If you live in Massachusetts, you’ve already mourned the unofficial end of summer this past Labor Day weekend. As we make our way into the fall season, it’s time to prepare your home for the upcoming winter weather. Over the past two years, we’ve had a record-breaking winter with huge amounts of snow and then a fairly gentle winter. Who knows what this winter will bring us! Play it safe and consider these Massachusetts fall home tasks over the next couple of months.
Store and Secure
As the weather gets colder and you spend less time entertaining outdoors, it’s time to put certain outdoor items and furnishings into storage. This includes furniture, temporary light fixtures, pots and plants, and decorative lawn items. Storing these items will prevent them from getting damaged during winter. Additionally, fall winds are less likely to turn these items into dangerous projectiles that will damage your property.
Check Your Home’s Exterior
Take a look around the exterior of your home for any repairs that need to be made. Look for loose siding, roof shingles, broken/loose handrails, faulty steps, etc. Don’t forget to also clear out your gutters after the leaves have fallen (to help prevent winter ice dams). Once the weather turns cold, it will be much more difficult to complete these repairs. Take care of them now while the weather is mild.
Seal It Up
Heating costs can get very high during Massachusetts winters, especially if you’re letting heat easily escape your home. Check the windows and doors around your home and seal any gaps. You may want to seal from both the outside and inside. If you have older wood windows, it may be time to swap out the screens for the storm window panes.
Stock Up on Supplies
It happens every year,… everyone rushes to the store right before an impending storm to fight over limited supplies. Don’t wait for the big rush. You know it will snow this winter and that you’ll need supplies. Make sure you have snow shovels, salt, etc. It’s also a good time to start pricing out bigger ticket items such as snow blowers. Fall is also a good time of year to purchase winter gear while plenty are in stock and available at discounted retailers.
Other Massachusetts Fall Home Preparation Tasks
In addition to the above, don’t forget your other routine Massachusetts fall home preparation tasks such as raking leaves and aerating your lawn. That work will payoff in the Spring. Winter can come gradually or in one quick swoop. Don’t wait to see what type of winter is ahead,… start preparing now to reduce your potential stress.
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