Call Or Text Me Anytime 206-713-6506

Fall Home Maintenance Hacks

A Simple Checklist

I love a good checklist, especially one with cute little boxes I can mark up as I go. There’s something so satisfying about checking things off, right? My team and I were just talking about the magic of a to-do list the other day, and since I was planning one for fall, I thought I’d share it with all of you. With a few fun twists and tricks, I’ve picked up to make it a little easier (and dare I say more enjoyable) to keep our homes cozy and safe through the winter.

1. Clean Those Gutters (With a Twist!)

Every fall checklist starts with gutter cleaning. It’s a must to keep rainwater flowing smoothly, especially in the PNW! I’ve found that a child’s plastic shovel or my trusty gardening trowel fits perfectly in the gutter, making the job faster and a lot less messy than scooping with my hands. And for those dry, leaf-filled days, I’ve discovered an attachment for my leaf blower that lets me stay grounded (literally) while blasting the leaves right out of the gutter. You can find these attachments on Amazon or at most hardware stores.

2. Leaf Removal: Beyond the Rake

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:

The Tarp Trick: Blow the leaves onto a tarp, then drag it to where they need to go. I learned that a smaller tarp works best (bigger tarps get heavy with wet leaves and pinecones, believe me I KNOW!).
Mulching Mower or Leaf Vacuum: These work well for small, dry leaves, but here in the PNW, leaves are often mixed with pine cones and branches, which can jam up these tools.
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 lets me scoop up piles quickly without bending over a hundred times. Easy on the back, and the leaves get right where they need to go!

3. Disconnect and Protect Hoses and Outdoor Faucets

As temperatures drop, take a few minutes to disconnect hoses, drain out any excess water, and cover hose bibs with insulating covers. This prevents freezing and cracking, which can lead to leaks or bursts. For any unused outbuildings, consider shutting off the main water intake and leaving cabinet doors open around sinks to allow warmer air to circulate.

4. Easy Furnace Filter Reminders

Fall is the perfect time to change your furnace filter, but I kept forgetting until I found a subscription service. Now, they send me a new filter every 3–4 months, giving me the nudge I need to change it out. Cleaner filters mean better air quality and less strain on the furnace as we head into winter.

5. Keep the Warm Air In: Weather Stripping

This one’s a classic but always worth a reminder. Check your windows and doors for any drafts and add weather stripping to seal them up. It’s a small step with a big impact on keeping the cozy air in and the chilly air out

6. Chimney Sweep Time

If you use a fireplace, now’s the time to schedule a chimney cleaning. You don’t want any leftover debris from last season’s fires causing trouble this winter. It’s a straightforward task but a crucial one for safety and peace of mind.

7. Have Fun and Share the Load!

Owning a home should be fun and exciting, even when it comes to maintenance. I hope these little hacks make things easier, but I’d love to hear any tips you all have. Let’s keep our homes safe and cozy this season with minimal hassle and maximum enjoyment!

Maureen Briere

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!