Table of Contents
I have found that, for those of us who live in a house, autumn is a season of divided opinions – some like it and can’t wait for it to arrive, while others despair just thinking about it. Whether we like it or not though, autumn is here, but there is still a bit of time to ensure your home is ready for the season.
With 5 very simple yet extremely efficient tricks, we can prepare our homes for what’s coming, so that we can either enjoy this season or at least endure it graciously by warding off any potential setbacks associated with the cold weather.
Even if you are not a particular fan of this time of year, don’t pretend it’s not happening. Personally, autumn is my absolute favorite season. I love the earlier evenings, the seasonal foods, the PSL menu in Starbucks, the Costa seasonal menu, the conkers and the windy walks.
Plus, it’s also the one time of year I get to enjoy Harry Potter reruns without it seeming too strange.
Take Care of Your Garden Furniture
As we say farewell to the summer days, we have to say farewell to our gardens as well. Our outdoor living space will now become a hostage to the cold and the rain, and its survival is dependent on what we do before the cold days actually arrive.
The most obvious first step is to move the furniture, the barbecue and anything that might not do so well in the rain and wind.
In case you don’t have enough storage space where you can keep everything safely tucked away, you can get yourself one of those heavy-duty garden furniture covers that will be able to withstand all weather conditions.
Tend to Your Plants, Trees and the Grass
When you try to picture your garden during autumn, are you often saddened by what you see?
Believe it or not, it doesn’t have to be that way. I have found that there are ways we can keep the garden looking attractive and even enjoy it from time to time. The secret is turning to evergreen shrubs and winter-flowering plants. They can camouflage the emptiness we so often see in our gardens during cold seasons.
As you probably already know, the grass will soon stop being high maintenance, which is definitely something we can look forward to. That being said, don`t forget to trim the grass before it gets too late and bear in mind that fertilising it is also well advised, because it can prevent spring weeds later on, as well as prevent any winter damage. Lawn care itself is an art, so make sure you know what you need to be doing as the seasons change to make sure you are greeted with glorious greenery next year.
The trees probably won’t suffer much damage, but make sure to inspect them for any weaknesses to avoid the branches breaking in the wind, thus potentially damaging your home. Last but not least, tend to your more sensitive plants. Advising you to bring them indoors would be an understatement. It is essential to keep them inside if you want to keep them alive.
Clean Your Gutter
Given that gutters are not so conspicuous, let alone attractive or interesting, they are often overlooked. And even when they are not, the task of cleaning them gets postponed more often than not. And it is no wonder: it is not an enjoyable task, and definitely not at all glamorous.
However, forgetting to clean your gutter or ignoring it on purpose can lead to structural problems. The debris and the leaves which we usually have in abundance during the autumn can create blockages. And with the amount of rain we usually experience during the colder months, it does not take much for the internal and external structure of the gutter to deteriorate, leading to leakage, water damage and of course, costly repairs.
Remove any debris by hand first, and then use a drain unblocker to get rid of anything that is clogging your pipes where you can’t reach.
Draught-Proof Your Doors and Windows
Imagine this: it is a cold, windy day and you are sitting on a soft, comfortable bed, cuddled up under a blanket with a cup of warm tea in your hand. You are spending quality time with your family, talking, reading or maybe watching telly, when suddenly, you can not only feel the wind rush in, you can actually hear it.
If you have never experienced this, believe me, it is not pleasant and it can easily happen if there are cracks and gaps around your windows and doors. Inspect them carefully and in case you notice any, seal them all with caulk. By doing so, you will keep the wind out and will also prevent heat from escaping. Your home will be warmer and you will probably even save some money, which is never a bad thing.
Fill Your Home with Positive Vibes
Needless to say, during autumn, we spend most of our time indoors, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we should focus our attention on making our homes as comfortable and as cosy as possible. Focusing on décor will boost the appearance of our indoor living space and it will also help us feel more relaxed and maybe even a little happier.
The way to do this is to take advantage of candles, throw cushions and blankets. Today they come in so many sizes, colours and patterns that you can find exactly what you need. And of course, you don’t need to be an interior decorator to make this happen. Rely on your intuition to choose what you like and you will definitely be able to enjoy the final result, because everything you choose will reflect your personality and your preferences.
The coffee table is also a perfect space to utilize for adding some autumn décor to your living room. Decorating coffee tables is at times even quite the art: you can find countless Pinterest boards and Instagram profiles that will inspire you to re-jig your own.
Another great feature that can contribute to the overall feeling of cosiness and positivity is undoubtedly a fireplace. It creates a warm atmosphere and evokes nothing but positive emotions. So make sure that you have your chimney cleaned in case you have a wood fireplace and stock up on wood. For gas-burning fireplaces, keep in mind that they have to be inspected and/or serviced every other year by a professional.
Ready for Autumn?
Now that you know just how to prepare your home for the season, you should slowly start to accept the fact that the summer is over. The weather has already turned a bit, so you can give up those dreams we all keep having of the perfect summer day, and start getting some of your sweaters out.
Worry not – no season lasts forever, and a time will come when you will miss the brisk walks and the cosy indoor evenings. Curl up on the sofa with your fav tea and a good book, and enjoy the weather.
J.