By Rochelle Roesler

There’s a moment every fall in Fargo when you realize summer really is over.

The patio furniture starts looking a little lonely. The evenings get cooler. You find yourself closing windows that were wide open just a few weeks ago. And before long, the flip-flops by the door are replaced by boots, jackets, gloves…and eventually a collection of things covered in snow.

Living in Fargo means your home doesn’t just experience four seasons — it has to function through all four of them.

After living and working in the Fargo-Moorhead area for years, I’ve learned that the change of seasons affects more than what we wear. It changes how we actually use our homes.

Here are a few ways Fargo homeowners can make that transition from fall into winter a little easier — and maybe even enjoy it.

1. Make the Transition From Outdoor to Indoor Living

Summer in Fargo is made for decks, patios, backyards and open windows. When cooler weather arrives, much of our everyday living moves back inside.

That makes fall a great time to rethink the spaces you’ll use most over the next several months.

Bring out the blankets. Rearrange a chair toward the fireplace or a favorite window. Create a comfortable place to read, watch football, work on a hobby or enjoy your morning coffee.

And before everything outside disappears under snow, take a little time to put away the things you’ll want again next spring.

Clean and store patio furniture, garden tools and outdoor décor. Drain hoses and disconnect them from exterior faucets. Put away cushions and anything else that doesn’t need to spend a Fargo winter outdoors.

A little work now makes spring much easier.

2. Create a Cozy Fall Atmosphere Without Overdoing It

You don’t need to completely redecorate your home every season.

Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference.

Swap lightweight summer throws for warmer blankets. Add a few textured pillows. Bring in warmer lighting. A fall centerpiece, seasonal greenery or a candle can completely change how a room feels.

One of my favorite things about fall is that it gives us permission to make our homes feel a little cozier.

And in Fargo, that cozy season lasts awhile!

3. Get the Entryway Ready for Fargo Weather

If you’ve lived through a North Dakota winter, you already know:

The entryway is about to become command central.

Boots. Gloves. Hats. Coats. Snow pants. Wet shoes. Dog leashes. Ice melt. And somehow, one glove that belongs to absolutely no one.

Before winter arrives, give your entryway or mudroom a quick reset.

Make room for winter coats before you need them. Add a boot tray for wet shoes and snow-covered boots. Keep a basket or bin handy for hats and gloves. If you have kids or grandkids visiting regularly, hooks at different heights can make life easier.

And don't forget about our four-legged family members. A towel near the door for snowy paws can save a lot of cleanup.

In Fargo, a beautiful entryway is nice.

A functional entryway is even better.

4. Make the Most of Your Home Before Winter

Fall is also the perfect time to tackle those little home projects that are much less enjoyable when it’s 10 below zero.

Walk around the outside of your home and look for anything that needs attention.

Check exterior faucets and hoses. Clean gutters if needed. Look at weatherstripping around doors and windows. Make sure your snowblower is ready before the first major snowfall. Check your furnace filter and consider scheduling service if it’s due.

This is also a good time to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

None of these projects are particularly glamorous, but Fargo homeowners quickly learn that winter preparation is much easier than winter repair.

5. Fargo Homes Really Do Need to Work for All Four Seasons

One thing I’ve noticed after decades in Fargo-Moorhead real estate is how differently we use our homes depending on the season.

A backyard might be the center of activity in July.

By January, that same family may spend most of its time in the kitchen, family room or basement.

Garages become more important. Storage becomes more important. Entryways become more important. Natural light becomes something you appreciate on those short winter days.

That’s why good home design in our area isn't only about how a house looks.

It's about how the house lives.

The best Fargo homes have spaces that can adapt as our lives move from season to season.

6. Little Things Fargo Locals Learn About Winter

Spend enough winters here and you pick up a few things.

You learn not to wait until the first blizzard to see whether the snowblower starts.

You learn that having an attached garage feels especially wonderful on a January morning.

You learn to keep extra gloves around because gloves apparently disappear at approximately the same rate as socks.

You learn that sunshine streaming through a window can make a below-zero day look surprisingly beautiful.

And you learn to appreciate home differently.

Winter has a way of making us slow down and spend more time inside. That makes the comfort and functionality of our homes even more important.

Your Home Has Seasons, Too

One of the things I love about living in Fargo is that every season feels distinct.

Summer gives us long evenings outdoors. Fall brings football, colorful leaves and cooler nights. Winter makes home feel like a retreat. And spring brings that incredible first day when you can finally open the windows again.

Our homes change right along with us.

So before winter arrives, take a weekend to prepare your home, make your favorite spaces a little cozier and enjoy everything that comes with another season in Fargo.

And if you ever have questions about your home, improvements that may affect its value, or what's happening in the Fargo-Moorhead real estate market, give me a call. I'm always happy to be a resource.

Rochelle Roesler, Broker Associate
CENTURY 21 FM Realty | FM Home Pros
Fargo • Moorhead • West Fargo & Surrounding Communities
218-979-1722