As the nights draw in and the rain feels like it’s here to stay, we’ve been busy prepping the house for the colder months. Autumn always feels like that sweet spot where you can get ahead before winter really kicks in – cosying up the home, tackling little jobs, and making life that bit easier when it’s dark and freezing outside.
Around the Home
Boiler & Heating
We’ve had a mix of cover policies over the years, but we’ve recently settled on British Gas HomeCare—and honestly, it’s been the best so far. It includes our yearly boiler check plus cover for plumbing, drains, and electrics. Basically, it takes away the “what if?” panic of something breaking down in mid-December!
Our boiler is fairly new (only four years old), but we still keep on top of:
- Bleeding the radiators.
- Checking the thermostat is working properly.
- Booking that boiler service before it gets too cold.
💡 Top Tip: I actually signed up for our British Gas cover through TopCashback here and bagged cashback on top of their half-price deal at the time. Double win!
Draught Proofing
When we first moved in, our windows were draughty and the house was always freezing – we practically had the heating on 24/7. About five years ago, we replaced them, which has made such a difference. But even with newer windows, I’ve invested in thermal curtains for that extra layer of snugness. Worth every penny.
Dehumidifying
Winter = damp, especially with all the extra laundry hanging around indoors. We run two Russell Hobbs dehumidifiers (one up, one down) and they honestly make the house feel so much fresher. They also purify the air, which is a nice bonus.
If you don’t want plug-in versions, the crystal pots are a great alternative – cheap, cheerful, and surprisingly effective.
Roof & Gutters
This one I meant to do in summer… but you know how that goes! We’ve had one gutter repaired before and it’s due another fix, plus a proper clear-out of leaves before they start blocking things up. It’s not glamorous, but it saves such a headache later.
Outdoor Prep
Autumn’s the time we like to get the garden sorted before the weather turns. For us, that means saying goodbye to an old trampoline, bunny hutch, and a few other bits. It’s actually quite satisfying getting everything cleared.
Other jobs we’re tackling:
- Storing or covering garden furniture.
- Insulating outdoor taps.
- Trimming branches that could snap in storms.
- Checking floodlights are working (so handy for bins and the pets in the dark!).
Lighting & Cosy Vibes
As the days get shorter, good lighting makes such a difference to how your home feels. This is the time of year I like to go all-in on creating that warm, welcoming glow.
- Check & refresh bulbs: Walk around the house and make sure every bulb is working. Swap out dim ones for warm-toned LEDs – they’re energy efficient and instantly cosier.
- Layered lighting: Add lamps and fairy lights to corners and shelves. They soften the space and make evenings feel more relaxed.
- Boost your mornings: If you struggle with dark starts, a SAD lamp can help you wake up more naturally (or keep one on your desk if you work from home).
- Cosy without the worry: I’m a huge fan of LED candles – all the ambience of flickering candlelight, minus the open flame.
It’s amazing how a few small changes can make your whole home feel snug, inviting, and ready for hunkering down during the darker months.
Laundry & Drying Clothes
- Winter laundry can feel like a never-ending battle, but with a few smart tweaks it doesn’t have to take over the house (or the heating bill!).
- Heated Airer: Hands down our best buy this year. It dries clothes quickly and doubles as a room heater where I work – so not only do the clothes dry faster, but it’s already saved us on heating costs.
- Ventilation is key: Whenever we’re drying indoors, I crack a window or switch on the extractor fan. It might feel counterintuitive when it’s chilly outside, but it stops damp and condensation from creeping in.
- Dehumidifier Combo: If you’ve got one, pop it near the drying rack. It speeds up drying and keeps the air fresh (no musty smells hanging around).
- Quick Dry Hack: Run an extra spin cycle on the washing machine before hanging clothes. It shaves hours off drying time and makes a noticeable difference for heavy fabrics like jeans or towels.
- Little changes like these make the whole laundry situation so much more manageable—and dare I say, almost satisfying?
Mud, Wet & Cold Management
- The entrance can quickly turn into a chaos zone in winter – mud, puddles, dripping coats, it all ends up here first. A few little tweaks have made ours so much more manageable (and less of a soggy mess!).
