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While the idea of working outside in the shed or garden may not be as appealing in autumn as it is in spring or summer, taking care of some last-minute outdoor projects before winter sets in is one of the best fall organizing tips. Here are a few fall organizing projects to take care of now before the cold sets in!

1. Inspect and wash your windows and doors. This is exactly the right time of the year to check the caulk around both to make sure that you are not going to have any leaks to deal with. Be sure to re-caulk before the rains set in. Also check door thresholds to see if you need to install any weather-stripping. While you are at it, wash your windows. If you don’t do it now, you will probably talk yourself out of it for the rest of the year.

2. Have a look at your downspouts and gutters. Check to make sure they are not clogged up by debris. If you find any, remove it before the rains get too heavy. Check your chimneys and flues out too and get them cleaned if you have to. That way you can use your fireplace safely when it gets cold.

3. Pack away your gardening supplies for the winter. Use plastic storage containers to organize your garden shed. If your tool area is a mess, use large, medium, and small plastic bins to get your tools and parts all sorted. Also come up with a smart organization system for unused seeds and bulbs. Seeds should be stored in an airtight plastic storage container. This may turn into one of your bigger outdoor organization projects for autumn. It will be worth it though next year when you find all your gardening supplies organized and waiting for you. Then you can get straight to your spring projects.

4. Check your garden or tool shed for leaks. During the summer, condensation probably wasn’t something you needed to worry about, but it is easy to neglect your shed over the winter. If you don’t want to come back in spring to rotting wood and rusty tools, take the time now to patch up any leaks in your shed walls and rooftop.

5. Check on your outdoor storage. If you have a storage unit outside your house where you keep odds and ends, have a look to make sure that the structure is free of leaks or structural weaknesses. Make sure that everything inside is neatly packed away in airtight containers for the winter.

These fall cleaning and organizing projects are easy, and you can even make them fun if you bring your creativity into play. Think of it as just one more way to get into the spirit of autumn and welcome in the winter holidays. Get it all done before it starts getting too cold and rainy (or snowy), and you can get back indoors and get nice and warm in front of the fireplace.