Fall cleanup is easy with affordable used tools from KSL

As temps simmer and trees start to change color, kids (and dogs) look forward to jumping into a massive pile of leaves. For homeowners, it usually means a long to-do list once fall rolls around. In addition to mounds of deciduous litter to clean up, there are garden beds to clear and garages to de-junkify.   

But if squirrels can get organized before winter, so can you. KSL Classifieds has fall cleanup hacks for Utah homeowners so you can find the right storage equipment and secondhand tools  to help save a few pennies before the holidays.

See if you can find deals from people selling multiple tools.

Find affordable yard tools in Utah

Biggest fall cleanup challenges

Yardwork is year-round, but fall comes with a unique set of projects to tackle.

• Leaves galore: You blinked and suddenly your lawn was covered in a brownish, flaky layer that threatens your lawn’s longevity. But where’s that darned rake?

• Garden soil prep: Your soil needs a coat just like you would on those frigid winter days. Fall is a great time to mulch and dress your soil for the cold. 

• Garage/shed clutter: Still can’t find that rake? It’s probably buried under a pile of junk in the garage. Invest in storage solutions to easily keep track of tools and equipment. 

• Outdoor prep: This is the one time you want your mind in the gutter. You’ll need to remove those leaves before they freeze over the winter, potentially damaging your gutters or roof. And you’ll need a good quality ladder to safely get up there. 

Tools and equipment worth buying secondhand

While a trip to a home improvement store is always fun, not every tool needs to be brand new. In fact, it can be smart to buy fall cleaning essentials secondhand to save money on big projects. These are some must-have tools for fall cleanup. 

Leaf blowers 

Perhaps the most convenient way to clear stray leaves and sticks is with a leaf blower. Get a gas leaf blower if you have a larger yard. Get an electric model for smaller yards, patios or front porch areas. 

Rechargeable leaf blowers make yard cleanup quick and easy.

Get used leaf blowers on Classifieds

Mulchers/shredders 

Turn those leaves into compost! Or break down some old branches in a shredder. These tools can be pricey, so getting one secondhand is a great alternative.

Find used mulchers

Ladders

Still need to reach those gutters? A ladder is essential for many home projects such as tree or roof care, and fun decor projects — hanging holiday lights, setting up a shade sail, etc. 

Clean hard to reach areas with a good ladder.

Find secondhand ladders 

Rakes and shovels 

Don’t forget the simplest, but arguably some of the most necessary, tools to clear out garden debris. You can find high quality rakes or shovels for a fraction of the cost when buying them used.

Find used garden rakes

Find used shovels

Storage solutions for Utah in fall 

Now is a great time to declutter and organize before everyone hibernates in winter. Who wants to clean in a blizzard, anyway? And if you’re like most, the garage tends to be the catchall for gear and tools. Garage or shed storage solutions such as shelving or storage racks can help keep even the smallest fall cleanup projects easy and organized.

Find used storage solutions  

Wheelbarrows

Whether you need to haul dead material or bring in new plants, used wheelbarrows can often be found for a great deal. 

Haul in the soil or compost you need for your garden with a used wheelbarrow.

Find used wheelbarrows

Money saving tips for buying used tools          

Once you start clearing things out, you may discover an old tool or two. What was that shrub rake for again? You don’t have any shrubs. It can be easy to overbuy tools if you’re not careful. Here are a few tips to make sure you’re shopping for secondhand tools the smart way.

• Know what you need: Make a checklist of your fall projects and an inventory of what you already have, so you don’t overspend or double purchase.

• Inspect before buying: Ask sellers to let you test any electric or gas tools before buying. Thoroughly inspect ladders to make sure they’re sturdy and safe.

• Browse for bundles: You might notice people offloading a bunch of tools at once. Often they will offer a deal if you buy more than one tool. 

Skip the work with KSL Services

If you don’t have the know-how or time for certain fall cleanup tasks, the best alternative is to find a Service on KSL. Some Services you can find are: 

• Gutter cleaning

• Junk removal and hauling 

• Garage shelving

• Landscaping 

Find fall cleanup services

Ready to start your fall cleanup project? Check regularly for used tools on KSL Classifieds — items can sometimes come and go quickly! Create a Saved Search and we will notify you when the right item pops up. For other cleaning tips, our Resources page will have something to help.