Get Autumn ready with my 5 simple tips

How do I prepare my home for the colder autumn months?

As the leaves start to fall and there's that unmistakable chill in the air, it’s time to get our homes ready for the colder months. 🍂

From those lovely autumn walks to coming home to a warm, cosy and fresh house, here are my simple tips for getting your home winter-ready without making it feel like another huge job on the to-do list!

Think cosy, clean and ready for winter.

Prepare Your Entrance

Autumn is the perfect excuse to give your front door a little seasonal makeover. Add a gorgeous wreath to instantly make the entrance feel warm and welcoming I love anything that makes coming home feel a little more special.

But it’s not just about making it look pretty. Once the weather turns, mud, rain and leaves have a habit of making their way indoors!

A good-quality, heavy-duty doormat is your first line of defence. Choose one that actually traps dirt and moisture rather than simply looking pretty, and encourage everyone to wipe their feet before coming inside.

Then tackle the inevitable hallway clutter. A couple of woven baskets are perfect for keeping boots, scarves, hats and gloves contained without making the space feel messy.

And my favourite tip? Give everything a home. If you know exactly where the boots go, where the scarves live and where the umbrellas are kept, keeping the hallway tidy becomes so much easier.

A few simple changes can make your entrance feel cosy, organised and ready for whatever the autumn weather throws at you!

Bring on the Cosy!

This is my favourite part of getting the house ready for autumn! Once the evenings start getting darker, it’s time to make the home feel warm, cosy and inviting.

Swap those light summer cushions for deeper, richer textures like velvet, boucle or chunky knits, and bring out the thick throws. Drape them over the sofa so they're there ready for those chilly evenings.

Then add a little autumn atmosphere with seasonal scents. A candle or diffuser with cinnamon, orange, vanilla or other warm fragrances can instantly make the whole house feel more autumnal.

And you don't need to spend a fortune. Simply moving things around, changing a few cushions and adding a couple of cosy touches can completely transform how your home feels.

Think soft textures, warm lighting, gorgeous scents and plenty of blankets!

Get Your Heating Ready

Don't wait until the first really cold day to discover your heating isn't working as well as it should!

Now is a great time to give your radiators a little attention. If they have cold spots, particularly at the top, they may need bleeding. A simple radiator key can help release trapped air so your radiators can heat more effectively.

You can also consider adding radiator reflector foil behind radiators on external walls. It helps reflect heat back into the room rather than allowing as much heat to be absorbed by the wall.

And while you're at it, have a quick check around the house for any obvious draughts around windows and doors.

A few little jobs now can make a big difference when the temperature drops meaning you can stay warm, cosy and hopefully a little kinder to the heating bill!

TOP TIP: If you're unsure about bleeding your radiators, check your heating system manufacturer's guidance or get a professional to do it for you.

Seasonal Deep Cleaning

Before the windows are firmly shut for the colder months, give them one final good clean.

A window vacuum is brilliant for getting that lovely streak-free finish without leaving loads of water everywhere.

Autumn is also a great time to tackle those jobs we often put off wash the curtains, freshen the rugs and give the carpets a proper deep clean. You’ll notice such a difference going into the cosy season.

And with windows closed more often, keep an eye on moisture and condensation. If your home tends to feel damp, a dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture from the air and keep things feeling fresher.

A few simple jobs now and your home will feel clean, fresh and ready to hibernate for winter!

Wardrobe Refresh

As you swap your summer clothes for those cosy jumpers and autumn layers, it's the perfect opportunity to give your wardrobe a little refresh too.

Before putting everything away, have a quick sort through and ask yourself: did I actually wear this? If not, it might be time to donate or sell it rather than taking it into another season.

Then give the inside of your wardrobe a good wipe down with a microfibre cloth, paying attention to shelves, corners and any areas where dust has gathered.

Once everything is clean and dry, add a lavender sachet or another wardrobe freshener to keep things smelling lovely.

And don't forget only put clothes away when they're completely clean and dry. You don't want to seal away summer sweat, perfume or moisture for the next few months!

A little wardrobe reset now means less clutter, fresher clothes and a much easier start to next season.

Give Your Oven Some Love

Before the festive roasting and Christmas cooking begins, now is the perfect time to give your oven a proper deep clean.

Let's be honest, once the Christmas cooking starts, that oven is going to be working overtime so it's worth getting the grease, burnt-on food and general grime sorted now!

Get your cleaning caddy ready with everything you need so you’re not running back and forth looking for products.

Give the oven racks, door and inside a thorough clean, paying particular attention to those areas where grease loves to build up.

TOP TIP: Always check your oven manufacturer's guidance before using any cleaning products, especially on specialist surfaces.

Get it clean now and you'll be able to enjoy all those Christmas roasts, Yorkshire puddings and festive treats without thinking about the mess underneath!

Clean oven = ready for Christmas! 🎄✨