Using a time management system I have developed a three part list of fall household chores. What “Should” be done, What “must” be done and what “Will” be done. From this I have distilled the essential “First Priority” list from which all work will flow.

Fall Chores (archive after 22dec11, because by then, its time for winter chores anyway)

Should Be Done:
Rake leaves
Mow /mulch lawn one more time
Tidy front garden
Tidy back garden
Tidy far back garden
Wash exterior windows
Caulk windows
Clean garage
Clean and store outdoor furniture
Drain and store rain barrel and garden hoses
Empty, clean and store all planters
Repair and winterize hot tub
Clean basement (see store outdoor furniture above)
Take down, launder and store summer curtains.
Wash interior windows
Weatherstrip where needed
Hang winter drapes
Launder and store summer bedding.
Unpack winter bedding
Store summer clothes, unpack winter clothes (cull and bag items for charity)
Deliver items to charity

Must be Done
Rake leaves
Mow /mulch lawn one more time
Tidy front garden
Caulk windows
Clean and store outdoor furniture
Drain and store rain barrel and garden hoses
Store all planters
Take down, launder and store summer curtains & bedding
Hang winter drapes and pull out winter bedding
Store summer clothes, unpack winter clothes (cull and bag items for charity)

Will be done:
Rake leaves (ish)
Tidy front garden (enough so the neighbors don’t remark)
Store outdoor furniture (usually done during a sleeting rain)
Drain and store rain barrel and garden hoses (after they unfreeze that first time)
Store summer bedding in the winter bedding bins (the easier to become confused in the spring)
Store summer clothes (on top of dresser), unpack winter clothes (and place in drawers no later than Thanksgiving)

First Priority:
Purchase additional vodka for cold weather friends
Put the pumpkin scented candle on the mantle

That should do it.