I love a good checklist, especially one with little boxes I can mark as I go ✔️. There’s something so satisfying about checking things off, and fall in the Pacific Northwest is the perfect time to do it. The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and before the rain really sets in, it’s smart to get your home ready for the season ahead. From clearing gutters to cozy weather-proofing hacks, here’s my simple fall home maintenance checklist to help you save time, protect your home, and keep things running smoothly all winter long.
No one loves gutter duty, but it’s one of the most important fall home chores in the Pacific Northwest. Our rainy season can fill them fast, and clogged gutters mean overflowing water, potential leaks, and even foundation damage. My hack? Skip the ladder when you can. I use a simple gutter cleaning attachment for my leaf blower, and it makes the job much quicker (and a little less messy). You can find these at local hardware stores or online—and trust me, it’s worth it.
I love blowing leaves into neat piles, but getting them from pile to bin or compost? Not so much. Here’s what I’ve tried over the years here in the PNW (some wins, some fails):
The Tarp Trick: Blow the leaves onto a tarp, then drag it to where they need to go. I’ve found a smaller tarp works best—bigger ones get way too heavy with wet leaves and pinecones (believe me, I KNOW!).
Mulching Mower or Leaf Vacuum: These are great for small, dry leaves, but in the Pacific Northwest, leaves are often mixed with pine cones and branches, which can jam them up fast.
My Favorite Hack – Janitorial Dustpan with Slam Rake: The winner for me is a large swivel-head dustpan (the kind you see in stores) paired with a sturdy rake. It scoops up piles quickly without bending over a hundred times. Easy on the back, and the leaves land exactly where they need to go!
This one’s quick but super important. In the Pacific Northwest, we don’t usually get months of hard freezes, but cold snaps do happen—and a forgotten hose can mean burst pipes.
Here’s my routine:
Disconnect hoses from all outdoor spigots before temps drop.
Drain them out and coil them up for the garage or shed.
Add faucet covers (cheap and easy to find at any hardware store). They help insulate and save you from costly repairs.
It only takes a few minutes, and trust me—it’s so much easier than dealing with frozen pipes in the middle of winter.
Nothing says fall like that first chilly morning when the heat kicks on. In the Pacific Northwest, it’s easy to forget about your furnace until you really need it—but a dirty filter makes it work harder (and can raise your energy bills).
💡 My tip:
Swap your filter at the start of every season, or at least before the heavy-use months.
If you have pets, you may need to change it more often—fur and dust build up fast.
Set a reminder on your phone so you don’t forget (future you will be grateful!).
A clean filter keeps the air fresh, helps your furnace run efficiently, and gives you peace of mind before winter really sets in.
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, nothing beats the cozy crackle on a cool PNW evening. But before you light that first fire, make sure your chimney is clean and safe.
Why it matters:
Creosote (a sticky byproduct of burning wood) builds up over time and can cause dangerous chimney fires.
Birds and critters sometimes make nests in chimneys during the summer—best to clear them out before you use it.
A sweep will also check for cracks or blockages that could push smoke back into your home.
👉 My routine: I call a chimney sweep every fall so I can enjoy my fireplace all season without worry. It’s a small expense that makes a big difference in safety and peace of mind. Reach out if you could use some recommendations.
Fall is the perfect time to give your yard a little TLC before winter rolls in. In the Pacific Northwest, that means getting ahead of soggy lawns, heavy winds, and surprise frosts. (plus its not too hot for yard work anymore)
Here’s what I like to do:
Trim back shrubs and perennials so they come back healthy in spring.
Rake or mulch leaves to keep your grass from smothering.
Protect delicate plants with burlap or frost covers on extra chilly nights.
Drain and store garden tools so they don’t rust in the damp weather.
It’s a bit of work now, but come spring, you’ll be so glad you did. Plus, it makes those cozy evenings inside feel even better knowing the outside is handled.
Owning a home should be fun and exciting, even when it comes to maintenance. I hope these little hacks make things easier, and I’d love to hear any tips you all have too. Fall homeownership in the Pacific Northwest doesn’t have to be overwhelming—just a few simple steps can keep your home safe, cozy, and ready for the season ahead.
So grab your checklist, enjoy the crisp air, and check off those boxes with minimal hassle and maximum enjoyment ✔️. And if you’re thinking about buying or selling this fall, I’d love to chat about how the market is shaping up in your neighborhood.
Hey there! I’m Maureen, a community blogger and Real Estate Broker at American Classic Homes Real Estate in the Pacific Northwest. Here to help you find your perfect home and share tips on living your best life in the PNW. Let’s come home together to the Pacific Northwest!
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