Goodbye Summer: End-of-Season To-Do List

While it may not feel like it outside here in the Ozarks, fall is on its way! In fact, the first day of autumn is TODAY! With school starting, fall sports in full swing, and just the hustle and bustle of life in general, many of us find ourselves tossing our summer toys back into the garage (see our tips on how to help get back control of your garage here), covering up the grill, and forgetting about the patio furniture altogether. It’s time for apples and pumpkins and bonfires, right? Before we say farewell to summer for good, it’s important to take time to clean up and store your gear properly to avoid an even bigger mess later on. Here’s our end-of-summer task list to help get your summer wrapped up nicely and get you ready to welcome the change of seasons (and maybe, just maybe…some nice, cooler weather).

1. Wipe down all outdoor furniture

Avoid rust, mold, mildew, and any build-up by simply wiping down your outdoor furniture before putting it away in storage. Spot clean your cushions, allowing them to dry completely before storing them (don’t forget this, as it’s an important step!) Scrub down your tabletops, and wipe down your chairs.

Giving your furniture a thorough cleaning now will keep it all in good condition and looking great for next summer! 

2. Clean up and put away all the summer toys 

Swimming pools, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and bicycles, oh my! We love summer fun and letting the kiddos get to enjoy the great outdoors. One thing kids aren’t the best at is cleaning up after themselves. And, if we’re being completely honest, sometimes the adults let things go a bit, too, after a long day outside in the sun. It may take a group effort to help make sure those summer toys aren’t filthy before you put them away until next season. Give them a good washing, let them air dry, and get them back in their respective spots, ready for the summer season to return.

3. Deep clean your grill

We may have some time left to fire up the grill, but when it gets to the point where fall is here to stay, be sure to give your grill some attention. Most BBQ grills will be covered with all kinds of grease, dirt, and grime. Even though you may give it a brief once over each time you use it, you will need to be a little more thorough for the end-of-summer cleanup. Taking care of your grill now will result in less of a headache later. Also, don’t forget to bring your grilling utensils inside for the fall and winter seasons and give them a good scrubbing as well.

4. Clean up your lawn mower

Will mowing season ever end?! Well, it will eventually. This is another end-of-summer task that is so important to help your spring season go more smoothly. Show your lawnmower some much-needed attention after a long mowing season by spraying off the grass clippings and giving it a wipe-down. If needed, winterize your mower or cover it for the off-season. Then, enjoy a little break until next spring rolls around.

5. Organize and sweep your garage

In a different blog post, we discussed how the garage can become the “junk drawer” of the home if you’re not careful. It tends to collect everything from tools to sports equipment to trash to cobwebs… Your garage sometimes feels like it’s bursting at the seams with “stuff,” and you find yourself tripping with each step and losing things left and right (not to mention getting frustrated!). The end of summer is a great time to clean out the garage, get it organized, sweep it out, and make it less cluttered and messy. Check out our blog post to help you regain your garage space: Getting Control of Your Garage.

6. Prep your fireplace

It may seem early to start thinking about the fireplace, but it’s much easier to take care of this now before the cold weather rolls in and you’re either searching for someone to call or the parts to purchase. Consider having your chimney swept to remove dangerous soot and debris. Be sure to inspect your chimney structure and lining for cracks, loose bricks, water damage, deterioration, or any missing mortar. Last but not least, make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have good batteries and are working properly. If not, those are good investments to make now!

7. Other items to consider

Summer months can be hard on our rugs. Be sure to shake them out, vacuum them, or even give them a good wash if possible. Similarly, you might want to give your carpet some attention as well. Whether you want to simply vacuum or do a full carpet cleaning, this will help remove dust, grass, and debris that add up after a summer of running in and out of the house.

Another area that may need some attention with the changing months is your closet. Once cooler temperatures settle in, consider switching out your summer clothes for your fall/winter wardrobe.

By taking care of a few items now, you can save yourself some hassle later on. Your home will feel better, and you can relax, grab some hot chocolate, and enjoy the new season.

Get ready to get cozy! Fireplace weather will be here before we know it. Click here to read our blog on making your fireplace the focal point of your living space.