first-aid kit in an easy-to-reach spot.
Add outdoor mats or treads to high-traffic areas to improve traction and prevent slips when conditions get muddy or icy.
If you live in a rural area, consider fuel for generators, propane for heating, and sand or ice melt for walkways. Also, check that your snow shovels and ice scrapers are in good shape.
For a more comprehensive list of supplies, check out Winter Storm Prep.
Yard & Garden
📸: Ashley G. of the Oregon City, OR area
1. Prepare Lawn for Winter
Healthy grass starts in the fall. Aerating loosens compacted soil so water and nutrients reach the roots. Overseeding fills in bare spots, and a good fall fertilizer helps your lawn store energy for winter and bounce back faster in spring.
Plan your final mow just before the first hard frost. Cut the grass slightly shorter than usual – around 2 to 2.5 inches – to reduce the chance of snow mold while still protecting the roots. But don’t cut it too short since that can stress the lawn before winter dormancy.
Check out Overseeding Your Lawn in the Fall and Planting a New Lawn in the Fall for more tips.
2. Garden Cleanup & Winterizing
Clear out dead plants and spent annuals to prevent pests (like slugs and stink bugs) and disease from overwintering. Add mulch around perennials to insulate roots, and tidy up raised beds so they’re ready for planting when the ground warms.
Read our garden guides for a deeper dive into fall garden prep:
- • How to Transition to a Fall Garden
- • Planting Bulbs in Fall for a Colorful Spring Bloom
- • Fall Planting Guide: September-December
3. Prune Trees & Shrubs
Late fall pruning keeps trees and shrubs strong through winter storms. Remove weak or crossing branches, and trim anything hanging over walkways, roofs, or driveways. This helps prevent breakage when heavy snow or ice hits.
>> Shop Wilco Outdoor Tools & Equipment for everything you need.
4. Secure Outdoor Plants & Equipment
Give your plants a fighting chance against frost with covers, burlap wraps, or insulated plant jackets. Bring delicate potted plants inside, and drain or store hoses and watering tools to prevent freeze damage.
If you have outdoor pottery that isn’t freeze-proof, bring it indoors or store it in a sheltered space to avoid cracking.
5. Install Hose Bib Covers & Foundation Vent Plugs
Before the first frost, protect outdoor faucets with insulated hose bib covers to prevent frozen pipes.
In homes with crawl spaces, foundation vent plugs help block cold air, protect pipes under the house, and keep floors warmer.
6. Stock Bird Feeders and Protect Birdbaths
Setting up now means birds will learn where to find food and water before winter hits, making your yard a reliable stop in their daily route.
Start by cleaning feeders to remove mold or old seed, then refill with fresh food suited to your local species. Inspect birdbaths for cracks, and add a heater or de-icer to keep water from freezing.
For more help, check out:
7. Take Care of Your Mailbox
Lubricate metal flags and hinges, check that it’s solid and level, and make sure reflective numbers or decals are still visible. Inspect for rust and repaint with rust-resistant paint, or apply a fresh paint or stain to wooden boxes.
Bonus: Keep High Visibility Gear Ready for Shorter Days
With daylight hours shrinking, keep high-visibility gear handy for family or dog walks or outdoor chores before and after work.
Outdoor Equipment & Furniture Storage
1. Store or Cover Outdoor Furniture
Before storing your patio set, benches, and outdoor décor, give them a quick clean. Wipe off dirt, wash cushions, and let everything dry thoroughly to prevent mold.
If you’re leaving your grill furniture outside, cover it with a sturdy tarp or fitted cover to protect it from rain, snow, and UV damage.
2. Prep Seasonal Equipment for Storage
Before putting mowers, trimmers, and other warm-weather tools away, take care of the fuel. You can either drain the tank to prevent gumming and corrosion, or treat the fuel with a stabilizer like Sta-Bil Fuel Stabilizer so it stays fresh until spring.
Also, clean off grass clippings or dirt, and sharpen and oil blades so your equipment is ready to go as soon as the weather warms.
3. Check Cold-Weather Tools
Get ahead of the first freeze by testing your snow blower, generator, and chainsaw. This is the time to refill fuel, stock extra propane, and make sure everything starts up easily.
Tip: You can fill your propane tank at select Wilco Farm Stores. They also offer a full range of heaters for homes and shops, as well as firewood and stove pellets.
Have a propane tank for home heating? Wilco Fuels offers bulk propane service and delivery in select areas of the Willamette Valley.
Bonus: Have Gloves Handy
Before the cold sets in, make sure you have a warm, durable pair of gloves on hand for outdoor work or scraping ice off windshields. Keep a backup pair in the garage or vehicle so you’re never without cold protection.
Auto & Vehicle Maintenance
📸: Porcia I. of the Battle Ground, WA area
1. Inspect Tires & Brakes
If you swap to winter or all-weather tires, now’s the time to make the switch. Even if you keep your current set, check the tread depth and look for uneven wear. Cold air lowers tire pressure, so top them off to the recommended PSI.
While you’re at it, have your brakes inspected so you’re ready for slick roads.
2. Test the Battery & Replace Wiper Blades
Cold temps can drain your battery faster, so have it tested to be sure it’s holding a charge. If it’s more than three years old, consider replacing it before the first freeze.
Also, swap out worn wiper blades for new ones so you’re ready for rain, sleet, or snow.
3. Check Fluids
Top off or replace fluids to handle winter conditions. That includes antifreeze to protect your engine, fresh oil for smoother cold starts, and winter-grade windshield washer fluid to keep your view clear in freezing temps.
4. Protect Your Engine from Rodents
As the weather cools, mice and rats often crawl into warm engine compartments to nest. Unfortunately, they can chew wires and cause costly damage. To lower the risk, park inside a garage when possible, keep food and pet feed sealed, and check under the hood if your vehicle has been sitting for a while.
For more tips, see Keeping Rodents Out of Engine Compartments.
5. Pack a Winter Emergency Car Kit
If you get stranded in winter weather, having the right supplies will make all the difference. Keep blankets, a flashlight, extra batteries, snacks, water, a small shovel, and sand or kitty litter for traction.
See Create a Winter Emergency Car Kit for a full checklist of must-have items.
Bonus: Energy-Saving Upgrades for Fall
📸: Caasie P. of the Springfield, OR
Fall is the perfect time to make small changes that pay off all winter.
1. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat learns your schedule and adjusts the heat automatically, so you’re not wasting energy when you’re away or asleep. Many models can be controlled from your phone, making it easy to fine-tune your comfort level.
2. Switch to LED Lighting
Shorter days mean more lights on in the house. LED bulbs use less energy and last much longer than traditional bulbs, making them a simple, cost-effective swap.
3. Add or Upgrade Insulation
Extra insulation in your attic, walls, or crawl space helps keep heat inside, reducing the strain on your furnace. Even sealing small gaps around doors, windows, and vents can make a big difference.
Read Water & Energy Conservation for Your Home for more energy efficiency tips!
From Checklist to Cozy Season
Whether sealing up drafts, tuning up the snow blower, or getting your bird feeders ready, each small task makes winter a little warmer and much more manageable.
Visit your local Wilco Farm Store or shop online for tools, materials, and know-how to prepare you for whatever the season brings. Stop in, stock up, and talk to a Wilco specialist about your fall maintenance and prep needs!
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