Fall for Prep: Getting Your Home Autumn-Ready

As the summer warmth fades into crisp mornings and colorful foliage, now is the perfect time to prep your home and garden for the cooler months ahead. A little work now can make the upcoming season cozy and stress-free.

1. Harvest Happiness

The Okanagan’s bounty of apples, pears, and squash is ready for picking. Beyond enjoying the fresh produce, it’s also a great time to preserve food for winter. Canning fruits and vegetables or freezing herbs adds convenience and flavor to your pantry during the colder months.

2. Garden Goodbye

Before frost arrives:
  • Clear out flower beds.
  • Remove annuals and pesky weeds.
  • Plant bulbs and mulch perennials for next year.
  • Add nutrients to your soil to support healthy growth when spring returns.

3. Comfort Checks

Inside your home, perform a fall checkup:
  • Inspect windows and doors for drafts.
  • Clean gutters to prevent leaks.
  • Schedule a furnace tune-up so your home is ready for chilly nights.

4. Fireplace Fundamentals

If you have a fireplace, now’s the time to prepare:
  • Wood-burning: Remove creosote buildup and stack wood for winter.
  • Gas: Have a professional inspect to ensure safe operation.
    A well-maintained fireplace brings warmth and ambiance to your home all season.

5. Storage Solutions

Don’t let fall chores get away from you:
  • Drain hoses and store garden tools.
  • Empty and clean planters.
  • Tidy up sheds and garages for easy access in spring.