• Check that all plumbing and electrics are in good condition
• Repair and re-paint interior walls (use damp sponge with leftover paint for quick fixes or re-paint entire walls in same or neutral colours if necessary)
• Repair cracks in walls and ceilings – fix leaks if necessary
• Repair and/or replace broken fixtures/fittings such as door hardware, lighting fixtures, leaky faucets, running toilets etc.
• Clean and/or replace worn caulking as needed i.e. counter tops, floors and walls in kitchen and bath – re-grout tiling if necessary
• Clean out chimney and fireplace ashes
• Clean windows – outside and in
• Clean window treatments (i.e. drapery, dust and wipe blinds etc.)
• Dust/clean utility spaces (i.e. on top of furnace and water heater); remove all cobwebs from area
• DE-CLUTTER all rooms – rent a storage space if needed and remove all unnecessary items (ie. toys, excess decorations, furniture, books, out-of-season clothes etc.); this will have to be done when you move anyway so why not get started now!
• Remove all visible storage boxes from closets and garage – remember the larger the space/storage looks in your home, the more attractive it is to prospective buyers
• Have carpets and/or area rugs cleaned – replace all worn or damaged carpet/http://www.floorplay.ca/category/furnishings-rental/art-rentals/
• Remove all refrigerator art (i.e. family pictures, magnets, school schedules etc.)
• Remove all clutter from countertops and hide small kitchen appliances – make the counter/cooking space look as large as possible
• Deep clean kitchen and bathroom areas – clean all appliances, scrub bath and shower enclosures so everything sparkles
• Pack up personal photos, posters, memorabilia – replace with artfully placed pieces of art – Check out our art rentals for ideas
• Remove all personal items from bathroom (shampoo, toothpaste, used soap, shaving items, hair brushes, dirty towels etc.) and replace with fresh towels, soap dispenser
• Organize closets, cupboards, garage, laundry and utility spaces
• Place fresh flowers around
• Open up all window treatments to let as much natural light in as possible

• Remove all clutter from the front of your house (i.e. garden equipment, toys, strollers, garbage cans etc.)
• Repair doors, window frames and sills – repaint if necessary
• Do paint touch ups on front door, frames, shutters etc.. or re-paint if needed
• Replace missing roof shingles
• Replace torn window screens and repair any cracks in window glass
• Check and clean chimney and gutters
• Trim back overgrown plants, especially around entrance to house
• Update your mailbox and exterior light fixtures if needed
• Sweep and scrub/powerwash exterior walkways, patios, decks, steps
• Create an inviting entrance – add chair or bench if room allows with outdoor pillow(s); planter or urn with seasonal plantings; wreath/arrangement on door; hanging plants if in season

Start today:

Clean the house room by room. Pick a room each day or call your cleaning lady to discuss a plan for getting it done.

Purge and declutter to make room for guests: First, take inventory: Who will sleep where? Where will guests put clothes and suitcases?

Make room: Organize the guestroom, playroom or home office. Start by relocating toys and papers. Remove decorative items from tables to allow for toiletries and personal items. Make space in closets and provide extra hangers. Purchase over the door hooks for extra hanging space. An air mattress is a quick and space efficient solution.

Purge: Throw out or donate unneeded stuff. Have 2 boxes in a main hall and mark them donate and toss. Get the family involved.

Get your guest items organized. Gather and launder extra blankets. Do you need to buy guest towels, bathrobes, magazines, travel sized toiletries, candies, etc.?

Start your shopping list. Ask guests about dietary needs. Select recipes, check your pantry, continuously add to your list. Cooking for a large group is easier when you work around your weaknesses. Terrible at desserts or appetizers? Buy them and give yourself a break!

1 week before:

Clear the clutter off your dining room and kitchen tables and your counters. Put a special table cloth on it to force people to remember it’s cleared off for a reason!

Organize and get dishes ready. Make a list of what you think you’ll need. Borrow or buy special serving dishes. Collect them on the dining room table day by day.

Consider making dinner reservations at a restaurant if guests will be staying for a few days (so not every night requires cooking and you can all relax together).

