Spring cleaning gets all the press, but fall cleaning is just as important. September typically brings a break from the worst of the humidity and a slow turn toward the months when we spend more time indoors. A little sorting now means a safer, easier winter. The trick is to break it into small pieces so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
The Kitchen First, One Cabinet at a Time
Start with the pantry. Go through one shelf at a time, check the dates, and toss anything that is past its use-by date. Wipe down each shelf before putting things back. Keep only the foods you still plan to use.
Take everything out of the fridge, wipe the shelves and drawers, and check the temperature with a fridge thermometer. It should be at or below 40°F. The FDA has a simple food-safety chart worth pinning to the door. You can leave the freezer for another day. You don’t have to tackle the whole kitchen at once.
Check the Living Room and Bedroom
Look for anything that could cause you to trip or lose your balance in the living room. Keep the floor rug-free and move loose cords away from walking paths. Put away stacks of magazines, books, or other items that have collected near your chair.
Ensure the path between your bedroom and bathroom is clutter-free. Add a night-light if the area is dark, and replace any burned-out bulbs. You can also use this time to put away summer items and bring out what you will need for cooler weather. Store extra blankets where they are easy to reach, and sort through your closet as you go. Donate clothes you no longer wear rather than letting them take up space.
Make the Bathroom Safer
The bathroom can be one of the more challenging rooms to move around safely, especially when the floor is wet. Grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower can give you something sturdy to hold. A nonslip bath mat can provide more traction, while a raised toilet seat may make sitting down and standing up easier. If you find yourself getting tired while showering, a shower chair gives you a place to sit.
Take a look at the medicine cabinet, too. Check the dates and set aside any medications you no longer need. Ask your pharmacy about local medication drop-off options for safe disposal rather than flushing old medicines down the toilet.
Don’t Forget the Garage, Porch, and the Outside Edges
Do not forget the areas outside your main living spaces. If you have a garage or a shed, do a quick walk-through and ensure the walkways are clear and that you can easily get to the items you use most. Keep a working flashlight near the door in case you need it after dark.
This is also a good time to check your emergency supplies. Make sure you have enough water, fresh batteries, and a battery-powered radio on hand. Take a few minutes to test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, and replace the filter in your HVAC system.
Reliable In-Home Support This Fall and Beyond at Senior Helpers
Getting your home ready for fall does not have to mean tackling everything at once. Taking on a few tasks at a time can make the work easier to manage. If you need extra support to make everyday routines feel more manageable, Senior Helpers Gainesville can help. Contact us to learn more about our senior home care services in Alachua, Archer, Bell, Bronson, and Williston.