October begins with beautiful, crisp mornings and ends with a fright. For some of us, the fright isn’t Halloween, it’s knowing the busy holiday season is on us. Work your way through our checklist of tricks and treats for your October home. By the end of the month, you’ll be fearless.
1. Make Sure Your Porch is Safe
Before trick-or-treaters are ringing your doorbell this month, make sure your exterior porch lights are in working order, and you have sufficient lighting. Decorative pumpkins and Jack-o-lanterns should be kept clear of your steps and doorway.
2. Clean Your Gutters
Make sure your gutters and downspouts are ready for Mother Nature. After most of the leaves have fallen, take time to clear out debris from your gutters. Water should flow through your gutters and downspouts easily and away from your home’s foundation. If your home is more than one story, consider hiring a pro.
Clean Your Gutters Like a Boss
3. Check for Roof and Siding Damage
If you see any damaged areas to your roof, siding or shingles, it is important to take care of the problem before winter storms come through. Keep an eye out for missing, cracked, or warped shingles or siding. Consider a roof inspection with a local inspector from a reputable company like BPG Inspections.
4. Give Your Porch a Makeover
Refresh pots with fall flowers, clean front windows and use a broom or soft brush to clean up siding. An armful of decorative gourds and pumpkins makes an easy display that will last all month. For front porch decorating ideas, check out How to Haunt Your Home on a Budget.
5. Check Safety Devices
Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector, as well as smoke detectors positioned throughout the house. Take a moment to test that yours are in working order, and change batteries if needed. According to safety.com, smoke detectors should be installed on every level of your home to detect rising smoke. They should be placed inside or directly outside of each bedroom and common areas, and in laundry rooms and kitchens where fires can originate.
6. Go Shopping, But Only for Certain Things
With Black Friday around the corner, you won’t find deals on things like electronics and appliances this month. However, October is a great month to shop for jeans, outdoor patio furniture, yard equipment, outdoor sporting equipment, and certain camping equipment.
7. Scrub and Store Outdoor Furniture and Tools
Rather than leave your outdoor furniture outdoors all winter, put it away in a shed or the basement. This month, make a plan to clean your gardening tools and put them away neatly. Your “spring” self will thank you for the effort.
Don’t be afraid to tackle these Tricks and Treats for Your October Home. Before you know it, you’ll be watching little goblins make their way onto your front porch.