As the crisp air rolls into Calgary and the leaves turn golden, it’s time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. Fall is the perfect season to tackle maintenance tasks that protect your investment and ensure your family stays cozy all winter long. Calgary’s unique climate — with fluctuating temperatures, early snowfalls, and chinooks — makes a fall checklist especially important.

Here’s your Calgary-specific fall maintenance checklist:

1. Inspect and Clean Gutters & Downspouts

• Remove leaves, pine needles, and debris to prevent clogs.

• Check that downspouts extend at least 4–6 feet away from your foundation to avoid water pooling during snowmelt.

• Look for sagging or damaged sections that may need repair before heavy snow.

2. Service Your Furnace

• Book a professional furnace inspection and cleaning before the first deep freeze.

• Replace filters every 1–3 months for efficiency.

• Consider installing a smart thermostat to manage fluctuating Calgary temperatures.

3. Seal Windows and Doors

• Check for drafts around windows, doors, and baseboards.

• Apply weather-stripping or caulking where needed.

• Add door sweeps to keep cold air out and heating bills down.

4. Winterize Your Outdoor Plumbing

• Drain and shut off outdoor faucets.

• Store garden hoses indoors.

• If you have underground sprinklers, have them professionally blown out to prevent frozen pipes.

• Drain rain barrels.

5. Check Your Roof and Chimney

• Inspect shingles for curling, missing pieces, or damage after summer storms.

• Clear off branches and debris.

• If you have a fireplace, schedule a chimney cleaning to reduce fire risk.

6. Maintain Your Yard & Trees

• Rake leaves and aerate your lawn before the first snowfall.

• Fertilize with a fall formula to help grass survive the winter.

• Trim overhanging tree branches that could break under snow and damage your home.

7. Test Safety Devices

• Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Ensure you have a working fire extinguisher on each floor.

• If you use space heaters, check cords for wear and keep them away from flammable materials.

8. Inspect Your Insulation

• Peek into your attic for signs of leaks or insufficient insulation.

• Proper insulation not only keeps your home warm but also helps manage Calgary’s sudden temperature swings.

9. Prepare Winter Equipment

• Bring out shovels, ice melt, and snow brushes.

• Test your snow blower and schedule repairs if needed.

• Stock up on emergency supplies — blankets, batteries, flashlights, and a winter roadside kit.

✅ Final Thoughts

Taking the time in fall to prepare your Calgary home saves money, energy, and stress once winter hits. A little effort now means you’ll spend more time enjoying the cozy season and less time dealing with frozen pipes, furnace breakdowns, or icy sidewalks.

Basement flooding is a major concern for Calgary homeowners—especially during spring melts and summer rainstorms. A flooded basement doesn’t just mean soggy carpets and damaged furniture; it can lead to mold, structural issues, and thousands of dollars in repairs (with or without insurance coverage).

Here’s what you need to know to prevent flooding, and the emergency steps to take if it ever happens to you.

🔧 How to Prevent Basement Flooding in Calgary

When water tables rise without a system to clear the water this puts massive pressure on foundations, causing water seepage through 1) the seam between the basement wall & the basement floor 2) cracks in the floor 3) cracks in the wall

1. Keep Your Gutters and Downspouts Clear

Clogged gutters and short downspouts are one of the biggest culprits. When water can’t drain far away from your home, it can pool near the foundation and seep into your basement.

✅ Clean gutters in spring and fall
✅ Extend downspouts at least 6 feet from the foundation
✅ Consider installing downspout extenders or splash blocks

2. Grade Your Yard Away from the House

If your landscaping slopes toward your home, water will follow. Make sure soil slopes away from the foundation to direct water away naturally.

✅ Add soil around your foundation to improve grading
✅ Avoid planting large shrubs right next to your home—they can trap moisture

If you neighbour’s yard drains into your yard, make sure that you account for draining this extra water.

