September is the time to prepare your home for the last remaining weeks of summer and early fall. While back-to-school might be your central focus, there are many additional home maintenance projects that are perfect to knock out in September! Grab some lemonade, and a notepad, and get ready to write down your to-do list for this September!
- Clean and store summer gear
Towels, sunscreen, beach and pool toys, OH MY! There’s no denying that our homes can transition from peaceful tranquility to a kid’s play center over the summer months. From pool trips to family vacations and BBQs, it’s amazing all the “summer fun” that gets left around the house. Take a day to clean up the floats, cornhole boards, beach balls, and summer wardrobes. It will amaze you how the clutter just disappears and will help you focus on the months ahead. While storing all of these summer fun goodies, it also gives you the opportunity to see what you have stored for this fall!
- Set up a shared family calendar
Now is where sitting with a notepad and lemonade comes in handy! Take an hour to write out your to-dos for back-to-school, meetings, upcoming shopping, activities, and meals! September can be overwhelming and taking a quiet moment to plan and get the entire family on board will be super helpful. It will put your mind at rest and get everyone on track for the upcoming month. Don’t worry about planning for the rest of the year, just shoot for now through the end of September!
- Clean carpets and floors
It’s been a long 3 months of guests running in and out of the house, pet’s tracking in dirt and dust, and let’s face it, there’s more foot traffic inside during the summer than any other time. Plan a day to knock out a deep carpet clean/ floor cleaning. Not only will it leave you feeling refreshed, but it’s the perfect way to ensure any sand and garden dirt tracked in over the summer that can really take a toll on floors are gone!
- Organize closets
For Parents: It’s out with the old and in with the NEW! Back-to-school wardrobes are always one of the highlights of September for kiddos, but adding to the already jam-packed closets can be overwhelming. Take an afternoon to go through the closets and minimize. Make a trash pile, donation pile, and hand-me-down pile. This not only will leave your spaces feeling new and de-cluttered but also gives you an idea of what your kiddo needs for this school year.
For everyone: Kids aren’t the only humans in the home that need organized closets, take an afternoon to go through your own wardrobe and simplify. You will be amazed at the space you can create and the items you may find you no longer need. This is also a great time to pull out some pieces for fall! Additionally, check out linen closets, your pantry, and any little space that may have gained some additional summer fun. Clean, organize and condense!
- Clean and organize the garage
From bikes, scooters, and lawncare tools our garage can serve as the perfect clutter storage during those summer months. Take some time to go through and de-clutter, organize, and prepare your garage for good use in the upcoming chilly months. You won’t regret knocking this project out before the hustle of school season is back in full swing!
- Finish up outdoor projects
Time to wrap up on last-minute outdoor endeavors! Take note of your top three goals and finish them up while you have time. Whether it’s adding that new raised deck, staining any wood, sealing the patio furniture, cleaning the grill, or clearing out the gutters. Now is the time to get it out of the way so you can focus on everything else!
- Prep your furnace for winter
Winter? We are just thinking about the fall. But did you know an annual tuneup and inspection can help homeowners save money, maintain comfort, and ensure safety when units are turned on for the first time in several months? Take advantage of the pre-winter prices and get ahead of the game! “When residential furnaces fail, they typically do so during the coldest days of the year, which is why it’s important to have these systems inspected in August before temperatures drop,” says Michael Petri, owner of Petri Plumbing & Heating, in New York City. “
- Inspect basement and crawl spaces for moisture
Let’s state the obvious, Kentucky is humid and very WET. When it comes to crawl spaces and basements when left unchecked, moisture can lead to more serious problems like dry rot, termites, structural damage, mold and mildew, poor air quality, and even pests like termites. Inspections can identify problems and offer long-term solutions to prevent future damage. Save money and stress and make getting your moisture-heavy areas a priority to check before the fall and winter months.
While August/September might feel overwhelming, take these tasks one day at a time. Use these last few weeks to prepare for the coming months so you feel relaxed and ready for the fall and winter fun to come. Always keep in mind, that as your friendly Kentucky Real Estate Team we are here to help you every step of the way. From referring the best contractors and vendors to advising you on anything you need. We are one phone call or email away and if you are interested in listing your home during the fall, now is a fabulous time to start preparations. As your trusted Real Estate Company We’re so happy to be serving Lexington, Ky, and the surrounding areas! This blog post is brought to you by The Lane Team at Bluegrass Sotheby’s International Realty. We specialize in both listing and selling homes, relocation, and auctions. Email us today at thelaneteamky@gmail.com to be connected to the best Team member for you! Be sure to also check out our newest project The Faces Of Central Kentucky to learn all about the faces behind the communities you love and the ones we serve!