preparation

Something I love about Chicago is its changing seasons. When spring’s rain has dampened our moods long enough, summer abruptly arrives, the sun pounding down against the black asphalt and manmade beaches. And when we realize we’re tired of rosé and watermelon salads, yearning to snuggle in a sweater and sip pumpkin flavored everything, the winds pick up and the air sheds its humidity. A crunch beneath our feet soon becomes a slick crack of ice, and then winter has arrived, twinkling white lights against a blanket of snow.

Just when we’ve had enough, and we’re ready to welcome each changing season, it appears; yet somehow, we always forget just how quickly the sidewalks flood from spring rains, just how desperately we need AC in summer’s heat, just how quickly sandal season changes to boot season, and just how bitter that winter hawk wind can be.

It’s like sudden memory after a bout of amnesia. How could we forget? We do. And when we forget, we forget to prepare.

Before you’re caught off guard by an abrasive wind or a downpour of autumn rain, take the necessary steps to prepare your home and car for the upcoming cold months.

Tasks To Complete Before Autumn & Winter Arrive

1) CLEAN OUT YOUR GUTTERS. 

Sure, this is something you want to do in spring, too, but it’s also important before fall arrives, dropping even more mucky, rotting leaves into your gutters. We were able to hire someone for $50 to clear out our gutters. It was worth it. If you feel confident getting on a ladder and doing it yourself, though, it’s an important task you can’t skip. Clogged gutters can cause water damage, and also be a home for pests.

2) PUT AWAY/COVER LAWN FURNITURE.

Before the cold weather causes wear and tear on your lounging lawn/backyard/deck furniture, find a spot in the garage, basement, or elsewhere to store your furniture, keeping it safe from damaging weather. If you can’t do that, cover it as best as you can.

3) INVEST IN A LEAF BLOWER.

Our new home came with a beautiful magnolia tree in the backyard. What we didn’t realize was just how messy that beautiful tree is. We surrendered and bought a leaf blower, which is useful at least four times a year, for when the buds form on the trees, form flowers, the flowers drop, new buds replace them with leaves, drop, and eventually, the leaves drop, too. Too much to rake!

4) TURN OFF OUTDOOR PLUMBING. 

Find outdoor faucets, drain them, and turn them completely off to protect from freezing weather.

5) FIX CRACKS.

Fix cracks in siding, concrete, windows to protect from weather. Caulk windows to keep warm air in, cold air out.

6) CLEAN YOUR FURNACE, FIREPLACE, AND/OR CHIMNEY 

7) CHECK YOUR ROOF.

For shingles that might need to be repaired/replaced.

8) CHANGE THE AIR FILTER IN THE FURNACE.

9) PLANT BULBS FOR SPRING (in cool, dry fall weather).

10) PUT UP SIMPLE FALL DECOR! 

While it’s important to prepare for the upcoming damage that might ensue in each changing season, it’s equally important to enjoy the change in seasons. Live in the present and soak up each season’s unique joys. There are many.