As I walked our terrier mix, Luna, on a recent crisp day, it seemed like every neighbor was out raking, mulching or otherwise prepping the yard for winter.

We took the long way home, through the woods, kicking through leaves, to the lake’s edge, where crimson and mango-tinted trees doubled their glory in the water’s surface... when I finally admitted it: I’d put off my fall chores.

Yep, even professional organizers procrastinate. But I just needed motivation, and by the time we crunched back up the drive, I had it. A trip to the cider mill when I was done!

Sometimes you have to create your own inspiration, right? Maybe yours is the memory of your mower’s spluttering conk-outs last spring because you didn’t add gas stabilizer... or dead patches in the lawn because you didn’t reseed last fall?

Once you get your engine going, here are a few basic lawn and garden chores to do now so you’ll feel on top of things come April:

• Rake the leaves. Gotta do it…
• Fertilize, reseed and fix bare spots in the lawn. When you do your final mow, keep the grass at about 3 inches long for best spring regrowth.
• Mulch around base of perennials and around trees (avoiding the bark). And plant some bulbs while you’re out there. No, it’s not a must, but it only takes a few minutes, and you’ll enjoy the daffodils and tulips next spring.
• Drain all hoses and sprinklers to prevent freezing and breakage. Store hoses in garage or outbuilding and turn off the sprinkler system.
• Remove any dead or dying tree limbs. When ice and snow coat dead branches, they can snap off and land on your house, your car or someone passing underneath.
• Clean and oil garden tools and store inside. Change the oil in gas-powered tools, and add a gas stabilizer to keep the gas fresh through spring. Service the snowblower, if needed. Place snow shovels, ice melt crystals, car scrapers, etc., within easy reach.
• Wash and store (or cover) patio furniture and outdoor children’s toys. Clean out grill and store in garage. Move terra cotta and ceramic pots into the house or garage to prevent cracking.

As one of my neighbors says, fall isn’t the end of summer -- it’s the beginning of spring. So, pull on your old flannel shirt, grab a rake and give your yard a good head start. Those doughnuts and cider taste so much better when swallowed with a clear conscience!

Judy DiForte is a professional organizer for The Betty Brigade, a full-service personal assistance company.