Get Fall Ready

It feels like only yesterday we were firing up the grill and planting our spring gardens. How does summer fly by so quickly, even when the days seem endless? It’s quite the conundrum. As soon as you notice that crispness in the air, it’s time to take action. We believe this is the perfect moment to tackle a few chores: it’s not too hot, not too wet, and not too cold.

Garage Grime

Start your weekend cleaning spree in the garage. After a season of outdoor activities, take inventory of what's stored there and remove or reorganize anything that won't be needed over the fall and winter. Now is also a great time to clean and put away your summer toys and garden tools while bringing out the rakes and shovels. Since vehicles will soon need to retreat indoors to escape the elements, organizing your belongings off the floor and neatly away will create more space. Wall shelving is an excellent solution, and our very capable handymen can assist with installation if needed. If you've decluttered your garage and now have a pile of unwanted items on your driveway, don’t worry. Rümi is here to help with junk removal—whether it’s big or small!

While you're at it, inspect the seal around your garage door and ensure it operates smoothly. Address any issues now before the snow starts falling. Your final step will be to sweep the garage thoroughly to remove any dust and debris that has accumulated over the summer. Given the amount of salt, mud, and moisture tracked in during winter, getting your space as clean as possible now will make next year’s spring cleaning a breeze.

Clean Camping Gear

One unmistakable sign of a successful camping trip is messy gear—especially if you had to pack up in the rain. Spending time outdoors eating, sleeping, and adventuring inevitably leads to dirt, bugs, soot, mud, and various other messes. After such adventures, your camping equipment deserves some TLC before being put into long-term storage.

If camping season is wrapping up, give your gear some end-of-season love with a thorough cleaning, repair, and organization. Take note of any wear and tear or special instructions for next year. For instance, which items will require new batteries? Which equipment might need patching, repairing, or replacing? This will set the stage for a smooth start to the next camping season.

Big-ticket items like tents, tarps, sleeping bags, camping stoves, cookware, and trailers could benefit from some extra attention after a summer of use. Consider spreading everything out in your yard, driveway, or living room. Always follow the washing and warranty guidelines for each piece of equipment. Our experts suggest using a vacuum or broom, hot soapy water, and a soft cloth for most items. To save time, check labels to see which items are safe for dishwashers or washing machines and let your trusty appliances handle the heavy lifting.

Kitchen Clutter

Once your last outdoor barbecue or margarita party is behind you, consider doing a deep clean of your kitchen and cupboards. Take a close look at your fridge and pantry. Watch out for expired spices, dips, and those mysterious items lurking in the back of your freezer. If you’re feeling ambitious, empty your cupboards, fridge, and freezer, then wipe down all shelves and surfaces with a multipurpose cleaner. Trust us, it’s worth it.

With your cupboards cleaned, are your drawers still chaos? Organizers can help tame utensils and other random items. If you have the time, run everything through the dishwasher first, then donate duplicates. Do you really need four melon ballers?

Finally, after the last rack of ribs or vegetable medley is grilled, clean your barbecue and tools. Refer to your manual and follow any specific maintenance instructions. Don’t think of August weekends as a farewell to summer; instead, see them as a warm welcome to fall! Raise a toast to the season by using up your summer herbs in a cocktail, like this Blue Flame Kitchen mojito iced tea. Cheers!