Back to School—Now What?

Growing up, the first day of school was always the longest. It seemingly took forever to get there and even longer to return home. It was nerve wracking but somehow exciting at the same time.

Perhaps all of the new supplies made it easier. My backpack carried new pencils, crayons and fresh notebooks ready to be filled with knowledge and even some doodling. My first-day outfit was also new—freshly washed and ironed.

Now, as a parent myself, I understand everything that went into getting ready for that first day. I just completed the ritual for my son.

The first day of school is also symbolic of time to myself. I now have more time to focus on our home. I can devote myself to chores that are otherwise unimportant during the lazy days of summer.

Forget spring cleaning; fall organization is right up my alley.

Outside: Rain, snow and sleet are coming, at least in some parts. It’s time to clean and cover the patio furniture and put away the cushions. Check gutters and weather stripping on the house and garage doors and replace if necessary. Look for leaky hoses and windows that could use some caulking. If you’re feeling really motivated, chip off old paint and restain and repaint the tattered areas on your house.

Inside: Line up the repairmen to fix things like leaky faucets, clear out dirty chimneys and tune up furnaces. Pull furniture away from the walls and get in there with the vacuum. In the kitchen, scrub and mop behind the refrigerator—it gets especially filthy back there. Clear vents and replace furnace filters throughout.  And of course, don’t forget to clean the lint out your dryer and soap residue out of your washer—and order a new supply of LooHoo Wool Dryer balls.
 
What fall chore is a must in your home? Share with us below.