As summer fades and we approach autumn, the start of a new season is when property and interior experts come up with suggestions on how to tweak your home, especially if you’re looking to make a move before Christmas. So, we’ve made a note of some of the expert’s home hacks.
Even, if you’re not planning to sell a few little changes around your home, can give it a new lease of life and make it feel winter-ready.
1. Dust and deep clean
Autumn is just as good a time as spring to undertake a thorough clean inside, especially as the spiders have definitely taken shelter at this time of year. It’s the time, to wash and wipe down window sills, skirting boards and woodwork; dust the tops of shelves, inside wardrobes and kitchen units. Changes in the light levels mean windows will benefit from a proper clean inside and out and maximise the natural light inside your home.
Get your oven ready
If you really can’t face cleaning your oven, then there are local companies who provide an oven cleaning service, including AGA’s and Rayburns. As these months will mean more time at home and more cooking, now is a good time of year to give your oven a proper clean. There are lots of easy to use and effective household products that make this process easier.
Freshen up your fireplace
Remember to arrange for your chimney and flues to be swept this autumn. Sweeps start to get booked up as soon as September arrives, so it’s worth booking ahead. Before you use your fireplace or log burner, you can give it a good clean beforehand – a good tip is to use a wire brush to clean off the soot from the brick, and use baking soda and warm water on a sponge to clean the remaining soot and dust off.
2. Out with the old – declutter
Consider having a clear out of your kitchen cupboards and dispose of out of date and unwanted items; you can drop off any in-date products at your local foodbank. Donate all your unwanted clothes to charity and make use of clothes banks in car parks.
3. Transform with a paintbrush, wallpaper or artwork
If you avoided decorating during lockdown, then now is an ideal time to freshen up your rooms with a coat of paint or try adding wallpaper for impact. Introducing new artwork, or getting existing pictures reframed and rehanging them, can instantly enliven a space and change the mood.
4. Spark the senses with smell, touch and texture
Scent is such an evocative thing, so using a range of different sized candles and potpourri to give your living space a lovely relaxing aroma is always a positive.
Oranges, juniper berries, cinnamon, vanilla and rosehip all make great additions to your home during the autumn and winter months.
Add luxury at home using curtains, cushions and throws
An affordable and effective addition of new cushion covers, throws, and even chunky wool blankets, to your sofa and bedroom along with a new bed covering, can really bring a sense of luxury and comfort to your space. Think about upgrading your curtains and opting for a thicker lined and heavier fabric to add drama and warmth. Choose autumnal-themed soft furnishings or go with brighter colours to offset the colder grey days outside.
5. Cut the lawn and protect garden furniture
Giving your grass one last cut will keep your lawn looking trim in the autumn months. Wait until the grass has grown to a sufficient length and then trim back. Though it may need to be cut again, you won’t need to mow regularly as in the summer. Make sure you protect garden furniture to avoid the winter elements taking their toll – either invest in covers or store in a shed over winter.
