Fall Cleaning Checklist for Home and Yard
There’s something about fall that just makes me want to reset. Not in the dramatic spring-cleaning kind of way—more like a slow exhale.
The leaves start to drop, the daylight shrinks back, and suddenly it feels like the right time to put things in order before winter rolls in.
If you’re anything like me, fall cleaning isn’t about perfection.
It’s about clearing the chaos a bit, tackling the stuff you’ve been putting off all summer, and making things feel fresh again. Inside and out.
So here’s a checklist I go through every autumn—nothing too intense, just a solid reset for the home and yard.
Inside the House
Fall is when I start shifting everything indoors. Blankets come out, windows stay shut, and candles start working overtime. So, a little prep goes a long way.
Clean windows (and screens)
Summer dust and spring pollen build up fast. A quick clean makes a big difference once the sun starts slanting in at those low angles.
Vacuum under furniture
It’s spooky what collects under the couch. I like to do a deep vacuum sweep in the fall before the big holiday rush.
Wash curtains and clean blinds
You’ll thank yourself later when the winter sun comes through spotless windows onto freshly washed fabric.
Flip the mattress and swap sheets
I switch to flannel or heavier bedding around late April (southern hemisphere timing), and it’s the perfect moment to rotate the mattress too.
Dust baseboards, fans, and vents
All the little stuff that’s easy to ignore until you notice it in a beam of light.
Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Because you’re about to be running the heater and lighting candles—so this one’s a non-negotiable.
In the Kitchen
Fall means more baking, more soups, more time around the stove. Time to get your cooking zone feeling fresh.
Deep clean the oven and stovetop
Yes, it’s a pain. But burnt-on summer BBQ splatter needs to go before the holiday meals begin.
Clear out the pantry
Toss anything stale, expired, or weirdly sticky. Bonus points for reorganizing by category (snacks, grains, baking stuff, etc.).
Wipe down inside the fridge and freezer
Especially if you’ve got berries turning into science experiments in the back.
Refill baking staples
I top up my cinnamon, baking powder, flour, and sugar around now. It’s cozy food season, after all.
In the Yard
Alright, now for the leafy part. Fall yard cleanup is half maintenance, half ritual. It’s a way to say goodbye to the lushness of summer and tuck the garden in for a nap.
Rake leaves (or mulch them)
You don’t have to get every single one, but too much leaf cover can smother your grass.
Clear out garden beds
Pull the stragglers, harvest the last of the herbs, and add compost or mulch before winter.
Clean and store garden tools
Give your tools a good rinse, dry them off, and oil the metal bits so they don’t rust.
Drain and store hoses
Or they’ll crack when the temps drop—and nobody wants that surprise come spring.
Clean gutters
It’s not glamorous, but clogged gutters in fall = water damage in winter.
Check outdoor lighting
Shorter days mean you’ll notice quickly if a bulb’s out. Better to fix it now before it’s pitch black at 6 p.m.
A Few Extra Things I Like to Do
- Bring out a box of fall candles and seasonal decor
- Wash pet bedding and vacuum their favorite napping zones
- Wipe down door handles and light switches
- Clean out the car (goodbye sand, hello pine cones)
Final Thought
Fall cleaning doesn’t need to be a marathon. I spread it out over a couple of weekends, make a few cups of tea, and throw on music or a podcast.
It’s less about scrubbing every inch and more about creating a space that feels warm, ready, and a little more grounded.
And once it’s done? You can settle in, guilt-free, for all the cozy nights ahead.