3. Install (Maintain) a Sump Pump

A sump pump is your basement's best friend. It collects water from around your foundation and pumps it safely away. Make sure yours is:

• Functioning properly & draining far enough away from your foundation (and not into your neighbour’s foundation)

• Connected to a power source (with a battery backup in case of outage)

• Checked annually or after a major rainfall

Tip: Consider installing a high water alarm to alert you before flooding occurs. Once installed let your insurance company know - you could be eligible for a discount. (available at your local hardware store or amazon).

If you have a sump pump in your basement, here’s what you should keep in mind to prevent flooding—especially during Calgary’s wet spring and summer seasons:

• If your sump pump runs often—like daily or even more—your home could be at higher risk if the pump ever fails. It’s a good idea to install a backup pump that kicks in if the main one stops working.

• Make sure your sump pump has backup power. In a storm, power outages are common—and that’s when you need your pump the most. Use a battery backup or generator, not one that runs on drinking water.

• Check for a one-way (check) valve on the discharge pipe. This keeps the water that’s already been pumped out from flowing back into the pit.

• Ensure the discharged water flows well away from your home’s foundation. If the water ends up back near the house, the pump will just keep recycling the same water.

• Add a sump pit water alarm. These devices let you know when the water level is rising too high. Some even send alerts straight to your phone—especially helpful if you're away from home. Look for alarms that also warn you if the pump doesn’t turn on when it should.

• Use a sealed sump lid. This helps keep harmful radon gas from leaking into your home through the sump pit.

• Test your pump regularly. Just pour water into the pit to make sure the pump turns on and drains properly. It’s an easy way to catch problems early.

• Replace the sump pump every 10 years—or sooner if it shows signs of wear, runs constantly, or struggles to keep up.

4. Inspect and Maintain Foundation Cracks

Even small foundation cracks can allow water to seep in over time. Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles make this even more likely.

✅ Seal small cracks with waterproof concrete sealant
✅ Have larger or shifting cracks inspected by a professional

5. Check Your Window Wells

Basement windows are vulnerable, especially if the wells fill with water.

✅ Ensure window wells are clear of debris
✅ Install window well covers to prevent rain or snow buildup
✅ Make sure there is proper drainage at the bottom of each well

6. Limit Water Usage During Heavy Rain

When Calgary's storm-water system is overwhelmed, your sewer line may back up—especially during heavy rain.

✅ Avoid running dishwashers, washing machines, or long showers during big storms
✅ Install a backwater valve to prevent sewage from backing up into your basement

💧 What to Do If Your Basement Floods

Even with the best prevention, flooding can still happen. Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Stay Safe

• If water is near electrical outlets or appliances, do not enter the basement until power is shut off.

• Wear boots, gloves, and a mask—floodwater can be contaminated.

• Take photos & videos as much as possible.

Step 2: Stop the Source

• If it’s from a broken pipe or sump pump failure, shut off the water or power.

• If it’s due to rain, wait for the weather to pass and the water to stop rising.

Step 3: Call a Professional

• Contact a water damage restoration company as soon as possible.

• If it’s safe to do so, document the damage for insurance: take photos and videos.

Step 4: Start Water Removal

• Use a wet/dry shop vac, pump, or mop to remove standing water

• Remove wet carpets, drywall, and belongings quickly to prevent mold

Step 5: Dry and Dehumidify

• Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry the space thoroughly

• Remove baseboards and cut out wet drywall to let wall cavities dry

Step 6: Call Your Insurance Provider

• Report the incident right away

• Ask if your policy covers water damage or sewer backup (many Calgary homeowners opt for optional flood or sewer backup coverage or Enhanced Water Damage Package)

🧰 Final Tips for Calgary Homeowners

• Install a backwater valve.

• Inspect your sump pump every spring.

• Review your home insurance policy to ensure it includes sewer backup and overland flood coverage.

In Summary

Basement flooding is an unfortunate risk in Calgary, but it’s one that can be largely managed with the right preparation. From grading your yard and maintaining your sump pump to knowing what to do if flooding does happen, a proactive approach can save you major costs and headaches.

If you're unsure about your home's risk, consult a licensed plumber or waterproofing specialist who understands Calgary's soil and seasonal risks.

