As the crisp air of fall arrives in Edmonton, so does the chance to get your home ready for the long winter ahead. Whether it’s tuning up your furnace, clearing gutters, or responsibly decluttering before the snow flies, a little effort now will save you stress later.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from mechanical maintenance and indoor comfort to where to donate furniture, electronics, and clothing in Edmonton. Plus, we’ll cover Eco Stations, Big Bin events, and local resources that keep your decluttering efforts sustainable.
1. Declutter with Purpose
Fall is a natural time to reset your home and your life. Decluttering before winter:
Frees up space for bulky winter gear like boots and coats.
Reduces fire hazards by removing clutter from basements and garages.
Keeps your home welcoming for holiday guests.
Where to Donate in Edmonton
Furniture & Household Goods
Find Edmonton — Provides free furnishings for people transitioning out of homelessness.
📞 780-988-1717Society of Saint Vincent de Paul — Accepts quality furniture, household goods, and small appliances. Pickup available.
📞 780-471-5577Habitat for Humanity ReStore — Accepts furniture, appliances, cabinets, and building materials.
📞 780-477-4052Goodwill Industries of Alberta — Accepts furniture, electronics, and household goods.
📞 780-944-1414
Clothing & Small Household Items
Goodwill Industries of Alberta — 📞 780-944-1414
Value Village – Community Donation Centre (Diabetes Canada partner) — 📞 780-452-8992
MCC Thrift Shop Edmonton — 📞 780-443-4047
BGC Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area — Free clothing pick-up. 📞 780-424-8181
EdmontonDonations.ca — Free clothing/accessory pickup.
Shelters & Community Organizations
Bissell Centre — Clothing, footwear, baby supplies, toiletries, and small household items. 📞 780-423-2285
Hope Mission — Clothing, blankets, hygiene products, food donations. 📞 780-422-2018
The Mustard Seed Edmonton — Clothing, hygiene products, backpacks, small household items. 📞 780-426-5600 (Toll-Free: 1-833-448-4673 “GIV-HOPE”)
WIN House (Women’s Shelter) — Clothing, toiletries, baby items, gift cards. 📞 780-471-6709 (24/7 Crisis Helpline: 780-479-0058)
2. Mechanical Systems Check
Mechanical systems are your home’s backbone. A failure in -30°C weather isn’t just inconvenient — it can be dangerous and expensive.
Furnace: Annual inspections catch small issues before they become breakdowns. Clean filters improve air quality and energy efficiency, saving you money on heating bills.
Air Conditioner: Properly shutting down prevents damage from ice and snow. Covering and disconnecting power extends its lifespan.
Water Heater: Flushing sediment keeps your water heater running efficiently and reduces the risk of leaks or bursts in winter.
Fireplace: Whether it’s gas, wood., or electric, it’s never a bad idea to get your fireplace inspected to ensure that everything is working properly. A malfunctioning fireplace can lead to major problems including a potentially deadly carbon monoxide buildup.
3. Gutters, Roof & Plumbing
Water is your home’s biggest enemy in winter. Taking preventative steps now:
Stops ice dams from forming, which can cause leaks into your attic and walls.
Protects your foundation from flooding when snow melts in spring.
Prevents burst outdoor faucets and cracked pipes that lead to costly repairs.
Tasks include:
Clearing gutters/downspouts.
Checking shingles and flashing.
Disconnecting hoses and shutting off exterior taps.
Testing sump pumps and backwater valves.
4. Interior Comfort & Safety
Fall is the time to focus on keeping your family safe and cozy indoors.
Smoke and CO detectors: Life-saving devices that must be tested regularly.
Ceiling fans: Reversing direction circulates warm air down, reducing heating costs.
Sealing drafts: Cuts energy bills by preventing heat loss.
Chimney maintenance: Prevents chimney fires and improves heating efficiency.
5. Outdoor Preparation
Edmonton winters are tough on landscaping and outdoor spaces. Preparing now:
Keeps your lawn healthy by preventing mold and rot under leaves.
Protects trees and shrubs from storm damage.
Preserves patio furniture and outdoor investments.
Ensures you’re ready for the first big snowfall with accessible shovels and ice melt.
6. Eco Stations & Hazardous Waste
Improperly disposed hazardous materials can harm Edmonton’s environment and clog landfills. Eco Stations ensure safe disposal of:
Paint, propane tanks, automotive fluids, and cleaners.
Electronics, appliances, and scrap metal.
Styrofoam, batteries, and bulbs.
They also support the Reuse Centre, which keeps useful items out of the landfill by redistributing them to the community.
📞 City of Edmonton Waste Hotline: 311
7. Big Bin Events: Bulk Drop-Off Made Easy
Instead of illegal dumping or curbside clutter, Edmonton’s Big Bin Events provide a safe, free, and environmentally responsible way to get rid of:
Mattresses and box springs.
Large household furniture.
Electronics.
📞 For details: 311
FAQ: Preparing Your Edmonton Home for Fall
1. When should I book my furnace inspection?
Early fall (September–October) is ideal before the rush.
2. Can I prune elm trees in fall?
Yes. Edmonton prohibits elm pruning April 1–September 30. After that, it’s allowed.
3. Where can I take old electronics?
Eco Stations (📞 311) accept e-waste year-round. Big Bin Events also collect electronics.
4. Can I donate mattresses?
Most charities will not accept mattresses. Take them to a Big Bin Event or Eco Station.
5. Where can I donate baby supplies?
WIN House (780-471-6709), Bissell Centre (780-423-2285), and Mustard Seed (780-426-5600) accept baby items.
6. Who do I call about hazardous waste?
Contact the City of Edmonton Waste Hotline at 311.
Final Thoughts
Getting your Edmonton home ready for fall is about more than comfort — it’s about protecting your investment, lowering energy bills, and supporting your community. From furnace tune-ups to gutter cleaning, responsible decluttering to Eco Station drop-offs, these steps set you up for a worry-free winter.
And if you’re preparing your home for sale this fall, these same maintenance steps make a great first impression on buyers.
