Before we know it, fall will be creeping into New Jersey. 🍂

It always goes fast. One minute you’re soaking up the sun at the Shore or grilling with friends, and the next thing you know, kids are back in school and you’re digging through the basement to find the Halloween bins.

With busy schedules kicking back in, late summer is your last real window to tackle home maintenance before the leaves drop—and definitely before the snow starts flying here in the Garden State.

Here are 10 things to take care of now to protect your home, avoid expensive surprises, and set yourself up for a smoother fall and winter:

1. Clean Out the Gutters

Summer storms drop all kinds of debris into your gutters. Cleaning them now helps prevent backups, roof leaks, and ice damming when temps drop. Bonus points if you install guards and don’t have to think about it again this season.

2. Touch Up Exterior Paint and Caulk

NJ humidity and sun take their toll on trim, window sills, and door frames. A few tubes of caulk and a paint touch-up can save you thousands in water damage once the fall rains begin.

3. Trim Trees and Shrubs Away From the House

Branches too close to your siding or roof can cause damage during windstorms. Trim them back now before leaves (and storms) really start flying.

4. Service the Furnace Before the Rush

Late August and early September are the perfect time to schedule your furnace tune-up. By October, HVAC companies are swamped. Beat the rush and avoid the dreaded “no heat” emergency.

5. Power Wash and Seal the Driveway

New Jersey winters—salt, snow, and ice—are tough on concrete and asphalt. A quick power wash and seal coat will help protect against cracking and fading.

6. Check for Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows

Drafts are energy drains once heating season kicks in. Replace worn-out weatherstripping and reseal gaps to keep your home cozy and your bills down.

7. Store Outdoor Furniture Properly

Clean cushions, cover umbrellas, and protect your patio furniture now. That way everything is in good shape and ready to roll when spring comes back around.

8. Drain and Flush the Water Heater

Sediment builds up quickly, especially in hard-water areas of NJ. Flushing the tank helps efficiency and extends its life.

9. Clean and Inspect the Dryer Vent

It’s easy to overlook, but a clogged dryer vent is a fire hazard. A quick vacuum keeps things safe and helps your dryer work more efficiently.

10. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Cooler weather means closed windows and more indoor time. Test alarms now and replace batteries before they start chirping at 3 a.m.

Final Thought

Get these things done now—while the weather is good, your weekends are flexible, and before schedules get even busier. Future you (the one not dealing with a surprise repair in November) will thank you.

Need help with any of this? I’ve got trusted local pros in New Jersey for HVAC, gutter cleaning, power washing, inspections—you name it. Just reach out, and I’ll connect you.