In my last blog I touched on some great tips for getting your property ready for the fall weather, yet while somewhat wet, the temperatures in the GTA are still sitting at comfortable highs during the day. That being said, it may not feel that much like ‘Autumn’ to you yet, but rest assured, the bitter chill of the season will soon be here.

For that reason, I thought I’d take the chance to remind you of some other fall ‘homework’ you should be finding time to get done in the upcoming weeks, because after all, Mother Nature is an unpredictable woman who likes to show up with a vengeance when we are ill prepared.

So while the outside chores I mentioned last week are important and will likely keep you busy for a few weekends, taking the time to organize the inside of your home for the changing season and taking a few steps to prepare in other ways for the frost, sleet and snow is also important.

The biggest item, and what often takes the longest to complete, is the dreaded ‘Closet Switch’…

You know what I’m talking about…  it’s that time of year again to switch up the tanks, shorts and flip-flops for wool sweaters, fleece pants and boots. The experts will suggest that the best way to organize your closet for the season is by removing EVERYTHING first.  Continue from there by separating/removing anything that is outworn or has seen its day.  Whenever I do this, I make a point of coming up with at least a few items to drop off at my local Salvation Army or Goodwill.

When putting things back into the closet, be mindful to move the fall and winter stuff to the ‘prime real estate’ of your closet, so to speak… where they are easily accessible. Summer items can be moved to clear storage bins, or vacuum sealed in plastic bags to both save space and protect your clothes from bugs, dust, or other potential damage.

Organize accessories, scarves and belts into drawers with dividers. These can be purchased for pennies at the dollar store, but if you want to channel your inner Martha Stewart, cut the bottoms off of cereal or other food boxes to make your own like below.

Now that you’ve tackled the closet, it’s time to move on to those ‘other’ seasonal clothing items. Thick coats, scarves, mittens, gloves, hats, toques, ear warmers, boot liners, and all that other good stuff. If you haven’t yet organized an area near your front or back door for these things, DO IT NOW! Buy a small bench where people can sit and change their wet salty boots, and put a few decorative baskets underneath where all the outdoor gear can be stored. If you prefer it completely out of sight, free up an easily-accessible place in your coat closet where the whole family can find what they are looking for.  Think I might be jumping the gun a little bit on this one? Think again. You’ll be thanking me when you wake up one morning to snow and can easily put your things together to get outside shoveling 😉

Speaking of shoveling…. Have you pulled your shovels and snow clearing equipment to the front of the garage yet? It’s also a good time to get out and purchase at least one bag of salt for de-icing sidewalks and driveways. Most people only think about this when it actually snows and they have to use it, only to realize that they ran out last winter!…

And speaking of salt… pretty soon, in spite of all your attempts to keep it out of your home, salt and slush off the street will be making its way through your front door. Do you own a rubber mat or rug that can be laid down to collect the mess? If not, go buy one. I know, they aren’t always the most ‘decorative’, but when used will save hours of cleanup throughout the home during the fall and winter months.

I know, you’re probably looking at all the work you now have to do and cursing me for being your perhaps ‘not-so-gentle’ reminder. But really, this stuff shouldn’t take more than a weekend if you work smart. And what’s with this North American way of Mom and Dad doing all the chores? Have kids? Put them to work. Even the toddlers can help by sorting the mitts from the hats and that sort of stuff.  Hey, when I was just 7 years old I was solely responsible for the whole household’s laundry! For me, however, I was negotiating even at a young age and was clever enough to work a higher allowance out of my dad as a result! HA! Who would have thought that all these years later I’d still be negotiating for a living?!?

Cheers!

– Trish