Home cleaning isn’t just for springtime! Fall is also a great time to clean up since you’re about to get cozy spending a lot of time indoors. But apart from creating a tidy, comfortable environment for your loved ones and guests, there are also certain fall chores that should be done to protect your house from harsh winter weather. We’ve compiled some of the most important autumn tasks into a list so you can tackle them as a family before it gets too cold.

• Drain the garden hoses and coil them up for storage in the garage or shed. Cover exterior spigots with foam insulated covers.

• Rinse off patio furniture and prep for storage, whether that entails tarping it outdoors or storing it in a garage or shed during winter. Cleaning the furniture helps prolong its longevity.

• Hire a professional to inspect and clean the chimney. Any issues should be repaired before using the fireplace.

• Take a look at external doors and garage doors. If the seal is not tight, you may need to add weather-stripping.

• Similarly, if there are any cracks around doors or windows, fill them in with caulk to keep the cold air outside where it belongs.

• Trim back tree branches, especially those that are weak or broken. The goal is to keep branches away from your house in case the weight of snow causes one to fall.

• Arguably the most important fall task is cleaning the gutters of debris. Clogs can prevent water from flowing away from your house; and if water pools, it can seep into your home and cause water damage and/or lead to ice dams during cold snaps. You can hire a professional to perform the task, or you can tackle it yourself with a ladder, narrow trowel, garbage bag, gloves and protective eyewear.

The more you do to protect your home now, the less likely it is that a problem will arise come winter. However, if winter weather does get the best of you, your home insurance policy can help offset the unexpected costs.

Have you reviewed your coverage lately? Call Stastny Insurance Agency at (800) 864-2645 for more information on Baltimore home insurance.