It’s official. Summer is over, the kids are back to school and the leaves are beginning to change. October is upon us–the month of crisp fall weather, spooky traditions, and cozy moments at home. Here is what you need to know to get your home ready for the spookiest month of the year.

1. Don’t Fall Behind on Your Garden – Just because the summer months are over, it doesn’t mean that you have liberty to neglect your yard. Spruce up your garden by planting chrysanthemums which bring an added pop of color to the fall landscape. Add a few dried corn stalks to a lamp post or mailbox for natural decor. As for those potted plants that have been living outdoors all summer, start transitioning them indoors now with these 4 easy steps.

2. Reorganize the Garage/Attic – It’s time to tuck the beach toys behind the rakes and shovels. Bring the Halloween decorations down from the attic and stock up on on-sale gardening products for next spring. As always with any reorganization project, be sure to evaluate how much use particular items got this summer. If necessary, donate unused or unwanted items and trash broken tools and supplies.

3. Collect Your Costumes – Decide on a costume early, before the stores are picked over and supplies are low. Try on all the moving pieces to make sure everything fits and make plans for cooler weather, if necessary.

4. Spooktacular Halloween Decor – Halloween is all about making your home spooktacular.  That said, it can be easy to do a little too much.  Not to worry, we’ve got the guide to decorating for Halloween without going overboard. If you’re looking for even more decor ideas, try the Coldwell Banker Holiday Home Decor Ideas pinterest board.

5. Touch Down! – That’s right. We’re telling you to watch football. But, before you wave the white flag and surrender to your Barcalounger in front of the flat screen all day Sunday, read our Father’s Guide to Fantasy Football Enjoyment in a Crowded House.

6. Champion your Meal Calendar – Now that school is in full swing, your family calendar is crowded with soccer games, Halloween parades and piano recitals. Getting everyone to the dinner table at the same time is an epic challenge. Make dinner prep easier by mapping out your meal plan a week in advance. If you know football practice may run late on Monday, make extra portions on Sunday night for easy heat & eat the next day. Hey, there’s even an app for that!

7. Get your Fireplace Ready – This is the time for cozy nights at home by the fire. Make sure your fireplace is ready for those cooler nights by following these 3 steps.

8. Get Cozy! – Switch out your lighter bedding for wamer, cozier linens. Swap your light down blanket for a heavier duvet, add a faux fur throw blanket at the base of the bed and use linens made of cozier material like flannel or wool. Looking for inspiration for a cozy fall bedroom? Try our Beautiful Bedrooms pinterest board.

9. Weather Proof your Home – Before the colder months set in, check weather stripping on windows and doors. Also be sure to caulk cracks and gaps in siding. For those in coastal areas, be sure that your home is ready for Hurricane Season by following this guide for Hurricane preparedness.

Check back next month for all of the to-do’s to get your home ready for Thanksgiving! For a complete list of your home’s Honey-Do lists, check back here.