Feeling cramped in your home even though you haven't moved? It could be a sign that you have too much stuff and not enough space. Clutter builds slowly—one drawer, shelf, or corner at a time—until suddenly your home feels more chaotic than comfortable.

Here are 10 signs you may be drowning in stuff and simple, doable solutions to reclaim your space and peace of mind.

1. You Can’t Park in Your Garage

The Sign: Your garage has become a glorified storage unit, filled with boxes, holiday décor, sports gear, and random stuff that never made it back inside.
The Solution:

• Set a weekend to declutter.

• Categorize items into keep, donate, sell, toss.

• Install overhead storage racks or wall-mounted shelves to free up floor space.

• Only store what’s essential—and reclaim that parking spot!

2. You Have a “Junk Room” or “Drop Zone”

The Sign: One room or area in your home is the catch-all for everything you don’t know what to do with.
The Solution:

• Empty the space and start fresh.

• Invest in multi-functional furniture (like storage benches or ottomans).

• Add labeled bins or baskets for organized sorting.

• Set a clear purpose for the room and stick to it.

3. Your Closets Are Overflowing

The Sign: Clothes, shoes, and bags tumble out when you open the door, and you can’t find what you need.
The Solution:

• Try the “one in, one out” rule—donate one item for every new one you bring in.

• Use slimline hangers to maximize space.

• Store off-season clothing in vacuum-sealed bags or under-bed containers.

4. You Buy Things You Already Own (Because You Can’t Find Them)

The Sign: You keep rebuying items—scissors, batteries, tape—because you don’t know where the originals are.
The Solution:

• Create dedicated zones for commonly used items.

• Use clear bins and label everything.

• Do a quarterly home audit to reset and restock efficiently.

5. You Feel Stressed Just Looking Around

The Sign: Visual clutter is causing mental clutter—you feel anxious, irritable, or overwhelmed in your own home.
The Solution:

• Start with a 10-minute daily tidy-up.

• Focus on one surface at a time—clear the kitchen counter, coffee table, or nightstand.

• Bring in calming elements like plants or neutral decor to create visual breathing room.

6. You Don’t Have a Clear Dining Table

The Sign: Your table is buried under mail, groceries, homework, or laundry, leaving no space for actual meals.
The Solution:

• Set a daily or weekly goal to reset the table.

• Use the “don’t put it down, put it away” motto.

• Use a decorative centerpiece—if it’s there, you’re less likely to pile things on it.

• Add a paper or mail sorter nearby so incoming clutter has a designated home.

7. You Struggle to Clean Your Home

The Sign: Vacuuming or dusting takes twice as long because you’re constantly moving stuff out of the way.
The Solution:

• Aim for minimalism on surfaces—clear countertops, shelves, and floors.

• Use decorative baskets or bins to corral loose items.

• Keep only what’s functional or beautiful in shared spaces.

8. You’ve Started Using the Floor as Storage

The Sign: Boxes, bags, or piles of things are living on the floor—permanently.
The Solution:

• Get creative with vertical storage—think shelves, hooks, pegboards.

• Purge items that are no longer serving you.

• Stop trying to find the perfect person to gift every item to, instead take it to charity trust that the most perfect person will own it next.

9. You Constantly Say “I Might Need This Someday” or “Just in Case”

The Sign: You’re keeping items based on possibility, not reality.
The Solution:

• Ask yourself: “Would I buy this again today?”

• Ask yourself: “Can I live without it?”

• Store sentimental or rarely used items in clearly labeled bins in the basement or attic.

• For emotionally tough decisions, take a photo and let the item go.

10. Your Home Doesn’t Reflect Who You Are Now

The Sign: Your space is filled with outdated hobbies, kids' toys from years ago, or decor that no longer fits your lifestyle. Gifted and hand-me-down items that fill the space, not giving you a chance to make it your own.
The Solution:

• Redesign your home with intention.

• Donate or sell items that belong to a past phase of life.

