10 Things To Prep Before Winter

Fall into Winter Preparation: 10 Smart Moves Every Homeowner Should Make

As the leaves turn and the air gets that unmistakable chill, it’s officially time to switch from summer relaxation to winter preparation. Around Fargo, West Fargo, Horace, and Moorhead, the first snowfall can sneak up fast — and once it does, even simple chores become tough.

So before your fingers freeze and your ladder ices over, here are ten smart things you can do this fall to make sure your home — and your sanity — are ready for the cold season ahead.

If you like visuals watch this.

Before you dive in, check out the quick video below for a visual walkthrough of these essential fall prep tips.

Winter is Coming! Prepare Your Home with These 10 Fall …

1. Clean & Inspect Your Gutters

Leaves, sticks, and gunk can block water flow, leading to ice dams or roof leaks later.

Quick Fix: Scoop out debris, flush with a hose, and confirm downspouts push water well away from the foundation.

2. Check Your Roof and Siding

Fall storms and early freezes can worsen small cracks or missing shingles.

Action Step: Walk around your home, look for damage or gaps, and get repairs scheduled before temps drop below freezing.

3. Seal Drafts & Add Insulation

Nothing burns through a heating bill faster than a drafty window.

Pro Move: Use caulk and weather-stripping on windows and doors, and peek into your attic — if you can see the floor joists, you need more insulation.

4. Service Your Furnace

A quick tune-up can save you a mid-January breakdown.

Call a Pro: Have a tech clean and inspect your system, and swap out filters every 90 days (more often if you’ve got pets).

5. Protect Your Pipes

Frozen pipes = burst pipes = expensive mess.

Checklist: Disconnect hoses, drain outdoor faucets, and wrap any exposed pipes in foam sleeves.

6. Reverse Ceiling Fans

Flip the switch so your fans spin clockwise at a low speed — it pushes warm air back down into the room.

7. Yard & Tree Maintenance

Trim overhanging branches and clear leaves away from the house. Store patio furniture and grills before snow buries them.

8. Test Safety Devices

Replace batteries in smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors and check expiration dates on fire extinguishers.

9. Review Snow & Lighting Plans

Get ahead on shovels, salt, and outdoor lighting before stores sell out.

My Personal Pro Tip:

Put up your Christmas lights now — before the snow and sub-zero temps make it impossible to feel your fingers!You don’t even have to plug them in yet, but hanging them in October or early November means you can actually grip the clips, balance safely on the ladder, and avoid frostbite or frustration.​

10. Connect with Your Trusted Realtor

Winter prep isn’t just about comfort — it’s about protecting your investment. A well-maintained home performs better on the market, and I’m here to help you stay ahead of both weather and market trends.

 Quick Takeaway

A weekend of prep this fall can prevent a season of stress later.

So grab your gloves, queue up a good playlist, and knock this list out before the first snowflake flies.

You’ll thank yourself (and your fingers) later.