7 Ways to Prepare Your Home For Autumn

The arrival of the autumn months heralds shorter days, cooler weather, vibrant golden leaves, and all things pumpkin spice. To ensure your home is both cosy and well-prepared for this season, it’s important to make a few functional and aesthetic adjustments. 

Not sure where to start? From autumn decor ideas to practical preparations for the cooler weather, we explore seven essential ways to prepare your home for the seasonal shift.

Forget spring cleaning — autumn is the perfect time to give your home a deep clean before the cold months set in. Start by wiping down skirting boards, and dusting often-overlooked areas like lampshades, windowsills, and the tops of cupboards and shelves. A thorough clean of your oven and fridge will leave your kitchen feeling refreshed — and might even inspire you to whip up some comforting cold-weather dishes like nourishing soups and mouthwatering casseroles.

Next, tackle decluttering. Donate any unwanted furniture, homewares, clothes, and shoes to charity, and clear out those overstocked kitchen cupboards. In-date but unwanted food can be given to local food banks, providing help to those in need. By decluttering and deep cleaning, you'll create a more serene, organised environment—perfect for embracing the cosy atmosphere that autumn brings.

If you plan to use your fireplace this autumn, line the area with newspaper and remove loose ashes and dust with a shovel and broom. Then, use a wire brush to remove the soot from the brick, and use baking soda and warm water on a sponge to clean the remaining soot and dust. 

Ensure your chimney is cleaned and inspected for safe usage throughout the colder months. Lastly, stock up on firewood now so you’re prepared as soon as the temperature drops!

To transition your home into autumn decor, begin by introducing rich, earthy hues like deep oranges, burgundy, forest-inspired greens, and warm browns through your cushions, throws, rugs, and bedding. This colour scheme will not only infuse your space with a sense of serenity and comfort, but will also pair perfectly with the traditional Christmas decorations to come. If you're close to the coast, you might like to incorporate shades of grey or navy to better capture the ambience.

If you really want to get into the spirit of the season, you could adorn your home with autumn decorations. From wreaths and garlands to pumpkin hanging lights, these embellishments are a must for achieving a cosy, homely feel.

Proper home insulation is key to reducing energy costs, particularly during the colder autumn and winter months. Simple measures like using draught excluders on windows, doors, and fireplaces, as well as layering curtains and blinds, can help keep the chill out. 

Adding cosy elements like plush throws on the couch or a high-pile rug will also create a warmer, more inviting atmosphere. Layering textures not only adds warmth but brings a sense of autumnal cosiness to your living spaces.

It’s also the perfect time to schedule your annual boiler service to ensure it’s running safely and efficiently. Additionally, bleeding your radiators to remove trapped air will improve water circulation and prevent unnecessary energy waste.

There’s nothing worse than waiting around for your shower temperature to heat up — especially in winter! Installing a thermostatic mixer in your shower ensures a consistent and safe water temperature. 

It automatically adjusts the mix of hot and cold water to protect you from any unexpected changes in the water supply. This means that even if somebody flushes the toilet or turns on the kitchen tap, the temperature of your shower will remain constant. They’re especially ideal for homes with children or the elderly as they help prevent accidental scalding.

As the days grow shorter, enhance your lighting with soft, warm-toned bulbs, candles, and string lights to create a soft, welcoming glow amidst your autumn decor. Warm lighting mimics natural sunlight, reducing eye strain and enhancing comfort. 

Dimmable lighting is another great option, as it offers significant benefits in terms of energy and cost savings. As well as making your space feel more intimate and soothing, dimmable lights can help minimise energy consumption and prolong the life of your bulbs.

To complete the sensory experience, introduce autumnal scents like cinnamon, vanilla, or cedarwood through candles or diffusers, filling your home with the fragrance of the season.

Autumn is a crucial season for gardening, as it sets the stage for the year ahead. It's the perfect time to cut back any perennials that have finished their cycle, divide herbaceous plants to encourage new growth, and create nutrient-rich leaf mould for your garden. Don’t forget to move tender plants into a greenhouse or conservatory to protect them from the frost, and take advantage of the season’s bounty by harvesting apples, pears, grapes, and nuts.

And don’t neglect your gutters! Cleaning your gutters can seem like a tedious and time-consuming task, but your future self will thank you. Make sure to add a gutter guard to keep debris out, ensure proper drainage, and prevent clogs. It’s also a good time to inspect your roof for any missing or damaged tiles that could cause leaks during storms.

You should also ensure your garden is secure for the harsh winter months ahead. This might mean installing or updating your security systems or checking to see if your fencing and front gate are in good working order to protect your home.

By following these seven simple steps, you’ll ensure your home is well-prepared to tackle the chilly months ahead, keeping you warm, cosy, and stress-free all throughout autumn and winter.

For further inspiration on autumn decor ideas, read our blog:

The Seasonal Switch: How to Transition Your Autumn Decor into Christmas Interiors