Getting Ready for Autumn

A hill I’m willing to die on is that autumn cleaning makes far more sense than spring cleaning. Because, if you’ve done summer right, you’ll have ignored at least some of the housework while you enjoy the sunshine, you’ll have left doors and windows open to the bugs and pollen, and if you have children they will likely have been at home playing more than usual.

Also, autumn calls for a completely different feel in your home compared to summer. Summer you want indoors to be bright and airy and as cool and fuss free as possible, whereas autumn is a time for cosy lighting, snuggly blankets and warm colours. You’re also probably going to spending a lot more time indoors. So, here are 5 suggestions for getting your home ready for autumn:

Get out the blankets and throws

If you put away the warm blankets, bedspreads and throws as part of your spring cleaning routine, getting them out now gives you time to make sure they’re fresh before they’re really needed. They may just need airing out for a day or two or a full wash, but either way, you can get them ready for autumn and winter snuggling.

This is also the time to think about swapping your thin summer duvet for a thicker one if you’re the kind of person who has different togs for different seasons.

Clean the windows

If this isn’t something you have done regularly, now is a good time to get it done. That glass has probably had flies settling on it for several months, there may be spiders in the corners and even a squashed wasp or two. You’ll be surprised what a difference clean windows can make, and while you’re at it you can do your mirrors as well.

Speaking of flies and spiders, another good thing to check it your lights and lamps. You may not have used them much in the summer so give them a good dust, sweep away any cobwebs, and check the bulbs.

Have a wardrobe clear out

Now is a great time to evaluate your summer wardrobe. If you didn’t wear something this year it’s a good sign you can let it go. Make up a bag of anything that’s in good condition for charity and take anything worn out to a clothes recycling point.

Pack any summer clothes you’re keeping into a vacuum bag and put them away until next year. Hopefully this will make plenty of room for all your autumn and winter knitwear!

Prepare the garden furniture

It’s almost certain that your garden furniture will get rather less use over the autumn and winter months, so now is a good time to get it ready for storage. Choose a dry and, if possible, sunny day to give it a good clean and perhaps apply some protection, such as an oil or sealant, depending on the material.

If you don’t have a shed or garage to store your garden furniture in, invest in a proper protective cover.

Refresh the decor

This is the fun part—no cleaning, just finishing touches. Make sure you have plenty of candles ready to light, put out some cosy fairy lights, and update your vases with sprays of autumn leaves. Bowls or baskets of pinecones, acorns and conkers can also look effective and help bring the outside in.

You may also want to look at changing up the table linen or bed linen, switching cushion covers, or adding extra rugs for colder floors. Warm colours such as burnt orange, ochre, olive or natural wood tones can make the whole space feel cosier.

Now you’re (hopefully) ready for whatever the new season has in store!