De-clutter your fridge. That bird, ham, roast, etc., needs lots of room!

Prepare for leftovers. Organize food storage containers and lids. Kids love doing this. (Go figure.)

Prepare for takeout. Purchase takeout cartons in multiple sizes. (You won’t have to scramble to find containers and guests won’t need to return dishes.)

Organize and tidy front and back entry closets. Store out of season shoes, coats and sports stuff in a box to be sorted later. Better yet, do it now!

1 to 3 days before:

Go shopping. Bring your list and stick to it!

Create an environment for guests. Lay out towels, robes, water jugs, etc.

Prep food ingredients. Measure, chop, blanche veggies, make sauces, etc. Have ingredients in containers ready to go to make cooking faster and at the end you’ll have less to wash.

Recheck your lists! This is supposed to be enjoyable. Clean and organize in advance, so you can relax, have fun, and visit with a smile!

Thanks to Tina at SpotOn Organizing for this article!

1.) Examine your roof/gutters/downspouts for debris: Your roof is often forgotten about because it is not at eye level to give you a subtle reminder every time you walk past it.  Clear leaves, dirt, and pine needles from gutters and examine downspouts for damage or loose pieces.  Check the flashing around your chimney and any openings in the roof, such as skylights for leaking problems.

2.) Examine the grounds of your property: Before the grass is covered with snow, or it is too cold to venture outside, check walkways for cracks and loose paver material. Fix walkway and entryway areas before slippery weather can cause a tripping or falling accident.

3.) Change the filters in your home: If you have a central air conditioning system, change the air filter regularly. If you have a window air conditioning unit, remove from the window or place a waterproof cover over it to prevent damage. Change filters in stove vents, clothes dryers and room fans if applicable.  Clean air filters will keep your family healthier in the fall months.

4.) Still have leaky faucets? Repair them now: Before the temperatures start to dip low, examine leaky faucets in the kitchen, bathrooms, and utility room locations. Most likely the time and money spent now to fix will be less than a broken pipe in the dead of winter!

5.) Prepare your fireplace: For some people they use their fireplace more than their central heater in the fall and winter months.  Discard old ashes and ensure the damper is open to allow air to freely move through the chimney.  If the air is becoming cold, close back the damper after cleaning. Check the damper handle and springs to ensure the flue is operating correctly. Hire a professional chimney sweep if needed.

6.) Drain your hot water heater: If your live in an area with hard water extra amounts of sediments could be building up in your tank.  Now is a perfect time to drain and make sure rust is not developing in your tank as well. If your hot water heater is extremely old or is rusting considering a new one that will be more cost effective and energy efficient.

7.) Check windows and doors for drafts: The majority of conditioned air in your home is lost through the windows and doors.  Go through your home and open windows to ensure the seal and caulking around the window frame is in good condition. Think of adding heavier drapery around windows that are extra drafty, to help block some air infiltration.

8.) Clean and store seasonal outdoor furniture: Once you have taken your last plunge in the pool this summer, power wash outdoor furniture and cushions.  Once dry, store cushions in dry area to prevent cracking, and fading over the fall and winter months. One spring comes along next year, you will be pleased that you stored them and they’re ready for use!

9.)Have garden power tools serviced: Once your grass begins to enter the dormant stage, take your lawnmower, trimmer, and other tools to get their blades sharpened and fluids recapped off. In the market for new garden power tools, buy now when the season is almost over… you will find great deals!

10.) Take care of your irrigation/lawn needs: Depending on where you live, the climate for your lawn and its irrigation system may need to be checked.  Consider having an irrigation service professional fix broken heads before the cold weather sets in. If you want to prevent spring weeds and winter lawn damage, don’t forget to fertilize. Visit your local garden center to find out information on what type of fertilizer to use and when to spread it.

And our homes reflect this return to warmth and comfort in the colours that we decorate with, the layers that we add and the breadth of textures…

This fall Mustard yellow is big. Pair it with those grey, brown and black neutrals and it’ll give a warm “pop” to any decor!

Three seater sleek modern/transitional style sofa in beige faux ultra suede. Dark wood base and legs. Suits modern or classic rooms.