As the nights grow a little chillier and you realize there are only a few weeks left at the beach or for pool time, it hits you—fall is almost here. That means cozy days and pumpkin spice lattes are just around the corner. But before the festivities begin, and life gets busy with back-to-school plans, sports, and other social obligations, it’s crucial to take some time out for yourself and your home. Here are seven areas you should clean before fall begins—you'll be glad you did!
Windows and Window Sills
According to Robin Murphy, cleaning professional at Maid Brigade Westchester, it’s a smart idea to give your windows and window sills a good wipe down. “Clean windows let in more light, which helps brighten up your home as the days get shorter," Murphy explains. "Use microfiber cloths because they work great for both windows and sills.”
Air Vents and Filters
No one wants to walk into a house and feel like they can’t breathe or that the air is filled with dust. One of the easiest ways to prevent this problem is to make sure your HVAC is in good working order. Murphy recommends changing the filters seasonally for optimal air quality. “Clean vents and air filters allow better airflow and improve air quality as you prepare for cooler weather,” she says.
Entryways and Mudrooms
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Giving your entryway or mudroom some attention not only helps you stay more organized but also makes you feel good when you walk into your home. “A clean and organized entry area prevents dirt and clutter from spreading throughout the house,” says Murphy.
She recommends investing in baskets and bins to control clutter and stay organized. “They allow easy access to items and maximize space," she explains.
Dusty Nooks and Crannies
Summer can bring in lots of dirt, dust, and even sand if you spend a lot of time at the beach. Logan Taylor, founder of The Dazzle Cleaning Company, says a deep dusting is essential this time of year.
“With your vacuum hose, vacuum under couch cushions and behind and under any furniture that doesn’t sit directly on the floor," he suggests. "This is always a good thing to do, but if you have hard floors of any sort, it is even more important because that dust will continue to circulate around your home until it is removed. Carpet traps it quite a bit more.”
Outdoor Areas and Outdoor Furniture
You might still be able to enjoy your patio or deck in the fall, but Taylor suggests giving this space a very good cleaning prior to that first frost hitting. “It’s amazing how busy fall gets, and while you’ll want to give them another scrub down in the fall, it will be that much easier if the grime hasn't been building up for months," he notes.
And don’t forget to hose down or power wash your patio furniture!
Bedrooms Closets
One of Taylor’s favorite pre-fall cleaning projects is a mini closet reset. “Any summer clothes that you haven’t worn this summer are clothes you will likely never wear again, so donate them so that someone else can wear them," he says.
An overcrowded closet is tough to navigate—get rid of what you don’t wear so that you can easily see and find what you do wear. "And finally, pull out any stored fall and winter clothes and let them take their rightful place for the coming season," Taylor adds.
Coat Closet and Seasonal Storage Areas
Wendy Zanders, a professional organizer who specializes in helping neurodivergent individuals, military families, and seniors, says that decluttering and organizing your coat closet or seasonal storage is something you should definitely do before you drink your first pumpkin spice latte.
“If summer items are still mixed in with winter gear, mornings get chaotic fast," she says. "Families end up digging for what they need and feeling frustrated like a daily treasure hunt. Instead, we sort, donate what we don't need, and store off-season items so fall and winter essentials are front and center.”
While this might seem daunting, Zanders notes that breaking it down one category at a time and making sure things still fit and are in working order can make the process much easier. Finally, ensure everything is labeled properly and stored in appropriate bins.
Read more at Real Simple
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