With school started and summer vacations over, there’s a lot on the list these days–but its important not to neglect some things that should be done around the home. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our September Home Checklist. We’re all about making life easier, and sometimes a homeowner just needs a little refresher on things that should be done this time of year. At the bottom of this blog post, you can copy and paste the list into a separate document to view/print whenever you need!

Your September Home Checklist

Inspect Roof and Gutters

It’s generally fine to wait until all the leaves have fallen to clean out the gutters and downspouts, but giving these areas a quick visual inspection now is a good idea. Pull out any sticks or other debris blocking the gutters, and make note of any worn-out seals around vent pipes and chimneys. If you do not feel comfortable on a ladder, or have a home of two or more stories, hire someone to do a quick inspection for you. Best to scheduled any needed repairs now so you’re ready for winter!

Clean Your Chimney

With the temperature cooling down, you’re going to be ready to light your fireplace. But before your first toasty flames of the season, make sure your chimney has been cleaned.

“Built-up soot in your chimney can increase your risk of a chimney fire, and a clogged chimney can also increase the presence of carbon monoxide in your home by not allowing it to escape when you have a fire burning in the fireplace,” says Lindsey Pasieka of ConsumerSafety.org.

Organize your Entryway

Fall is a busy time of year, and with all the comings and goings, you’ll want a nice and organized front entrance to start you off right. Think about what’s working for your space and what isn’t. Do you need extra hooks or shelves? And how is the carpet looking these days?

Add or Replace Weather Stripping

You probably won’t notice a drafty door or window until the weather becomes cold. But if you wait until then to replace old and ineffective weatherstripping, you may regret it–brrrr. So set aside a pleasant September day to do the job and make your life that much easier.

Declutter your garage or storage space

Take advantage of the shortening days by devoting some after-dinner time to cleaning out your storage space. Sort through items you no longer want or need. If you haven’t used something in a year, maybe it’s time to let it go. Once you see how much stuff you no longer want, decide whether to give it away or sell it at a garage sale on a a beautiful September day.

Give your Heating System a Tune Up

The middle of the night in the dead of winter is not a time you want to be stuck calling a heating specialist. Get this maintenance out of the way early so you can be carefree and cozy warm over the winter. It’s worth it!

Create a dedicated Homework Zone

Tired of schoolbooks and papers scattered over the kitchen island or coffee table? Find a nook in your home to create a dedicated homework space for your children. A small desk and little bit of storage can go a long way and keep things peaceful around the home.

Trim Branches that are Too Close for Comfort

With all the growth that happens over Spring and Summer, it’s a good idea to keep an eye in the sky and surrounding the surroundings of your home and power lines. Trim any branches growing near your roof, especially dead branches that overhang it. Not only are dead branches more flammable than live ones, but they’re also more likely to fall in a wind or snow storm and cause considerable damage to your roof, chimney, and gutters.

If you don’t have the proper tools or safety gear for the job — hire someone!

Check safety devices – smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, etc.

Last but not least, this one always makes our lists. Safety is always our number one priority! Press and hold the test button on the smoke detector. It can take a few seconds to begin, but a loud, ear-piercing siren should emanate from the smoke detector while the button is pressed. If the sound is weak or nonexistent, replace your batteries.

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