Preparing for Autumn

Have you felt the sudden sharp touch of cold recently? We thought it was time to think about how we can prepare our homes for Autumn and make the transition to cooler weather more comfortable. Here are some steps to get your home ready for the season:

Create a Cosy Atmosphere

Layer Textures: Bring out blankets, throws, and pillows to add warmth and comfort to your living spaces. Opt for fabrics like wool, fleece, or knit to create a cosy vibe.

Use Candles and Soft Lighting: As the days grow shorter, enhance the ambiance with soft lighting. We love candles and fairy lights to create a warm glow in our house.

Prepare for Cooler Temperatures

Check Heating Systems: Ensure your heating system or fireplace is in good working order. Does your chimney need a clean? Schedule maintenance if necessary, and stock up on firewood if you have a wood burner or open fire.

Seal Windows and Doors: Check for drafts and add weatherstripping or caulk to seal any gaps, which will help keep your home warmer and reduce energy costs.

Layer Rugs: Adding rugs or layering them in living rooms and bedrooms can help insulate the floors and create a warmer, more inviting space.

Update Bedding: Switch to Heavier Bedding: Swap out lightweight summer bedding for warmer options like heavier duvets and wool blankets to stay comfortable during colder nights.

Add Extra Blankets: Keep extra throws or blankets on hand in the bedroom and living areas for chilly evenings instead of putting the heating on.

Bring in Autumn Scents

Add Seasonal Scents: Introduce autumn-inspired scents like cinnamon, clove, apple, vanilla, or cedarwood through candles and diffusers.

Freshen with Dried Florals: Use dried flowers or essential oils like lavender, sage, or eucalyptus to enhance the autumn mood. We love collecting conkers and pinecones to do this with in our home!

Prepare the Kitchen

Stock Up on Pantry Essentials: Prepare for autumn cooking by stocking your pantry with staples for soups, stews, and baked goods. Think about hearty ingredients like beans, lentils, root vegetables, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.

Warm Beverages: Set up a cosy drink station with coffee, hot chocolate, teas, and cider so you can easily make warm drinks as the weather cools down.

Prepare Outdoor Spaces

Clean Up the Garden: Tidy up the garden by removing dead plants, pruning trees and shrubs.

Store Outdoor Furniture: Protect outdoor furniture from the elements by covering it or moving it to storage. This will extend its lifespan and prepare it for the colder months.

Add Seasonal Decor: Bring in autumn touches with wreaths, pumpkins or potted plants like chrysanthemums to give your outdoor space a seasonal refresh.

Declutter and Organise

Declutter for a Fresh Start: Autumn is a good time to declutter and organize closets, cupboards, and living spaces. Donate or store summer clothes and items you no longer need. We recently organised all our pencils and Pens after a rather busy summer of crafts. Oh, the tidy pencil box looks so inviting!

Seasonal Maintenance

Clean the Gutters: Clear out leaves and debris from your gutters to prevent water damage during the rainy season.

Check the Roof: Inspect your roof for any damage or missing shingles. Repairing them before winter will help avoid leaks or cold drafts.

Test Smoke Detectors: With more indoor heating and cooking during autumn, ensure your smoke detectors are functioning properly by testing and replacing batteries if necessary.

Create an Autumn Playlist

Set the Mood with Music: Curate a playlist with calm, cosy music to enhance the seasonal vibe. Acoustic or jazz tunes can make indoor time feel more relaxed and comfortable.

By preparing your home for autumn, you can embrace the season's beauty while ensuring your space is warm, comfortable, and ready for the cooler months ahead.

We would love to hear how you do this yourself or if anything from this post has inspired you?