I have been doing a lot of fall cleaning so I wanted to share some things I have found that have helped, as well as offer a free printable fall cleaning checklist printable in case you want to get started too. I often feel like fall cleaning gets overlooked and it is actually so nice. It really helps clean your space before the holidays and get rid of things you don’t need or use anymore. Fall cleaning is also a great way to make some money if you have some things that you can sell.
Here are some of my tips from all of the cleaning I have been doing:
- Make a list of everything you would like to get done
- Have a place where you can put things you want to donate (to charity or a thrift store), things to sell, and things to give away.
- Be picky. If you haven’t used it for a long time, and it’s not overly expensive and doesn’t have sentimental value, it is probably time to pass it on to someone else.
- Get organized. While it seems daunting and takes a lot of time, spend time organizing everything. From your pantry to under the sink and the garage – it feels so good to get it under control and know where everything is.
- Use QR labels to keep track of what is in your totes.
Fall cleaning checklist printable
DOWNLOAD THE FALL CLEANING CHECKLIST PRINTABLE HERE
Here are some tips and areas you might want to focus on during your fall cleaning:
- Decluttering: Start by going through your belongings and getting rid of items you no longer need or use. Donate, recycle, or sell items in good condition, and discard items that are no longer usable.
- Deep Cleaning: Clean and dust all surfaces, including baseboards, ceiling fans, and light fixtures. Vacuum and mop floors, and wash windows and curtains to let in more natural light during the darker months.
- Kitchen: Clean out your pantry and fridge, disposing of expired items. Wipe down countertops, clean appliances, and defrost your freezer if needed.
- Bedrooms: Wash bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and comforters. Rotate or flip your mattress for even wear.
- Living Areas: Clean upholstery, such as sofas and chairs. Dust and clean electronics, including TVs and computers.
- Closets: Organize your wardrobe, switching out warm-weather clothes for fall and winter attire. Donate clothing that no longer fits or that you no longer wear.
- Heating Systems: If you have a fireplace or heating system, it’s a good time to have it inspected and cleaned by a professional to ensure it’s in good working condition for the colder months.
- Outdoor Maintenance: Don’t forget about the exterior of your home. Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs, trim bushes, and trees, and store outdoor furniture if necessary.
- Seasonal Decorations: As you clean and declutter, consider bringing out your fall decorations to add a cozy touch to your home.
Fall cleaning is a great way to prepare your living space for the coming winter and create a clean and comfortable environment. It can also help reduce allergens and promote better indoor air quality during the colder months when you might be spending more time indoors. Remember to pace yourself and tackle one area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
So that you have an idea of places to clean – here are ideas for cleaning in each space:
General Cleaning:
- Dust all surfaces, including shelves, baseboards, and light fixtures.
- Wipe down and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, like doorknobs and light switches.
- Clean windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces.
- Vacuum and mop floors, paying special attention to corners and edges.
- Wash or vacuum curtains and blinds.
- Clean or replace air filters in HVAC systems.
- Dust and clean electronics, including TVs, computers, and gaming consoles.
- Polish furniture and wood surfaces.
- Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures.
Kitchen:
- Wipe counters & cabinet doors
- Clean backsplash
- Shine appliances & sink
- Clean hood-range and microwave
- Deep clean the oven inside and out
- Dust on top of fridge & light fixtures
- Empty out the fridge and deep clean it
- Clean table & chairs (furniture felts)
- Clean out the pantry and reorganize
- Deep clean the sink and organize under
- Vacuum & Mop
Bedrooms:
- Wash bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and comforters.
- Rotate or flip mattresses.
- Dust and clean under the bed.
- Declutter and organize closets and drawers.
- Vacuum or clean upholstered furniture.
- Clean and disinfect items like remote controls and phones.
Bathrooms:
- Clean and disinfect toilets, sinks, and showers/bathtubs.
- Wipe down bathroom counters and surfaces.
- Clean and shine mirrors.
- Wash shower curtains or replace shower liners.
- Organize and clean bathroom cabinets and drawers.
- Launder bath mats and towels.
Living Areas:
- Vacuum and clean upholstery.
- Clean and polish any wood furniture.
- Declutter shelves and entertainment centers.
- Launder or clean decorative pillows and throws.
- Sweep and clean the fireplace or heating area.
Outdoor Maintenance:
- Rake leaves and clear debris from the yard.
- Clean and store outdoor furniture.
- Clean gutters and downspouts.
- Trim bushes and trees away from the house.
- Inspect and clean outdoor light fixtures.
Seasonal Items:
- Bring out fall decorations and arrange them throughout the house.
- Switch out summer clothing for fall and winter attire in closets.
- Check and update your emergency supplies, including flashlights and batteries.
DOWNLOAD THE FALL CLEANING CHECKLIST PRINTABLE HERE
Remember, this is a comprehensive checklist, and you can customize it to fit your specific needs and priorities. It’s a good idea to tackle tasks room by room and break down the list over several days to make the process more manageable. Happy fall cleaning!
Have you done fall cleaning before? Which things are most important for you? This Fall cleaning checklist printable has room to add them.
Tina Puth says
This checklist was SO helpful to me. I get overwhelmed with cleaning my house but having a checklist that pretty much includes everything is a game-changer. One thing I changed was getting professional carpet cleaning done. I like to do this once a year and after summer and fall my carpets are ready for it.