- Doormats that actually work: We ditched the big coir mat outside (it just stayed wet forever) and switched to non-slip step mats outdoors plus a washable absorbent one indoors. Honestly, game changer.
- Shoe Station: A simple rack for muddy boots keeps things tidy, and we keep a basket of slippers by the door so everyone can swap straight into something warm and cosy.
- Coat Hooks: Our understairs storage hides a wall-mounted hook rail and shelf – perfect for keeping coats and bags tucked away but still easy to grab.
- Umbrella Stand: Essential for winter. We use one to contain drips, but if you don’t have space, just open umbrellas in the bath to dry. Works perfectly!
- A little organisation here saves so much hassle elsewhere in the house – less muddy footprints, less clutter, and a much calmer entryway.
Daily Living & Comfort
Batch Cooking
I’m a big believer in batch cooking, especially once the colder months roll in. There’s something so comforting about knowing the freezer is stocked with hearty, homemade meals ready to go. Most weekends – usually after the food shop, I’ll set aside a couple of hours to cook up big batches of soups, casseroles, and a vegan bolognese.
It makes weeknights so much easier: all we need to do is pop on some pasta, rice, or potatoes and dinner is sorted. No faffing, no stress – just quick, warming meals that feel like a hug in a bowl.
💡 Top Tip: A friend shared this genius idea with me – ditch the bulky tupperware and use foil takeaway containers with cardboard lids instead. You can easily write what’s inside on the lid, they stack neatly without taking up loads of cupboard space, and they’re really cost-effective too!
Winter Pantry
One of the easiest ways to make winter evenings smoother is by keeping a well-stocked pantry. We like to have a good backstock of dry goods—pasta, rice, oats, beans, and tins of veg—so there’s always something to throw together for a quick, comforting meal.
It saves us from those last-minute dashes to the shop in the cold and dark after a long day of work, school, and general life. Plus, it feels reassuring to know the basics are always on hand.
Cosy Kit
Our winter basket is officially stocked and ready to go. Inside you’ll find freshly washed, fluffy blankets for curling up on chilly mornings and evenings, plus a hot water bottle each (with the softest covers, of course).
We’ve also got our trusty heated throws, a lineup of slippers by the sofa, and the snuggliest dressing gowns within easy reach. Honestly, it’s these little comforts that make winter feel magical instead of just cold.
💡 Top Tip: Don’t forget to check your hot water bottles – most only last around two years before they need replacing. A quick glance at the date stamp on the neck will tell you when yours was made.
Self-Care
The darker months can really take their toll, so we make a point of looking after ourselves. Vitamin D supplements and a light therapy lamp are lifesavers when the sun is scarce, and Vitamin C helps keep those winter lurgy bugs at bay.
Equally important is giving ourselves permission to slow down. Cosy evenings in, quiet weekends, and a lighter diary are not only okay – they’re essential. Winter is the perfect time to embrace balance, rest, and a little extra comfort.
Outside the Home
Car Prep:
- Winter driving calls for a little extra preparation. We always check tyres, wiper blades, and antifreeze levels, and keep a small emergency kit in the boot – blanket, torch, scraper – the essentials to tackle icy mornings. Places such as Halfords are ideal for all round “winter car checks” and to pick up those essentials.
- If you have an older car, it’s also worth keeping a disposable dehumidifier to keep moisture at bay, along with a cloth for wiping down interior windows. A touch of freshness goes a long way, so we pop in a car air refresher too.
- We also have a little essentials bag tucked in the car with things like a lint roller, lip balm, deodorant, tic tacs, hairbrush, hair bands, and a few other survival items. It’s a small touch that ensures we’re always school and work ready, even on the frostiest mornings.
Clothing ready:
- Winter mornings are much easier when everything you need is ready and within reach. We keep waterproof boots and warm coats by the door or in the car for frosty starts, plus wellies for muddy walks or horse riding. Skiing outfits are prepped and ready for lessons, and we always layer thermals under everyday clothes for extra warmth.
- Don’t forget the little details: decent gloves, fully working zips and hoods on coats, and sturdy walking boots for less muddy paths. For indoors or dining out, cosy knits make all the difference – warm, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish.
Getting the home autumn and winter-ready doesn’t need to be overwhelming – it’s the little changes and preparations that make life easier (and cosier!) once the cold sets in.
