Fall is upon us! That means crunchy leaves, crisp air, and all kinds of delicious, warming fall treats.
But while you're enjoying apple cider and pumpkin spice everything, there is one thing you have to do: turn back the clocks. The fall clock change is everyone's favorite because it means one extra hour of sleep.
This year, the clocks fall back on November 6. While computers and phones will change their clocks automatically, regular clocks in your home will have to be manually changed.
It's a simple enough task, but it's also a great time to do some seasonal chores. You know — the kind you never remember to do. By linking them with changing the clocks, you'll remember to get all those twice-yearly chores done!
It's also a great way to prepare your house for winter in simple ways. And since the clocks get changed on a Sunday, you'll probably have time to get them done.
Then you can sit back, sip your spiced cider, and get cozy.
See if any of the chores on this list need to get done in your house, and let us know what you do to prepare for the cold months!
Task #1: Reset The Clocks
This one is pretty obvious, but on your fall checklist, it's the most important step of all!
To make sure you get to work on time, be sure to manually set all non-digital clocks or clocks not connected to the internet in your home.
Cell phones and computers will change automatically, but any face clocks will need to be changed by hand.
Task #2: Flip Your Mattress
Mattresses need to be flipped every six months to make sure they wear evenly, which helps them last longer. And conveniently, clocks change every six months, too.
Flipping your mattresses on the same day you change your clocks is a great way to remember to do it.
Have a pillow- or foam-top mattress? Just rotate it. You don't need to flip those.
Task #3: Wash Your Pillows
You probably wash your pillowcases regularly, but your pillows need cleaning too.
Oils and dead skin from your face seep through your pillowcase. Every six months, it's a good idea to thoroughly wash your pillows.
Down and fiberfill pillows can be tossed into the washing machine. Foam pillows can be vacuumed and spot-cleaned.
Check for care instructions on labels, too.
Task #4: Check Your Expiration Dates
Medicine expires, and taking expired medication can be pointless at best and dangerous at worst.
On clock change days, do a check of your medicine cabinet for anything that's expired, and dispose of it appropriately — most pharmacies will help you dispose of medications.
Task #5: Take Stock Of Your Pantry
Dry goods also don't last forever, so check out your pantry and make sure everything is still good and edible.
The fall clock change is also a great time to make note of any baking needs you might have if you're planning on doing any cooking for the holidays.
Task #6: Pick Up Some Vitamin D
If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, the fall clock change means that daylight hours are going to start shrinking. That means you won't be getting as much vitamin D as you do in summer.
Vitamin D is great for bone health, so pick up some supplements when you set the clocks back.
If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, do this in the spring.
Task #7: Clean Your Oven
Ovens get dirty, especially if you like to cook.
With the holidays coming up, now is a good time to clean out your oven in preparation for all the use it's going to get.
It's also a good time to do some other kitchen cleanup, like vacuuming out your refrigerator's coils, which helps it run more efficiently.
Task #8: Restock Your Emergency Kit
An emergency kit is a great thing to have in the house any time of year, but it won't do you any good if nothing in it works!
Take this time to check on the batteries in flashlights and to see if any medications are still good, and that nothing has been damaged. Replace or update whatever needs it.
Also, be sure you're well stocked on Band-Aids, antibiotic cream, gauze, and other first aid kit essentials.
Task #9: Clean Or Replace Air Filters
Before you start using the heat or air conditioning in earnest, you should check up on your air filters to make sure you're not breathing in anything bad for your health.
Checking the filters will also ensure that your systems are running efficiently and smoothly.
Task #10: Change The Batteries In Your Smoke Detector
Smoke detectors save lives, so checking up on yours every six months is a good idea.
Most have a test button to make sure the batteries are still good. If they're not, replace them immediately.
Do you pay attention to the clock changes, or do you just let your phone update for you? If you do set your clocks manually, is there anything else you're sure to do?
Let us know in the comments, and SHARE to make the daylight saving transition a little smoother for everyone!
