"Spring cleaning" gets an awful lot of buzz, but the rest of the year often gets neglected. It shouldn't. As the weather starts to chill, it's the perfect opportunity to do some preparation for winter - some mild winterizing.

A good, full-on house-cleaning is a great idea at this time of year, when the windows can stay open and air is at its freshest. In addition, you might want to consider:

1. Cover it up. Dig out your area rugs to cover bare tile or wood, especially next to the bed or the sofa - your cold feet will thank you in January.

2. Add a blanket. Strategically-placed throws are a godsend on winter nights. Nobody wants to get off the sofa or out of bed to hunt up some additional cover.

3. Clean that fireplace. Now is the perfect time for a professional cleaning - it makes fires cleaner and safer. While you're at it, take advantage of nice weather to chop and stack some wood. You'll be happy when you don't have to freeze your fingers off later in the season.

4. Watch the windows. Remove summer screens and check the seal around all your windows (and doors). Look for spots where air's leaking through - a little weatherstripping now will help with heating bills later.

5. Turn off the water. If you've got outdoor pipes that might freeze, don't forget to turn off the water!

6. Get into the gutter. Falling leaves mean clogged gutters - and clogged gutters mean unpleasant leaks and messes. Clean them out a few times this year to avoid big clumps of wet, rotten leaves in your hair after the first snowfall.

But most of all, get outside and enjoy the great fall weather while it lasts!

Add your own tips in the comments, or take the discussion over to the buzz board – each month, the best design tip or story (related to this or any other home design project) will win a $50 gift card to a one of several home design stores (more details here). September's contest is on until the 30th. Good luck!