6 Chores to Get Done This Fall in Idaho Before the Cold Hits

October is flying by, and the days to prepare for Halloween are disappearing quickly. It seems like the month just began, and it is nearly half over already. Fall is in full swing, and leaves have begun to fall from trees, the temperatures have dipped a bit, and the rain and wind have made their presence felt. While most are focused on getting ready for Halloween and doing fall chores, activities, and enjoying this time of year, perhaps you should focus a little bit on winter as well. Now is the time to focus on winter and begin preparing before it is too late, and if you don't do these chores soon, you will regret it.

Blowing Out Sprinklers in Idaho

With the weather dropping and rain in the forecast off and on, when should you stop running your sprinklers? With nights getting down into the 30s soon, it wouldn't be a bad idea to schedule to have your sprinklers blown out sooner rather than later. The last thing you want is a pipe bursting and having your sprinklers be ruined. The days of mowing are dwindling, and now would be a good time to turn them off and blow them out. If not now, then likely by the end of October. 

When to Get Firewood in the Magic Valley

While the thought of starting a fire right now may seem silly, it is time to prepare for those days. If you are someone who enjoys a fire going in your home or relies on a wood-burning stove for heat, make sure to order your firewood now. It will take time to get it delivered, to stack it, and it is more affordable the sooner you do it. Don't wait, and order now before the prices go up. 

Sweeping Your Chimney in Idaho

Speaking of fire and wood-burning stoves, it is always a good idea to have your chimney swept before using it for the first time of the year. Over the spring, summer, and fall, some furry neighbors may have gotten cozy in your chimney, and leaves and other debris could have blown in there. It has been a while since you have used it, and it will be much safer to use if you have it swept before the first fire of the year. 

Unplug and Cover Air Conditioners in the Magic Valley

Some people run hot and are still using their air conditioners, while others have them still hooked up but haven't been using them the last few weeks as the weather has been pleasant. The time is coming soon to unplug your window units, your wall units, or your air conditioner if you don't have central heating and air, and to cover the unit as well to keep it protected during the winter. You likely won't need it again until well into 2026. 

Rake or Mow Your Leaves

As fall moves along, more and more leaves will begin to fall from your trees and cover your yard. While raking them is a great option, another way to get rid of them is to mow them as well. As long as there is a nice, dry day available, get out and mow the leaves now before they pile up too much and your mower can't get over all of them. This may be a chore you have to do a couple of times before the fall season is over. 

Take Down Trampolines and Cover Pools in Idaho

Many residents in the Magic Valley own pools and trampolines, but they typically don't get used much during the winter. Trampolines can pop during frigid conditions, and with Idaho wind, you never know where it could end up this winter as well. Pools are no longer needed in the Magic Valley, and it is wise to drain them and cover them now before they get bombarded with leaves, snow, and who knows what from the wind this fall. 

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These are only a few things that need to be done before winter arrives, but it is never too soon to be thinking ahead. For anyone who has lived in Idaho for a significant amount of time, you know that the weather can flip any way. Enjoy fall and the nice days, but take some time to begin preparing for winter as well, because it's coming soon.