Pumpkin season is here! Which means the weather is changing to the return of sweater season and don't forget about those pumpkin spice lattes! Prepping your suite for the anticipation of the seasons ahead can be super helpful and keeps things smooth and organized in your suite. Here's a few ways you can prepare your suite for the fall.
Deep Cleaning Time!
Deep cleaning of your suite can look very different for some but generally sticking to the basics will help to ensure that your suite is ready for the Fall.
Cleaning areas like your baseboards, extra shelving, kitchen cabinets, and those dark corners will set you up for your first steps to prepare you for the reorganization of your suite. Make time for a serious deep clean of your appliances, bathrooms, and anything else that uses a necessarily chemical cleaner before the weather gets frosty. A smoky oven will be much harder to deal with in colder weather, and much more likely to set off your smoke alarm or irritate any allergies, and if you're the type to get a little uncomfortably high off the Windex, it'll save you that embarrassing admission. Plus, you can leave a few windows open still, might as well do it while the weather still permits it!
Helpful Cleaning Hints
For glass ceramic cooktops use Cermabryte cleaner after each use. Cermabryte will ensure not to scratch or damage your cooktop while getting it super clean! In addition, use Stainless Steel / Aluminum pots. Aluminum reduces the appearance of scratches on the cooktop and can be removed if cleaned immediately.
Clean out your closets.
Cleaning is an essential part of fall prep and organization. You will need places in dark corners, under the bed and extra shelves to store all those summer items you won't need for the next two seasons.
One of the easiest ways to keep your suite feeling bright, breezy, and uncluttered is to not stuff your closets with clothes and coats but cycle them with the season. It'll make laundry easier, save on hangers, and make sure you aren't wedging cold or wet boots between dry shoes which won't be used until spring.
Make sure your summer clothes are clean and dry before storing them somewhere cool for the winter. Once they're away, it's time to crack out the winter clothes. Check out your fall and winter coats for any needed repairs now, so you can get those loose buttons fixed well before the first snowfalls, and make sure your sweaters haven't picked up moths over the summer. If your scarves, hats, and mittens need cleaning, now's the time: wash and repair that extra winter gear and prevent that musty wool smell from setting up shop in your place.
Have you tried Smart Storage Vacuum Storage Bags? They are a great option to save space. They can even be used for your suitcase for a vacation!
Spice Switch
For many of us, autumn means a real difference in how we cook: out with the cool and fresh, and in with the warm and spicy. The beginning of autumn is a great time to check on your spice jars, send any stale ones to the great big kitchen in the sky, and refresh anything that needs a top-up.
Giving your spice cabinet (or drawer, or rack) a good clean and bringing the flavours you'll use most to the front is a simple task, but it makes a difference. You'll save time every evening during dinner prep, keep your kitchen cabinets fresh and clean, and go into the holidays ready to host or guest without any last minute runs out to the store for yellow curry or nutmeg.
Check out these pumpkin recipes for the fall. Let's get those spices working!
40 Quick and Easy Pumpkin Recipes to Make All Fall Long
Rotate your Balcony Décor
If you've got patio furniture, plants, or other decors on your balcony, now's the time to wipe down, tie down, and put it away for the winter.
Keep your plants healthy and get them prepared for coming indoors. Cut back any dead growth and dispose of it in your building's compost area. When bringing them inside give them a spot with enough sun. If you have ceramic pots make sure you bring them in for the winter. The autumn rain and temperature changes can shatter them, especially when a deep freeze sets in.
Wipe down any patio furniture with a damp cloth and soapy water, and clean and store any outdoor rugs or decorations you've used to liven your balcony up over the summer. If you'll be storing patio furniture outdoors during the winter, make sure it's well secured. Stormy fall winds can blow lighter objects right off balconies, causing a serious risk to the tender heads below.
If you do want to use your balcony through the winter, invest in a small shovel you can keep outside. Snow may pile up on your railing or balcony depending on which way your unit faces and clearing it to one side will be a big help in keeping that space welcoming and your neighbour will appreciate not dumping it on their heads!
And lastly, spice up your décor with an Autumn Corner. Adding fall items can lighten the mood and keep your balcony from looking dreary.
Make an Autumn Corner.
Check out a few ideas. https://mydesiredhome.com/autumn-in-the-balcony-decorate-with-style/
Add Warm & Fuzzy Stuff
With the season change comes colder weather. Curling up on the couch or stepping out of your bed requires a few additions that can keep those toes and fingers warm.
Warm it up with a trendy rug or two. Tile and hardwood floors can be uncomfortably cold once the temperature plummets. If you forget or refuse to wear socks, place a few rugs throughout your apartment to keep your soles from shivering.
Bring out the warmer bedding. Comforters and quilts will make those chilly nights more pleasant. Get washing and dry cleaning out of the way now so that they're fresh and ready to grab when those goosebumps arise at night.
Beddington's at 2440 Yonge St. is a great place to find those well deserved warm goodies!
Reorganize your Front Entry
Take a good look at what's located near your front door. Now is a good time to make sure there's ample space for fall outdoor essentials: jackets, hats, umbrellas, boots, and the like. Having a dedicated nook will keep those wet and muddy belongings from wrecking your suite and carrying in mud.
Doormats can be a fun addition to a suite. From colours to funny sayings each doormat can give a little insight to who lives inside. Doormats are also functional, you can get away without them during the summer months, but in the damp fall and slushy winter, good doormats, and trays to contain snowmelt and drips are a must especially with the hardwood and carpet you'll find in most suites.
If your doormats and boot trays are in good shape from last year, give them a cleaning before setting them out. If there are any rips, tears, or just too much wear, invest in a new one.
Remember it may be a fun addition, but doormats are only permitted inside the suite. It is considered a fire hazard when placed outside in the hallway. You don't want to trip your friendly neighbour!
Check out these really cool doormats from our local store West Elm