With summer’s heat behind us and the arrival of cooler, crisper air, September is the perfect month to see what needs to be repaired or replaced on the outside of your home. From organizing your garage to cleaning up your garden, here are some tips to help you get ready for the fall months ahead.

Organize Your Garage. Over the summer, garages can be collection places for various items, leaving no room for the car. Purge things you no longer need, then use walls and ceilings for storage to free-up valuable floor space.

Host a Garage Sale. While the weather is still mild, hold a garage sale to unload some of your unused items and create more space in your garage and home.

Clean up Your Garden. After summer blooms fade, trim perennials and remove dead plants and weeds. Add fall color by planting mums, black-eyed susans or ornamental kale. Plant bulbs and mulch your garden beds so you’ll be prepared for spring.

Add Weather Stripping. To increase your home’s efficiency, install weather stripping on exterior doors. Use caulk around windows, as well as around areas where pipes or wires enter the house to prevent water and ice damage and keep heat from escaping.

Inspect Exterior Walls. If any paint is peeling or blistering, it could be a sign that the paint can no longer protect the home from water damage. A new coat of paint will protect your home and prevent expensive future repairs.

Trim Trees near Your Chimney. Any tree limbs that are near the chimney should be trimmed at least 10 feet back from the chimney to prevent fires and damage to both your chimney and roof. Protect your chimney from leaves and animals by placing a screen on it.

Don’t forget to take time this month to enjoy these last warm days outdoors before it’s time for sweater weather, hayrides and hot apple cider.