Autumn’s beautiful days are slowly winding down, and your home should not go unprepared as the colder months settle in. When the temperature drops and the days get shorter, our homes naturally become our refuge, and there are some necessary steps you need to take to make sure that your space can handle the upcoming shift. Keep reading this article to find out about home-related tasks, both practical and decorative, that will help you stay ahead of the seasonal transition and make the most of your home this season.
Take Care of the Insulation
If you feel a cold draft near your windows or door frames, you should know that that small breeze could be stealing your warmth and driving up your energy bills. One of the smartest things you can do before the real cold hits is to assess your home’s insulation. Gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and even outlets can allow heat to escape, making your heating system work overtime. Thankfully, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get them fixed, and some simple fixes such as using weather stripping, foam sealant, or door sweeps, can go a long way. Do this on time and you will have one less thing to worry about when those freezing nights roll in.
Switch to Seasonal Decor
One of the most exciting parts about setting up your home for the colder season is definitely decorating it. The whole process brings a sense of comfort and nostalgia, especially since the upcoming months offer plenty of occasions to switch things up – Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, you name it. You don’t need to go all out and redecorate your entire home, but can still make some subtle changes that will transform your living space into a whole different place. And if you’re tired of the same boring pumpkins and golden leaves that you use every year, give Celtic decor a try. You can display some pottery vases, add some lamps with a soft, warm light, display framed prints, and even add some miscellaneous things like small figurines. The earthy touches of Celtic inspired decor will add a rustic charm and remind you of nature’s beauty, even as the world outside starts to cool down.
Swap Out Your Linens
Light and airy cotton bedsheets are definitely perfect for summer, but during the colder months, you’ll want to cozy up with heavier fabrics like flannel or fleece. The same goes for your throw blankets and pillows, as thicker materials can make all the difference in keeping your living space extra comfortable this season. A swap in the fabric can change the entire feel of a room, especially when you also add some warm blankets and plush cushions to your couch and bed. Another easy yet impactful switch is changing your curtains: lighter fabrics let in too much cold, while thicker curtains can help retain warmth and block out those chilly drafts. It’s a small change, but one that can make a noticeable difference in your overall comfort.
Keep Things Clean and Organized
This goes for any season, but during fall and winter months, we all tend to become hoarders to make the “hibernation” more enjoyable. To avoid transforming your house into a mess, keep things clean and organized, and autumn is the perfect time to do a thorough decluttering of your living areas. