Anything that looks damaged, old or broken should be first to go. Also, anything that's already passed the expiration date should be thrown away.

Yes, even if you clean them regularly by vacuuming, it's a good idea to give them a really good laundering or dry cleaning once a year to keep them long-lasting.

Fortunately, it removes dirt, dust, mites, allergens and you-name-it that have been embedded in the carpet for a year.

Clean out the condenser coil at least once a year. The indoor coils can wait -- you only need clean them every few years.

According to the EPA, you could save up to 30 percent on your energy bill if you replace a unit that old.

The trick is to keep it simple using one of the best in-your-kitchen cleaning agents: vinegar. Mix 2 cups water with ¼ cup vinegar and ½ teaspoon detergent. It makes a great window cleaner.

Whether it's a gas or charcoal grill, you should not operate it within 10 feet (3m) of your home for safety reasons.

Toss what you don't want anymore, wash the linens and store them by size for the next cold season.

Leave about 15 percent for new purchases. This will mean first going through your existing wardrobe and discarding what you no longer wear or want. When you've finished, you should have the space for your new purchases.

It would be ideal if you label the front and back of each box. To really allow for easy identification, use an index card system, with each box and its contents clearly listed.

It means what you hope will never happen: that someone is low enough to rummage through your trash in order to steal your identity or personal information.

Get yourself a home shredder (not the vegetable-shredder variety) and shred your waste paper periodically. Better safe than sorry…

The key is to sort out as you go. There's stuff you don't need and stuff you won't need for a while. It all needs sorting out.

While all of the above may be a good idea, the one that is essential under all circumstances is to label the containers. Otherwise, come next season and you'll have no idea how to find what you're looking for.

The best time is at the end of the fall season, when all the leaves have fallen. This is usually around October.

See what you can achieve manually. Pull out leaves, then hose them down. If they're still blocked, use a plumber's auger.

Before you plan your Thanksgiving turkey, now is the time to organize your pantry.

Basically, it's up to you how you group the foods together in the pantry. You can group, say, all canned items together or all food families together -- both are valid.

Even when the refrigerator temperature is standing at 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius), the risk of food poisoning is already on the rise.

First empty out all the food, making sure to put it in a cool place temporarily. Second, turn the temperature to the OFF position. Now, you're ready to clean it out.