Fall & Winter Home Prep Checklist for Toronto Homeowners
You might have heard that Toronto is in for a cold and snowy start to winter, but it could turn milder and wetter come January. That means November is the perfect time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead.
We’ve put together a simple Fall and Winter Home Prep Checklist to help you get started — with tasks divided into Must-Dos, Should-Dos, and Nice-to-Dos. Choose what works best for your home and schedule, starting with the essentials.
Must-Do: The Essentials
These are the tasks every homeowner should tackle before winter settles in.
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and taps.
If your outdoor faucets have indoor shut-off valves, turn them off and drain the line to prevent frozen pipes.
Clean gutters and downspouts.
Make sure melting snow and rain can drain away from your home — this helps prevent leaks and ice buildup.
Service your heating system.
Clean or replace the filter, and schedule a tune-up if it’s been a year or more since your last service.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
You should have detectors on every floor and outside each sleeping area. Ontario marks “Test Your Smoke Alarm Day” every September 28th — add it to your calendar!
Should-Do: The Next Priority
These steps can make your home more efficient and comfortable as the temperature drops.
Rake or mulch leaves.
Your lawn (and your neighbours) will thank you.
Cover your AC unit.
Keep debris out by covering the top only — leave the sides open for airflow.
Inspect your fireplace.
Book a chimney cleaning for wood-burning fireplaces or an annual inspection for gas units.
Seal gaps around doors and windows.
This keeps cold air and pests outside — and lowers your heating bill.
Trim nearby branches.
Cut back any limbs that could hit your roof, siding, or power lines. For safety, call your utility company or a certified arborist if branches are near power lines.
Nice-to-Do: When You Have Time
Small touches that make a big difference all winter long.
Store outdoor furniture.
Protect it from snow, ice, and rust.
Reverse your ceiling fans.
Switch them to clockwise rotation at low speed to push warm air down.
Stock up on winter supplies.
Salt, sand, and shovels go fast when the first snow hits.
Add cozy lighting or decorations.
A little ambiance goes a long way on dark winter nights.
Test your snowblower.
Make sure it starts and runs smoothly before the first big storm.
Bonus: Extra Improvements to Consider
These aren’t annual tasks, but they can improve your home’s comfort and efficiency for years.
Insulate exposed pipes in basements, garages, and crawl spaces.
Check your grading and drainage to prevent water pooling near the foundation.
Inspect attic insulation and ventilation to reduce heat loss.
Check the roof for missing shingles or damage.
Clean your home’s ductwork every 3–5 years for better airflow and indoor air quality.
Keep Your Home Fresh All Year
At Midtown Maids, we know how busy fall and winter can get. While you’re tackling home maintenance, let us take care of the cleaning. Our recurring cleaning services keep your Toronto home spotless, so you can focus on what really matters — staying cozy, organized, and stress-free this season.
📅 Ready to come home to clean?
Book your next cleaning with Midtown Maids today.
Here’s to a clean, cozy, and well-prepared home this winter!