Fall along 30A doesn’t exactly mean leaves crunching underfoot (maybe a little white sand) or the first whiff of pumpkin spice lattes—though you’ll still see plenty of those at your favorite local coffee shops like Black Bear or Amavida. What it does mean is a softer sun, ever so slightly cooler evenings, and the perfect time to give your home some attention before the holiday season sneaks up.

Think of it as tuning up a boat before heading back out on the water—small steps now keep everything running smoothly later.

Breathe Easy: Change That Filter

Our coastal air is salty, humid, and let’s be honest—sometimes heavy. Your AC system has been working overtime through the hot and humid summer months, and a fresh filter makes a world of difference. It’s a quick swap that helps your unit run efficiently, saves on your energy bill, and keeps your indoor air cleaner (especially if your rental guests like to leave the doors open to hear the waves crash).

Decks, Docks, and Salt Spray

Wood doesn’t love our salt air the way we do. Take a weekend to check your deck, dock, or outdoor railings. A good sealant not only keeps the wood looking sharp but also protects it from warping or splitting.

Think of it as sunscreen for your home—it keeps the elements from aging it before its time.  If only our moisturizers worked as well, but I digress.

A Quick Storm Check

We all know hurricane season doesn’t magically end when the calendar says so. Make sure your shutters or impact windows are in working order. If you’ve got an emergency kit stashed away, now’s a good time to refresh it with batteries, bottled water, and extra phone chargers for any God-forbid last minute storms that crop up this fall.

Peace of mind is priceless when a storm watch pops up on your weather app while praying Jim Cantore isn’t heading our way.

Some of My Favorite Things for My Personal Hurricane Prep List:

• Extra phone chargers and portable power banks
• Plenty of bottled water
• Non-perishable snacks (the good kind—think jerky, nuts, protein bars, peanut butter, not just crackers)
• Fresh batteries for flashlights and lanterns
• A waterproof container for important documents
• Pet supplies, if you’ve got furry family members, lots of treat and any meds they need
• A good bottle (or two) of wine or your favorite spirit to make one of our favorite cocktails from our 30A Libations Cocktail Guide. Mine is the Beach Road!

Landscaping for the Season

Your landscaping hopefully survived the summer heat like a champ, but fall is a great time to trim back overgrowth and re-mulch beds. Not only does this keep things tidy, but it also deters critters from setting up shop too close to your house. Plus, who doesn’t love pulling up to a home that looks crisp and well-kept? 

Added bonus:  When it is time to sell, we are seeing more and more issues with trees overhanging the roof causing issues on inspection.  Trim now: close later!

Little Details That Add Up

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Flush outdoor hoses and check irrigation for leaks
• Pressure wash walkways and siding (because mildew loves the humidity here)
  

Fall home care around 30A isn’t about battening down the hatches for the winter—it’s about small, smart moves that keep your home beautiful, functional, and ready for whatever the season brings.

As one of your most important assets, it’s the perfect time to re-invest in it and maintain value versus losing it with deferred maintenance, plus you are one step closer to being ready to come to market when the time is right to make your next investment. 

So, grab that fresh filter, dust off the pressure washer, and maybe reward yourself with a sunset walk on the beach once the checklist’s complete. After all, that’s why we live here—to enjoy it.