The air’s turning crisp, the mornings feel that bit darker, and the radiators are staring at you like they’ve forgotten what to do. Autumn’s here, the season of cosy evenings, muddy boots, and mugs of tea warming cold hands. It’s also the moment to give your home a little care before winter fully arrives.
Whether you’re in a shiny new flat or a slightly wonky Victorian terrace, a few simple weekend jobs can make your home warmer, tidier, and more comfortable. Here’s how to get started.
1. Give Your Heating a Trial Run
There’s nothing worse than waking up to a freezing house and a stubborn boiler. So before the real chill sets in, turn your heating on for a quick test. Let it run for ten minutes and make sure every radiator warms evenly. If the tops are still cold, it’s time for a quick bleed that just means releasing trapped air with a radiator valve key.
If your boiler hasn’t had its annual service, book it now. It’s not glamorous, but it can save you a small fortune in call-out fees later. Homes with older pipework really do benefit from this bit of prep.
Need a hand?
Find a Gas Safe registered heating engineer near you to service your boiler or check your system before winter properly sets in. A quick visit now can save a full breakdown later.
2. Clear Your Gutters While You Still Can
Those golden leaves look lovely on the trees, less so when they’re clogging your gutters. Blocked gutters can lead to leaks, damp patches and even cracked brickwork if water starts pooling around the walls.
Pick a dry day and scoop out the debris before the next rainstorm hits. Or, if ladders aren’t your thing, hire someone local. It’s usually under £100 and worth every penny to avoid the smell of damp six months from now.
Not keen on heights?
Ask a local roofer or gutter cleaning specialist to do a quick sweep. Many offer fixed-price seasonal packages, ideal if your home is surrounded by trees.
3. Keep the Draughts at Bay
Old windows and doors have charm, but they can be a nightmare for letting in cold air. You don’t need to seal the place up completely; just cut down on the worst offenders.
Brush strips on the bottoms of doors, secondary glazing film on old windows, and a good set of thick curtains will make a noticeable difference. A roll of draught tape costs less than a takeaway and pays for itself almost immediately.
Need help spotting where heat escapes?
Book a home energy efficiency assessment or speak to a window and glazing specialist who can advise on low-cost fixes that make your home warmer without spoiling its character.
4. Tame the Coat and Boot Chaos
The hallway is always the first casualty of autumn. Piles of shoes, soggy coats, bags dropped wherever they land — sound familiar?
Try adding a bench with baskets underneath or a row of sturdy hooks. It’s a simple change that makes your entrance feel instantly more orderly. And there’s something deeply satisfying about knowing exactly where your scarf lives.
Want a hallway that works harder?
Ask a local joiner or carpenter about custom hallway storage, it’s often cheaper than you’d think, and it transforms even the smallest space.
5. Do a Seasonal Reset
When the clocks change, give your home a proper refresh. Move furniture, vacuum behind it, dust the shelves you’ve been ignoring, and swap out your light summer scents for something richer. Think clove, cinnamon, or even a touch of sandalwood.
It’s not about perfection; it’s about creating that clean, calm feeling when you close the door behind you at the end of a cold day.
Short on time?
A professional cleaner can give your home a seasonal deep clean, from skirting boards to upholstery, so you start autumn fresh without lifting a finger.
6. Make the Fireplace Earn Its Keep
If you’ve got a fireplace, don’t let it sit there unloved.
If it’s working, book a chimney sweep and make sure it’s safe.
If it’s decorative, style it up — stacked logs, a few candles, maybe some lanterns.
Even an unused fireplace can become a focal point, bringing warmth and character to the room.
Need a safety check or design refresh?
Contact a qualified chimney sweep or interior stylist who can help you turn that empty hearth into the heart of your home.
7. Don’t Forget the Garden
Just because the temperature’s dropped doesn’t mean you have to retreat indoors. A fire pit, a few outdoor lights, and some blankets can turn a chilly evening into something special. Keep a flask handy and you’ll wonder why you ever stopped sitting outside.
There’s something lovely about wrapping up warm, watching your breath in the air, and feeling like you’ve stolen a few extra weeks of the season.
Need help making it inviting?
Hire a local landscaper or garden designer to refresh your outdoor space, from lighting to patio heating, so it feels usable long after summer’s gone.
The takeaway
Autumn isn’t about hiding from the weather — it’s about helping your home rise to the occasion. A few professional touches now can make your space warmer, calmer and far more inviting all season long. We have aggregated all the best local service professionals. Just let us know what you’d like to achieve in your house, and we’ll help find the professional who can make it happen.