Fall is officially here; Temperatures are dropping and the holidays are just around the corner. But before you delve into shopping and cooking, it’s time to get your house in order. Whether you live in a cold climate or somewhere with a more temperate climate, completing these tasks can not only prevent potential problems in the coming months but also help you become better organized before the winter festivities begin. Here are seven home tasks you need to complete before daylight saving time ends.

Remove the hoses from outside taps

After using your hose all summer, you probably still don’t have it, but it’s time to disconnect it. “In cold climates, people often forget to remove their hoses from outdoor faucets,” explain professional handymen Tony Conz and Jamie Addie. “When you turn off an outside tap, the tap is much further inside than you would think. This keeps the water in your home warm and away from the frigid air, preventing the pipes from freezing.”

Frozen pipes are not only annoying, they can even cause major damage. “If you leave the hose attached, it will collect water outside the valve, which can cause the pipes to burst,” say Conz and Addie. “Homeowners who do not remove their snakes are causing unnecessary stress and expense.”

Install bibs on outdoor faucets

Conz and Addie recommend installing bibs before daylight saving time ends, especially if you live in a climate with cold winters. “Bib covers are also a good idea in areas with extreme cold,” they explain. “These are small ‘blankets’ that surround the outside tap, keeping the metal just a little warmer to prevent freezing.”

Update smart lighting systems

Reprogramming automated lighting systems, smart bulbs and timers as daylight hours change is the best way to update smart bulbs, according to cleaning and organization expert Maria Anderson. “It contributes to comfort and safety and ensures that your home is well lit during the dark evenings.”

Reconsider your winter lighting needs

It’s also a good time to evaluate other winter lighting needs in your home, Gabai explains. “As daylight lengthens, work spaces and communal areas will receive less natural light,” she says. “You may need to add additional lighting; This can help create a functional and efficient space in the dark months.”

Check and replace detectors

The last thing anyone wants to discover during an emergency is a smoke or carbon monoxide detector that is not working. So it’s best to prevent this problem before it occurs. “Daylight saving time is a good time to check and replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors,” says Anderson. “Make sure these devices are working to keep your home safe.”

Seasonal equipment change

Anderson also recommends taking the time to sort and exchange seasonal gear. “Pack up your summer items and make them easier to access for fall and winter items,” she says. “Keep them in clearly labeled containers for easy storage, making it easier to exchange them in the future.” It might be time to put away those pool floats and bring out those cross-country skis.

Draft-proof your home

Does your house feel a little cool even when you don’t have the air conditioning on? Check your windows and doors. “As the weather cools, take the time to inspect windows and doors for airflow,” Anderson suggests. “The application of draft excluders or the use of draft excluders increases warmth and energy efficiency in a home.”