Fall is the perfect time to refresh your home. The weather is turning cooler, holidays are drawing nearer, and you’ll likely be spending a lot more time indoors. So it makes sense to prepare now, but where do you start? Here are five tips for fall cleaning and organizing.

1. Clean Heaters, Chimneys, and Vents

Fall weather is notoriously unpredictable. So it’s best to prepare now for chilly weather.

Cleaning baseboard heaters and chimneys, and replacing filters should all be part of your fall cleaning routine. That way, you’ll be ready to turn on the heat when the air turns cold. 

Fall is also a good time to clean your dryer vent. You’ll soon be spending a lot more time indoors, and you don’t want a clogged dryer vent to become a fire hazard. 

2. Banish the Dust

If a bit of dust has accumulated on your windowsills, under furniture, or on shelves, it may not bother you too much in the summer because you’re still getting lots of fresh air. However, with the cooler weather, you’re likely to spend a lot more time inside with the windows shut. So it makes sense to banish all that dust now.

Remember to check hidden areas like light fixtures, the top of ceiling fan blades, and behind furniture. And don’t forget to wash rugs and shampoo carpets, too!

3. Clean and Organize Places That Will Be Uncomfortable Later

There’s a good chance you haven’t set foot in your attic all summer, and who could blame you? It’s probably 120 degrees up there! But if you wait until winter, it’ll be too cold to stand. That’s why fall is a great time to clean places that will be uncomfortable later. 

Your basement, attic, and shed are all places you should clean and organize in the fall. The temperature will be tolerable, and you’ll need the storage space to swap out your summer and fall items. So give these places a thorough cleaning, and sort through the items you have stored. If there’s anything you aren’t using, fall is a great time to sell or donate those items.

4. Store Summer Items

Now that you’ve tackled your storage spaces, it’s time to put your summer items away. Begin outdoors, and give all your summer furniture and equipment a good cleaning. Then, pack up sports equipment, pool floats, and other summer items until next year.

After that, move indoors and get to work on your closets. Set aside anything you haven’t worn to sell or donate. Then, put away your summer clothes and shoes and replace them with your fall and winter wardrobe.

5. Change Your Linens

It’s time to transition from light, summer linens to cozier sheets and blankets. Fall is also a good time to check your linens to see if any need to be replaced. And don’t forget the guest rooms! Spruce them up before your holiday guests arrive. 

To prepare for fall, remove and wash your summer linens and put them away until next year. Then, replace them with fall linens like flannel sheets. They’ll keep you warm and cozy on cold nights. And they’re breathable enough to be comfortable on warm nights, too.

Do you need new sheets to prepare for fall? Check out our Ultimate Guide for Buying New Bed Sheets.