Get Fall Ready

It feels like just yesterday we were setting up the grill and planting our spring gardens. How does summer fly by so quickly, even though the days seem endless? It's quite the conundrum. When you start to notice that crisp autumn breeze in the air, it’s time to get moving. We believe this is the perfect moment to tackle a few chores: it’s neither too hot nor too cold, and the weather is just right for getting things done.

Tackle Garage Grime

Starting your weekend cleaning routine in the garage is a great idea. After a summer full of outdoor adventures, take stock of what’s stored in your garage and remove or rearrange items that won't be needed during the fall and winter. Now is also an excellent time to clean and store your summer toys and garden tools while bringing out rakes and shovels. As vehicles will soon need shelter from the elements, organizing and storing your belongings off the ground will create more space. Wall shelving is a fantastic solution, and our skilled handymen can even assist with installation. If you've cleared out your garage and now have a pile of unwanted items on your driveway, don’t worry. Rümi is ready to help with junk removal—whether it’s big or small!

While you're at it, inspect the seal around your garage door and ensure it operates smoothly. Any issues should be addressed now before the snow arrives. Finally, sweep the garage thoroughly to eliminate any dust and debris that has accumulated over the summer. With the salt, mud, and moisture tracked in during the colder months, keeping your space clean now will make next year’s spring cleaning much easier.

Clean Your Camping Gear

One unmistakable sign of a successful camping trip is messy gear, especially if you packed up in the rain. Living outdoors brings about its fair share of dirt, bugs, soot, mud, and various messes. After all that fun, your camping equipment deserves some TLC before being stored for the long haul.

If camping season is winding down, give your gear some end-of-season love with a thorough cleaning, repairs, and organization—take note of any wear and tear and jot down notes for yourself for next year. For instance, which items need new batteries? What equipment might require patching, repairing, or replacing? This will set the stage for a smooth start to the next camping season. Some major pieces, like tents, tarps, sleeping bags, stoves, cookware, and trailers, might benefit from extra attention after a season of summer nights.

Lay out all your gear in your yard, driveway, or living room. Be sure to follow the washing and warranty instructions for each item. Our experts suggest using a vacuum or broom, hot soapy water, and a soft cloth to clean most items. To save time, check labels to see which items are safe for dishwashers and washing machines—let your trusty appliances do the heavy lifting.

Declutter Your Kitchen

Once your last outdoor BBQ or margarita night is over (don’t cry, we’re not!), consider doing a deep clean of your kitchen and cabinets. Take a close look at your fridge and pantry. Check for expired spices, dips, and those mysterious items hiding in the back of the freezer. For an added touch, empty your cupboards, fridge, and freezer and wipe down all shelves and surfaces with a multi-purpose cleaner. Trust us, it’s worth the effort.

With your cupboards sparkling clean, are your drawers still chaotic? Organize your utensils and other odds and ends with drawer organizers. If you have the time, run everything through the dishwasher first, then donate duplicates (do you really need four melon ballers?).

Lastly, when the final steak or vegetable medley is grilled, turn your attention to your barbecue and its tools. Refer to your manual and follow any specific maintenance instructions. Instead of seeing August weekends as a goodbye to summer, think of them as a warm welcome to fall! Raise a toast to the season by using up your summer herbs in a cocktail, like this Blue Flame Kitchen mojito iced tea. Cheers!