Fall is officially here; The temperatures are dropping and the holiday season is just around the corner. But before you jump into shopping and cooking, it's time to get your home in order. Whether you live in a cold climate or somewhere more temperate, these tasks can not only prevent potential problems in the coming months, but also help you get more organized before the winter festivities begin. Here are seven homework assignments you need to complete before Daylight Saving Time ends.

Remove the hoses from the outside faucets

After using your hose all summer, it's probably still broken – but it's time to disconnect it. “In cold climates, people often forget to remove hoses from outdoor faucets,” explain professional handymen Tony Conz and Jamie Addie. “When you turn off an outside faucet, the valve is much further back in the house than you might think. This keeps the water in your home warm and out of the frosty air so the pipes don’t freeze.”

Frozen pipes aren't just an inconvenience, they can actually cause major damage. “If you leave the hose connected, it will trap water outside the valve and make the pipes vulnerable to bursting,” say Conz and Addie. “Homeowners who don’t remove their hoses are causing unnecessary stress and expense.”

Install bib covers on outdoor faucets

Conz and Addie recommend installing bib covers before the end of daylight saving time, 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 little 'blankets' that surround the outside faucet and keep the metal a little warmer to prevent freezing.”

Upgrade smart lighting systems

According to cleaning and organizing expert Maria Anderson, reprogramming automated lighting systems, smart bulbs and timers as daylight hours change is the best way to update smart lights. “It contributes to increased comfort and safety and ensures your home is well lit on darker evenings.”

Reconsider your winter lighting needs

“It’s also a good time to consider other winter lighting needs in your home,” explains Gabai. “As daylight hours become shorter, workspaces and common areas will receive less natural light,” she says. “You may need to add additional lighting; This can help create a functional and efficient space during the darker months.”

Check and replace detectors

The last thing anyone wants to discover in an emergency is a smoke or carbon monoxide detector that isn't working. Therefore, it is 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. “Ensure these devices are working to keep your home safe.”

Seasonal equipment swaps

Anderson also recommends taking the time to sort and replace seasonal gear. “Pack away summer gear and make fall and winter items easier to access,” she says. “For easy storage, keep them in clear, labeled containers to make them easier to replace in the future.” It might be time to ditch the pools and get out the cross-country skis.

Draft proof your home

Does your home feel a little cool even though you don't have the air conditioning on? Check your windows and doors. “As the weather cools down, take the time to check windows and doors for drafts,” suggests Anderson. “Using weatherstripping or draft excluders increases warmth and energy efficiency in a home.”