September Home Maintenance: What to Tackle This Month


Hi Reader!

September always feels a little like a reset.

The kids are back in school, the days are getting shorter, and even if the weather is still warm, you can tell the seasons are starting to shift.

It’s also one of the best times of year to take care of your home.

Not because you need to spend every weekend working on projects—but because a few things done now can prevent bigger problems later and make next spring a whole lot easier.

Download the September Home Maintenance Checklist now!

​September Checklist.pdf​


​Start outside: Your fall yard cleanup

I just finished a new guide all about fall yard cleanup—and it goes way beyond raking leaves.

A good fall cleanup is really about preparing your yard for what comes next.

In the post, I walk through the things I’d tackle before winter, including:

  • Cleaning up leaves before they smother the lawn
  • Knowing which perennials to cut back—and which to leave alone
  • Trimming damaged shrubs and branches without accidentally cutting off next spring’s blooms
  • Cleaning up garden beds and dividing overcrowded plants
  • Planting spring bulbs
  • Giving your lawn some final attention
  • Cleaning and storing garden tools and planters
  • Disconnecting hoses before freezing temperatures arrive
  • Doing one last walk around the property to catch small problems before winter

The goal isn’t a perfectly manicured yard.

It’s to make sure that when that first beautiful spring day arrives, you’re not spending it cleaning up everything you could have handled in the fall.

One last September thought…

Fall has a way of getting busy very quickly.

One minute it’s September and the next you’re wondering how Thanksgiving is already around the corner.

So if you do nothing else this month, take a walk around your home—inside and out—and look for the little things that will be easier to deal with before cold weather arrives.

A little attention now can save you time, money, and quite a few headaches later.

Happy September!

P.S. Want all of your home maintenance in one place? My Home Maintenance Planner helps you keep track of seasonal tasks, repairs, important home information, and more—so you don’t have to rely on memory to remember what needs to be done next.​


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this House | your Home with Valerie M

I'm a REALTOR with a degree in architecture and passion for design. I'm here because I believe everyone deserves to live in a home they love. Whether that means finding a new house or renovating the one you are in. I'm here for you! I am a mom of four (2 girls, 2 boys) who keep me REALLY busy. I also really enjoy gardening and my 2 dogs. After a variety of careers there are two passions I keep coming back to, architecture and sharing helpful information. I love helping others get inspired and do those projects in their home that will make them happy. I’ve always had big dreams to make interior design accessible to everyone. I am beyond excited to be here with you! Be inspired to create your dream home!

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