Don’t you just love fall? The colors of falling leaves, the crisp weather, and an excuse to wear sweaters (um, that’s me!) make this time of the year so special.

It would be awesome if all you need to get your home ready for fall is to buy a few mum plants, get some fall decorations and hang up a wreath? Those are the fun things. However, there are important things a homeowner needs to do before your house transitions from warm summer nights to cooler temperatures.

Here is a list of 8 things you can do to get your house ready for Fall.

1. Drain and disconnect garden hoses, turn off all outdoor faucets
2. Bring your outdoor furniture inside or cover it with waterproof covering.
3. Fertilize your lawn.
4. Check windows for drafts.
5. Clean out your gutters.
6. Change your heating filters
7. Fix any cracks in your driveway.
8. Change your smoke alarm batteries

Taking the time to tackle these tasks while the weather is seasonably warm will avoid issues when it’s cold outside.