[This article was first published in September 2021 and has been revised and expanded.]
Fall is just around the corner and, though it may still feel like summer, the time for fall home prep is here. Along with yard waste and junk removal.
For some folks, depending on where you live, it may already be time for winterizing, as well. For most of us, however, it's largely time to 'pick up' and clean up after the long summer months
Home Preparation and Yard Waste and Other Fall Junk Removal Tasks
Fall is upon us and winter won't be too far away. But, with the time change and the end of Daylight Saving Time happening on November 5th, the days will get abruptly shorter.
So, now is the time to jump into your fall home preparation tasks so you can be ready for winter and any additional winterizing tasks you may need to later on.
According to an article from The Weather Channel,
As you would expect, the median date when northern climates historically see their first measurable snow or high temperature 32 degrees or lower is before winter officially begins.
For parts of northern Canada and Alaska, the median date is long before the official start of winter, occurring in September or even earlier.
Farther south, the median date for the arrival of the first winter weather conditions of the season is before Dec. 1 in a swath from the Northeast westward through the Midwest and into parts of the Rockies and Northwest.
The article goes on to note that winter conditions "officially" start December 1st in much of the South, since the median date of the first measurable snow or first high temperature 32 degrees or lower is after that date. In some years, parts of the South never see measurable snow or a high temperature 32 degrees or lower.
Okay, so it may still feel like summer right now where you live. We get it.
In fact, it's in the 70s and 80s in most of the country in mid-September, and even 90s in many places throughout the Southwest, into Texas, and across the Southeast into Florida. Even New England is looking to usher in fall with balmy temperatures in the 70s.
But this, too, shall pass.
And with so much else going on between the seemingly never-ending threat of COVID-19 variants, multiple major league sports in progress, and getting in those last weekend trips or mini-vacations, who wants to think about prepping their homes, let alone be out there figuring out what needs to be done?
Fall Home Prep: Figuring Out What Needs to Be Done
The truth is, however, that although many homeowners and renters are familiar with the need to winterize their homes - especially in snow-heavy and sub-zero regions - but in the fall?
Not so much.
Which is why we put together this handy checklist to offer some tips and friendly reminders for what to look for and address in the fall when prepping your home for the change in seasons.
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Quick Tips and Hacks for Fall Home Prep
As the leaves start to change colors and the temperatures begin to drop, it's a clear sign that fall is on its way. And to help ensure your home is cozy, comfortable, and ready for the season, it's essential to prepare in advance.
With that in mind, here are some simple tips to help you get your home ready for fall.
1. Check and Clean Your Gutters: Falling leaves and debris can quickly clog your gutters, leading to water damage and potential leaks. Before the heavy rains of fall arrive, clean out your gutters and make sure they're in good working condition. Consider installing gutter guards to prevent future clogs.
2. Inspect Your Heating System: The last thing you want is for your heating system to fail on a chilly autumn day. Schedule a professional inspection to ensure your furnace or heating system is in top shape. Change the air filters and consider having your air ducts cleaned for better indoor air quality.
3. Seal Any Gaps and Cracks: Inspect your windows and doors for gaps and cracks that could let cold air in and warm air out. Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal these openings, which will help improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs.
4. Service Your Fireplace: If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, now is the time to have it inspected and cleaned. Remove any creosote buildup from the chimney to prevent chimney fires. Ensure you have a good supply of seasoned firewood ready for cozy nights by the fire.
5. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Safety should always be a priority. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning correctly. Replace the batteries if needed and consider upgrading to smart detectors for added peace of mind.
6. Store Outdoor Furniture: As the weather cools down, it's a good idea to store or cover your outdoor furniture and grill to protect them from the elements. Proper storage will help prolong their lifespan and keep them looking great for next year.
7. Clean and Store Summer Gear: Sort through your summer gear, like gardening tools and outdoor toys, and clean them before storing them away. This will make it easier to find everything when spring rolls around again.
8. Prepare Your Garden: Fall is an excellent time for garden maintenance. Trim back overgrown bushes and perennials, plant fall flowers, and mulch your garden beds to protect them from winter frost.
9. Stock Up on Fall Essentials: Ensure you have the essentials for fall, such as warm blankets, cozy throws, and fall-scented candles. These items will not only add a touch of seasonal décor to your home but also keep you warm and comfortable.
10. Decorate for Fall: Finally, embrace the season by decorating your home with autumnal touches like pumpkins, gourds, and fall wreaths. These simple additions can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your family and guests.
By following these simple tips, you can prepare your home for the beauty and comfort of fall.
Dealing with Fall Yard Waste Removal
One of the best things about most regions of the United States is that when lawns are properly prepared during the last weeks of fall, they need little else until spring arrives.
Which means that, for now, all you really need to take care of is the yard waste and other outdoor junk removal.
And the good news is that you don't have to do fall yard waste removal yourself. We understand that all that loading, and covering loads, and hauling loads, and dumping loads can be difficult and tiresome.
Which is why we say that getting rid of all the yard waste and other junk doesn't have to be a DIY task.
When you call Junk King our friendly and professional team will come and remove those large bags of yard waste and other junk items you need hauled away. In fact, we specialize in yard waste and junk removal, so we can make quick work of the pick up and disposal.
And, no matter what kind of debris or junk you end up having us take, we guarantee it will be disposed of in the most environmentally friendly manner possible.
Because being green is what we do!
Taking Care of Your Yard Waste and Junk Removal for You
Once you decide to outsource the yard waste and junk removal part of your fall home preparation, you need to determine which firm is the right one for the job. And, while you can certainly find some guy with a truck willing to do the job, choosing that alternative may end up costing you more than you hoped to save.
This is why Junk King really is your best local choice.
Junk King provides efficient, safe, and eco-friendly junk and yard waste disposal services so you don’t need to worry about the pick up or disposal of the debris after your home prep project is complete.
And, no matter whether you need our services several times during your project or just once after it is complete, our hauling professionals will ensure that all your junk and debris is out of your way so that you can get on with your life this fall.
Our Junk King team specializes in all types of residential junk removal.
We can be at your home in mere minutes, so call us today! Our crew is fully insured and highly trained, so you can trust them to get rid of your unwanted items in a professional and courteous fashion.
One of the best things about hiring Junk King is that we recycle a much of the material we pick up. This is proof of our commitment to being an eco-friendly removal service.
If you're ready to get rid of that yard debris just give us a call at 1.888.888.JUNK (5865).
