Fall Cleaning Checklist
We’ve prepared a fall cleaning checklist, so you’ll know exactly where to start and which tasks to tackle most efficiently. Why now? The last warm days of the year create a perfect opportunity to get your home ready for cozy winter nights and holiday gatherings. A little preparation now saves much stress later.
Check the list below to identify the areas and items in your home that need extra care, deeper scrubbing, or even small repairs. Tackling these now ensures a clean, safe, and comfortable home before the busy, indoor season begins.
Fall Cleaning and Organizing Checklist
OUTDOORS
Take advantage of any sunny fall days to refresh your outdoor spaces. Pay special attention to stains on furniture or umbrella fabric, as leaving them untreated over the winter can cause lasting mold or mildew damage.
If you don’t have storage space, invest in weatherproof covers or tarps to protect your outdoor furniture through the colder months.
Here are the key outdoor tasks:
- Clean and store outdoor furniture
- Service and store gardening equipment
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Winterize outdoor pools and water features
- Remove window screens and install storm windows
- Wash exterior and indoor windows
INDOORS
With more of your daily life moving indoors, it’s time for seasonal deep cleaning in every room. Here’s how to stay on track:
Bedrooms
- Check for spiders or pests (they try moving inside as the weather cools down)
- Deep clean under beds and behind furniture
- Refresh winter bedding and store summer linens
- Vacuum and flip mattresses
- Deep clean carpets and rugs
- Rotate summer clothes out of closets:
- Sort into “sell,” “donate,” and “discard” piles
- Launder and properly store items you’re keeping
- Vacuum empty closets to prevent nesting pests
- Restock closets with winter wardrobes
Living Room
- Check for spiders or pests
- Clean walls, baseboards, carpets, and rugs
- Vacuum upholstered furniture and cushions
- Dust all hard surfaces and swap out seasonal décor
- Clean and sanitize remotes, keyboards, and electronics
- Inspect and service fireplaces before use
Bathrooms
- Treat any mold or mildew
- Deep clean all bathroom fixtures
- Clean out all cabinets and clear out expired products
- Wash shower curtains and bathmats
- Refresh guest bathrooms with clean towels and supplies
Kitchen
- Empty and clean the pantry, fridge, and freezer
- Discard expired or near-expired food and restock with fresh items
- Stack on the non-perishable holiday essentials
- Inspect and clean small appliances
- Deep clean the oven, stove top, and vent hood
Around the House
- Clean all vents and ceiling fans
- Check and replace smoke detector batteries
- Replace the HVAC filters
NOTE: Not all the tasks on the list are part of the services we offer, but if needed, we will be more than happy to refer you to companies we know and trust, like Itasca Window Cleaning, for your window cleaning needs.
Wrap Up Your Fall Cleaning the Smart Way
A seasonal deep cleaning is one of the best gifts you can give your home (and yourself) before winter. It reduces allergens, keeps pests at bay, and sets you up for a healthy, stress-free holiday season.
To make your fall prep even easier, we’ve created a FREE downloadable PDF Fall Cleaning & Organizing Checklist—so you can keep track of your progress, room by room.
Need a hand with the heavy lifting? Call us at 847-650-1531 today for your free estimate on professional fall cleaning services. We’ll handle the scrubbing while you enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a fresh, organized home.