Fall is a magical time of year, full of
beautiful changing leaves, crisp air and the excitement of upcoming holidays. But with all that magic comes a to-do list that can get overwhelming quickly, especially for busy families and homeowners. At Sherah, our family assistants specialize in helping you juggle it all so you can play in those leaves instead of just raking them.
Here are the top 10 tasks busy families and homeowners should focus on this October, with tips to keeping it stress-free this fall.
1. Aerating and Seeding Your Yard
Autumn is the perfect time to care for your lawn and make sure it looks its best through winter and into next spring. Aerating and seeding helps rejuvenate grass after the summer heat, promoting lush growth come spring.
Don't have an aerator and don't want to pay someone to do it for you? Gather your neighbors and go in together to rent one from your local hardware store, Home Depot or Lowes. Split the cost and everyone can knock it out together one weekend.
Or let Sherah schedule this for you, so your yard gets the attention it needs without interrupting your busy fall schedule.
2. Leaf Removal and Gutter Cleanout
Falling leaves are beautiful, but they can wreak havoc on your gutters and grass. Let the kids play in them, but them get them hauled away as quickly as you can.
Sherah will coordinate regular leaf removal and gutter cleanouts to keep your property looking great and functioning smoothly as fall progresses.
3. Fall Decor for the Front Porch
Bring the warmth of autumn to your doorstep with fall-themed decor. Whether it’s pumpkins, mums and a wreath on the front door, or a fire pit and cozy lanterns out back, it doesn't have to break the bank to get that warm, welcoming fall look.
You can find affordable pumpkins and mums at local pumpkin patches, discount and grocery stores like Walmart, Aldi, and even your local farmers markets. Local gardening shops and hardware stores, Home Depot, and Lowes tend to carry the white and flat pumpkins to add some variety.
Don’t have time to shop? Let Sherah family assistants handle it for you, so you can come home to a porch that feels like fall without the hassle. We can even order the s'mores!
4. Schedule Winterizing for Irrigation Systems
As the weather cools down, it’s crucial to protect your irrigation system from freezing temperatures. We can schedule the winterization for you, so you won’t have to worry about damage to your system when the cold sets in. The best irrigation companies will also check your lines and heads for any repairs that are needed.
Don't forget as well to check your outside faucets. Adding insulation with covers or installing a freeze-proof spigot is a great way to protect your home from damage during the winter. Using spigot covers is a quick and affordable way to shield your outdoor faucets from the cold, with several options available at any local hardware store.
5. Plan and Shop for Halloween Costumes
Between work, school, and everything else, Halloween costume planning can easily slip through the cracks and you're suddenly scrambling on Amazon late at night hoping the shipment arrives in time.
Whether your little one wants to be a superhero or a ghost, Sherah can take on the task of finding and purchasing the perfect costumes for the whole family, giving you one less thing to stress about.
Check out our blog on 8 Tips to Pulling Off a Fun and Easy Halloween for Busy Moms and Families at the Last Minute
6. Fall Closet Switch, Organization, and Donations
As temperatures drop, it’s time to switch out the summer clothes for warmer layers. Sherah can help organize your closets, rotate seasonal clothes, and even coordinate donations for any outgrown or no-longer-needed items. You’ll head into the season feeling decluttered and prepared.
Here's our pro tips as moms ourselves: Go through your kids' drawers and closets when the kids are NOT home so that you can get rid of clothes, toys and more that you know your kids don't need or haven't played with in a long time!
7. Meal Planning for Fall
With shorter days and cooler weather, fall is the perfect time to settle into a meal planning routine that includes easy soups, stews and roasted veggies.
So pull out your Instant Pot or slow cooker for and get that sheet pan ready for one-pan baked dishes in the oven. This can truly be the easiest season to feed a family when you plan and have the right equipment and groceries on hand. Throw it all in a slow cooker in the morning and dinner is piping hot and ready in the evening. Or throw it all in an Instant Pot or a sheet pan at the last minute, and a delicious dinner can be ready in 30 minutes.
Sherah can help you create a fall menu that’s nutritious and comforting, and we can even do the online grocery shopping for you. Imagine coming home after work to find all the ingredients for cozy fall meals waiting in your fridge!
8. HVAC System Check Before Colder Weather
Hopefully your air conditioning worked great during the summer, but is your heat ready for winter? An HVAC system check can save you from sudden breakdowns when the temperature drops.
Go ahead and invest in scheduling your trusted HVAC company to come and check and clean your systems, changing their filters and ensuring they're ready to go. Sherah can also schedule an inspection and tune-up, ensuring your home stays warm all winter long.
9. Plan Upcoming Holiday Travel
Planning holiday travel can be stressful, especially if you have a large family. Go ahead and plan now so you can get early bird deals and not pay last minute rate hikes. Sign up for email discounts from your favorite airlines, hotels and destinations.
Plus you can let Sherah handle the details—whether it's finding the best flights or securing lodging accommodations, we’ll ensure everything is organized so you can look forward to a relaxing holiday. We even do research on AirBnbs and VRBOs unlike travel agents.
10. Book Dog Boarder or Sitter for Holiday Travel
If your family plans to travel this holiday season, don't forget about your furry family members.
Many dog boarders require advance reservations and records of your dog's vaccinations. Some even require an advance playdate to ensure your dog is friendly with other pets.
Sherah can help book a trusted dog boarder or sitter, and call your vet to gather your records, giving you peace of mind that your pets are well cared for while you’re away.
Let Sherah Handle Your Fall Top 10 Tasks and More
With so much on your plate already, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed during this busy time of year. Sherah is here to help busy families check off all these tasks even faster than you can get them done yourself, so you can focus on enjoying the season. From home maintenance to travel planning to scheduling appointments, we’ve got you covered!
Need assistance with your October tasks and more? Get started with a 30-day free trial and feel better in one week - guaranteed!
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