Getting Ready for Autumn at Home
I like a good satisfying spring clean as much as the next person, but to my mind the main cleaning event of the year should be an autumn clean. Yes, I will explain. Here’s my reasoning:
Insects
Most of us will have our windows open frequently if not permanently over the summer, and doors are often left standing open when in the garden. This is great for allowing the circulation of air, but it does also let in insects and spiders. So windows and window sills tend to be at their dirtiest at the end of summer, and if you move any furniture there’s nearly always a cobweb, sometimes still with resident spider, lurking in a corner somewhere. So autumn is a great time of year to clean the windows and vacuum behind the bookcase.
Summer outfits
A new season is always a good time to evaluate your wardrobe, but for many of us, summer clothes seem to be something we are especially likely to hang on to in the hope that we’ll wear it next year instead. We most likely won’t. Go through your wardrobe and if there’s anything you haven’t worn for two summers running, donate it so that someone else can get joy from it, or try your hand at turning it into something else! At the same time, if you’re the sort of person who packs away their cardigans at the end of May, now is the time to get them out again.
Summer paraphernalia
Summer comes with all sorts of accessories. Very likely there’s somewhere in your house — perhaps a hallway table or kitchen windowsill, that is currently holding sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhat, hay-fever tablets and more. Perhaps you’ve got a handy pair of flip-flops by the door too. Don’t leave them out after you no longer need them, pack them away for next year. Otherwise you risk simply adding to the pile when winter roles around and you need your scarves and gloves.
Tidy up outside
If you’ve been making use of a garden or outside space all summer, it’s probably in need of a bit of attention by now. Giving patios or decks a scrub can help avoid them becoming slippery when the damp weather hits. It’s also a good time to clean, and perhaps treat, the garden furniture, wash outdoor cushions and pack them away, and clean the barbecue.
Add cosiness
Summers in Scotland are so light all day that we probably very rarely light a candle or even turn on an electric light. That all changes now, when warm cosy lighting becomes a must. Before you really need them, dust your lamps and light bulbs and replace burnt down candles and tea lights. Remember you’ll likely be spending a lot more time indoors over the next few months, so try to make it as pleasant as you can. Bringing in some autumn leaves to replace the summer flowers is a nice touch, as is getting out the blankets and throws that you haven’t needed for a few months and arragning them nicely.
