Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Hello Twin Cities NW Metro! As the leaves turn and the temps start to drop, fall is the perfect time to get your home ready for Minnesota’s long winter ahead. A few hours of prep now can save you from costly repairs (and freezing surprises) later.

Here’s your essential fall home maintenance checklist—tailored for Minnesota homeowners.

Exterior Maintenance

✅ Clean gutters and downspouts
Falling leaves and pine needles can clog gutters fast. Clean them out now to prevent ice dams and water damage once the snow hits.

✅ Check your roof
Look for missing shingles, damaged flashing, or areas showing wear. Fixing small issues now can prevent leaks this winter.

✅ Inspect siding and caulk
Seal up cracks around windows, doors, and where siding meets trim. This keeps out cold drafts (and those sneaky Minnesota mice).

✅ Shut off outdoor water lines
Disconnect and drain hoses, then turn off and drain exterior spigots to avoid frozen pipes.

✅ Store lawn equipment
Run your mower until the gas tank is empty or add fuel stabilizer. Sharpen blades and clean off grass buildup before winter storage.

Interior Maintenance

✅ Schedule furnace maintenance
Have your furnace serviced and filters replaced before the first big chill. A clean, tuned system is more efficient—and less likely to quit mid-January.

✅ Inspect your fireplace and chimney
If you enjoy cozy fires, get your chimney cleaned and inspected for creosote buildup and animal nests.

✅ Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Winter means more indoor heating and closed windows—check that all alarms have fresh batteries and are functioning properly.

✅ Reverse ceiling fans
Set your fans to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This helps circulate warm air down from the ceiling.

✅ Seal drafts
Walk around windows and doors on a breezy day. If you feel cold air, use weatherstripping or draft stoppers.

Yard & Garage Prep

✅ Trim trees and shrubs
Cut back branches hanging near the roof or power lines to prevent damage from snow or ice. Mice can climb trees, so make sure your trees are not touching your house.

✅ Rake and mulch leaves
A thin layer of chopped leaves can protect your lawn and garden beds, but heavy layers can smother them.

✅ Check your snow gear
Pull out shovels, snow blowers, and ice melt now—so you’re ready for that first snowfall (which, in Minnesota, could be tomorrow).

✅ Inspect driveway and walkways
Seal cracks before freeze-thaw cycles make them worse.

✅ Clean and organize your garage
Create space for cars, salt, and snow equipment. It’ll make your mornings much smoother when temps hit single digits.

I’m Myra Jensen with BRIX Real Estate and NW Metro Life.
I help homeowners buy, sell, and simplify their homes across the Twin Cities NW Metro. Thinking of selling this fall or winter? Let’s talk about how a little seasonal prep can make your home shine in today’s market.