• Curate your space to reflect your current values, goals, and personality.

Megan Golightly at GoSimplified. 

You don’t have to do this alone. Check out Megan’s organizing services: https://www.go-simplified.com/shop-services 

Find inspiration from GoSimpilified on Social Media:
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
TikTok
Pinterest

Living in a cluttered space doesn’t mean you’re messy—it usually means life got busy and things accumulated without notice. The good news? You can take back control, one step at a time. With 5, 10 or 20 minutes per day. Start small, stay consistent, and remember: your home should serve you—not the stuff inside it. 

Figuring out your organizing style will help you stay organized and understand the organizing styles of those you live with goes a long way in creating systems that will stick. Check out the Clutterbug quiz: https://clutterbug.me/ 

Simple, Eco-Friendly Tips for a Bite-Free Summer

Warm summer evenings in Calgary are perfect for BBQs, gardening, and unwinding outdoors—until the mosquitoes arrive. While our climate isn’t as mosquito-heavy as some parts of Canada, our rainy springs and warm summers can still invite these pesky biters into backyards, especially after thunderstorms or during humid weeks.

If you’re looking to enjoy your outdoor space without resorting to harsh chemicals or bug zappers, here are natural and effective ways to reduce mosquitoes in your Calgary backyard:

1. Eliminate Standing Water

Mosquitoes need stagnant water to breed—even as little as a bottle cap’s worth!
Focus on:

• Emptying birdbaths, kids' toys, and flower pot saucers weekly

• Cleaning out gutters and ensuring proper drainage

• Refreshing water features like fountains with circulating pumps

2. Encourage Natural Predators

Create a backyard ecosystem that naturally keeps mosquitoes in check.
Attract these beneficial allies:

• Bats: Install a bat house on a tall pole or tree—one bat can eat thousands of mosquitoes a night!

• Birds: Purple martins and swallows love mosquitoes. Add nesting boxes and shrubs for shelter.

• Dragonflies & frogs: Build a small pond with native plants to draw these mosquito munchers in.

3. Plant Mosquito-Repelling Greenery

Several plants naturally deter mosquitoes thanks to their scent or essential oils.
Try planting:

• Citronella grass (in pots for mobility)

• Lavender

• Lemon balm

• Basil

• Catnip (mosquitoes hate it—cats love it!)

• Marigolds

Plant near seating areas, patios, or doorways for best effect.

4. Use Natural Yard Sprays

Skip the synthetic sprays. Instead, opt for natural solutions:

• DIY garlic spray (blend garlic cloves with water and spray around the yard)

• Neem oil spray – safe for plants and pets, but discourages mosquitoes

• Essential oil sprays with citronella, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil mixed with water

Always test sprays on small areas of plants first to avoid damage.

5. Install Outdoor Fans

Mosquitoes are weak fliers. A gentle breeze from a fan can disrupt their flight path and keep your patio comfortable and bug-free. This is especially useful for covered decks and pergolas.

6. Keep Grass & Shrubs Trimmed

Mosquitoes rest in cool, shady areas during the heat of the day. Keep your yard tidy to eliminate hiding spots:

• Trim tall grass

• Prune dense bushes and trees

• Avoid overwatering—damp, shady soil is a mosquito magnet

7. Use Mosquito-Repelling Lighting

Standard lights can attract mosquitoes, especially in the evening. Try yellow LED bug lights or solar lights designed to deter insects. Bonus: they’re energy-efficient and won’t ruin your ambiance.

8. Try Coffee Grounds in Water Features

Sprinkling used coffee grounds in stagnant water (like in planters or rain barrels) can kill mosquito larvae and prevent hatching. It’s a safe, eco-friendly option if you can’t fully eliminate a water source.

Enjoy a Bite-Free Summer

With a few intentional changes, you can transform your Calgary backyard into a more enjoyable, mosquito-resistant space—naturally. Whether you're hosting friends, playing with the kids, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet, these methods will help keep the buzz at bay.

Have a favorite natural mosquito tip or DIY trick? Share it in the comments below!