Autumn… the year’s last, loveliest smile.”

–William Cullen Bryant

As we ease into autumn winds down, it’s time to make sure your home in the San Joaquin Valley is ready for what comes next. Here are a few ideas to make the transition from summer to fall and winter smooth and easy.

Inside your home…

BRING NATURE IN

Yes, the summer flowers have faded. But it’s good to remember that autumn has a lot to offer your décor, including gourds in every shape and size, corn husks and acorns. Fill a wooden bowl or willow basket with nuts or pine cones. Or make a chili pepper garland to drape over the mantle.

For additional fall decorating ideas (crafted with dollar store materials) visit debbiedoos.com.

DESIGNATE A HOMEWORK ZONE

Be sure the students in your family have a spot to land that encourages them to hit the books. The location should be far enough out of the traffic flow to limit distractions, but near enough to discourage non-study activities! Check the lighting too, and add table or floor lamps as needed. 

ORGANIZE THE ENTRY

It’s time to put away all the summer sporting goods and get ready for rain gear and boots. It you have a dog, hang a canines-only towel near the front door for quick paw wiping.

Host a little chat with the family right there in the entry and go over where backpacks, shoes, jackets, footballs and other items do (and most definitely don’t!) go. New habits are being formed with the new season so make sure they are desirable ones.

ADD FALL TEXTILES

When the Tule fog starts to roll in, you want to make sure your family members can reach for that extra blanket or throw. Drape one or two in the homework area keep the students cozy too.

Outside your home…

PUT AWAY THE POTS

When your annual plants are done brightening the patio, deck or porch, it’s time to empty the soil out of the pots, scrub thoroughly inside and out and store them away until spring.

PREPARE THE LAWN

The quality of your lawn next spring depends a lot on the care you give it this fall. Projects include fertilizing, aerating, and re-seeding. For more detailed info, check this fall lawn care post from Bob Vila.

FEED THE BIRDS

If you are like millions of Americans who love their backyard flora and fauna, it’s time to welcome the migrating birds and make a cozy home for your year-round friends.

Clean all bird feeders. Unclog the feeding ports and fix any broken perches. You might want to add rain guards to your feeder to protect the seed from moisture. Stock up on winter feed that has a high nutritional content like suet and sunflower seeds.

And remember, as summer plants die off and the weather cools birds have fewer resources. Whatever you decide to do for wintering-over birds, make sure to be consistent and keep doing it until spring. Your feathered family is counting on you!

For more ideas on getting your yard set up to host birds, read this About.com’s “about birds” post.

PREPARE OUTDOOR FURNITURE

It’s time to clean the outdoor furniture thoroughly to remove the dirt, sunscreen and food that has collected on it over the summer. Metal furniture will benefit from a protective coat of automotive wax. Finally, cover or store the furniture, preferably away from moisture and light.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY HOMES ARE PERFECT, ANY TIME OF YEAR

Enjoy the autumn, inside and out, and if you’re in the market for a newly constructed home, contact us. 

San Joaquin Valley Homes is a local company building new homes in the Central Valley, including Tulare, Visalia, Hanford, Bakersfield and Corcoran. Our after-sales service program ensures that your home will meet our high standards for years to come.

Lisa Walker

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