Things I Should Prepare For Before Fall

I recently moved into a 1970s home and a neighbor gave me a great tip while I was mowing the lawn: stuff steel wool into the corners of the siding to block mice from climbing in. I’d never thought of that, and it made me wonder what other simple things I might be missing before fall really sets in.

So far, I’ve heard about checking gutters and downspouts, sealing gaps around pipes, and even borrowing a thermal camera to spot drafts and heat loss. Some folks also swear by prepping hoses, tuning up the snowblower early, and making sure ladders and tools are in safe shape before the cold sets in.

For those of you who’ve been through this before: what small but essential steps do you always take to get your house ready for fall and winter?