As days get shorter and outdoor temperatures begin to dip, it’s time to transition our homes from summer to fall. “The ‘closing shift’ of the summer is really about tackling a few small tasks now that can help prevent bigger headaches once colder weather arrives,” says Angie Hicks, the co-founder of the leading digital home services marketplace Angi. From repairing exterior damage caused by summer storms to deep cleaning the areas that worked hard all summer long, our summer closing shift checklist includes all the main tasks to tackle as summer ends and autumn begins.

“Whenever I approach a new season, I like to think about what my home and I need to get through the transition,” says cleaning expert Rosa Picosa. “Fall welcomes a return to routines, early school mornings, and a new pace that I try to sustain through small habits,” she adds. Ahead, a trio of home experts shares all the things to clean, winterize, and decorate as part of the annual seasonal transition.

1. Inspect The Exterior

Check around the exterior of your home for damage caused by summer weather and address any small repairs. “Before freezing temperatures arrive, inspect your deck for loose boards, unstable railings, or signs of rot and make necessary repairs,” Hicks recommends. She adds that cleaning and resealing the deck will also help protect the wood from moisture, ice, and snow.

Next, take a look at the trees around your home. “Trim any limbs hanging over your roof that could break during an ice or winter storm and damage your home,” Hicks advises. Another reason to trim overhanging branches is because Hicks says they can provide animals with easier access to your roof and attic as they look for shelter during colder fall weather.

Three other exterior tasks Hicks recommends checking off your list before fall arrives are inspecting gutters for debris, making sure downspouts are directing water away from your home, and checking the roof for damage following summer storms. While you’re looking at the exterior, patch any holes or gaps that pests could use to get inside your home as temperatures drop. “Mice can squeeze through surprisingly small openings, so sealing potential entry points now can help prevent unwanted guests from taking up residence this fall and winter,” Hicks says.

2. Declutter The Entryway

One area Picosa always gives attention to as summer transitions to fall is the entryway. “During the summer, this space is usually a wasteland of forgotten shoes, dirt, pollen, and dust bunnies enjoying their summer homes,” she says. As fall arrives, the entryway needs to return to being a functional landing zone after long school and work days. “This is a great time to air out the coat closet, make sure there’s a space to hang briefcases, purses, and backpacks, and if you don’t have one already—a shoe basket,” Picosa says.

3. Seasonal Decor Swaps

Transitioning your home from one season to another also includes decor swaps. Interior designer Jade Joyner shares two of her fall decor staples. “First, I swap all my candles to fall colors; for tapers, I love black or burgundy, for jarred candles, I lean into moody tones,” Joyner shares. The second thing she does is swap her decorative pillows. “Adding mohair, velvet, or darker hues is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to bring in autumn without touching a single piece of furniture,” she says.

4. Schedule Annual HVAC Maintenance

If you have a furnace or other HVAC system, Hicks says it should be inspected and serviced yearly by a local HVAC technician. “An annual tune-up can help catch small issues before you really need your heat and potentially improve your system’s efficiency,” she explains. Following the appointment, make sure you keep up with regular HVAC maintenance which includes cleaning vents and replacing air filters as recommended by your system (typically at least every three months).

5. Deep Clean The Kitchen and Bathrooms

As the seasons change, Picosa focuses on deep cleaning the areas that worked hardest all summer long. “The kitchen is always at the top of my list,” the cleaning pro shares. She hits areas like cabinet fronts, backsplashes, the fridge, and pantry. “It never takes as long as I think it will, and I’m always surprised by the amount of greasy buildup on the cabinets above my stove,” she says.

Bathrooms are another priority for Picosa during the summer closing shift. After a season of extra showers from swimming, yard work, and other outdoor activities, bathrooms are typically in need of a little extra attention. “I recommend giving shower doors, grout, faucets, and exhaust fans a thorough cleaning to remove soap scum, mineral deposits, and dust,” Picosa says.

6. Clean Out The Fridge and Pantry

The fridge and pantry are two kitchen areas Picosa likes to focus on as summer turns into fall. “I love the ‘free for all’ vibe of summer snacking, but packing school lunches forces me to pay attention to what food items are rapidly approaching their expiration date,” she shares. To get ready for the new season, take the expert’s advice and purge the pantry and fridge, thoroughly wiping down every surface.

7. Get The Chimney Professionally Cleaned

If you plan to use a fireplace during the colder months, Hicks recommends getting your chimney inspected and professionally cleaned before lighting the first fire of the season. “Removing built-up soot reduces the risk of chimney fires, while an inspection can identify any blockages or cracks that could allow smoke or carbon monoxide to enter your home,” Hicks says.

On a visual note, take inspiration from Joyner and turn the fireplace into a focal point for the autumnal season. The designer shares that she rearranges her layout to center it around the fireplace. “I recently turned my wingback chairs, which usually flank my living room fireplace, to face each other in front of the fireplace with a small table between them, creating a proper conversation area anchored by the fire itself,” the designer shares.

8. Test Detectors and Alarms

Use the summer closing shift as an opportunity to ensure all detectors and alarms are functioning as they should be. “Test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, replace batteries if needed, and confirm that alarms are installed throughout the home,” Hicks says.

9. Service Appliances and Built-In Units

Experts say now is the time to service appliances and built-in units in your home. Start with the dryer; remove lint buildup from dryer vents and exhaust ducts, which Hicks says will reduce fire risk and help the appliance run more efficiently. Next, she suggests you flush your water heater tank to reduce sediment buildup. Doing so can improve efficiency and extend the unit’s lifespan. “I always encourage homeowners to stay ahead of seasonal maintenance because catching a small problem early is usually easier—and less expensive—than dealing with an emergency later,” Hicks says.

10. Tackle Dust and Replace Filters

Lastly, tackle the dust that has accumulated throughout the summer. Picosa says this is a good time to clean windows, window tracks, and screens. “Summer leaves behind dust, pollen, and fingerprints that can block natural light, so cleaning them now helps your home feel brighter as the days begin to get shorter,” she explains.

This Summer “Closing Shift” checklist will Make Your Home Ready for Fall by Maria Sabella | Better Homes & Gardens