Bye sunny days, hello hot tea, cinnamon buns and pumpkin pie! Getting excited for the most colourful season of all is great. However, don’t forget this comes with a certain tasklist to complete at home in order to feel safe and cosy as winter approaches.
Pack away garden furniture
Rain is a much more frequent occurrence now, so if you won’t be putting your garden furniture in the shed, it is wise to take some steps to protect it. Rain covers are one way to keep cushions dry or you can invest in a good quality tent. This way you can still enjoy some crisp evenings in your garden. For smaller pieces, perhaps it is a good idea to find some space in the shed or the garage and keep them there until spring. Don’t forget autumn gardens still need some care. Mowing and weeding are not off the list just because the weather is colder and gloomier.
Clean the gutters
October is a great time to get the gutters cleaned. Falling leaves and debris can create a block and this could result in a much expensive and serious damage. We wouldn’t recommend taking on this task on your own, unless you are quite experienced in it. It could be dangerous if you are doing it for the first time and without the needed equipment you probably won’t complete it efficiently.
Organise the shed/garage
As you are sorting out your outdoor space and decluttering indoors, don’t just throw things in the shed or the garage. Take the time to organise those areas too. It will make it much easier and faster to find items when you need them. Your Christmas lights and decorations, for example. Those will be in demand pretty soon!
Wipe cabinets
Autumn deep cleaning is a must. This means you should go through all the cabinets in the kitchen, bathroom and any other room and give them a good clean inside and out. It is an opportunity to remove any unwanted or expired items and replenish your supplies. Don’t forget to disinfect in the end!
Clean the upholstery
The sofa, the mattresses, the armchairs, the carpets all need to be cleaned during this time of year. They would have trapped tons of dust and allergens during the summer when you had the windows and doors open more often. Now you have the chance to refresh them and get better sleep at night. Literally.
Clean the windows
Prepare your windows for winter with proper cleaning inside and out. With weaker sunlight, it is easier to achieve better results. It’s time to pay attention to the sills and the frames too.
Clean the appliances
When did you last clean your washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher? Add this to your cleaning checklist for October. To extend the life of your appliances and improve their performance you need to clean them from time to time. The washing machine and dryer would work better if you remove their filter and clean it every month.
Reorganise the wardrobe
Change of seasons calls for a change in your wardrobe. Reorganise your items by moving your light clothing to the back and bring forward the soft, cosy and warm sweaters, winter dresses and layers. If you find something that doesn’t fit anymore, don’t hold on to it. Give your unwanted pieces to charity and free some room for new fabulous garments.