Summer is now but a distant memory, and we are flying rapidly towards winter. Setting some time aside to get your home ready for the autumn and winter seasons now means you will be able to take full advantage of cooler weather, scarves, and creamy hot chocolates when the time comes!
Here are six tips for prepping your home and yourself for the changing seasons:
Give your home a full maintenance inspection
Your home – inside and out – should be prepared for the harsh conditions of the autumn and winter. Clearing leaves and debris from gutters, flat roofs, and drainage channels, as well as looking for blocked downpipes will save you tremendous trouble later. Also, make sure you check gutter junctions are watertight and have them re-fixed if they are discharging water onto the house wall. If you haven’t switched your heating on all year, now is the time to do so before it gets too cold and sort out the heating repair if you need to.
Prepare Your Garden
One the inside of your home is ready for autumn, do not forget about the outside. Brutal winter conditions can take a toll on your lawn, outdoor furniture, and plants. Take the time to winterize your garden now by protecting your plants, prepping your lawn, and giving hedges a final trim before the harsh frosts hits.
Brighten up the space
It is easy to dread the coming months because they are darker and colder, but they do not have to be. Adding lamps and candles in strategic parts of the room using night lamps to light up dark hallways or corners of the room, or replacing dim bulbs with bright LED lamps can make a difference. There is nothing like a flickering candle or a cozy fire in a fireplace to chase away the winter blues.
Cozy up with colors and textiles
Replacing bright-colored summer decor with hues rich in pigments can make an entire home immediately more cozy and welcoming. Clean and prepare your carpets then cover with thicker, heavier rugs and textiles with more texture, which also adds instant appeal, making your space a lot more inviting.
Find nourishing recipes
Great food fuels your soul, not just your body. Taking the time now to choose recipes that your whole family will love will save you time later. Slow cooker recipes are particularly good at this time of year, with hearty stews and casseroles perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
Plan some downtime
Autumn and winter are full of holidays, so it is vital to plan downtime now. Setting time aside on the calendar to rest and relax with a good book or a long soak in the tub can help you from getting run down and exhausted this winter.
Autumn and winter can be a magical time, especially if you take the time to prepare. Getting yourself, your home, and your garden ready for the cooler temps can help you enjoy the season to its fullest potential.
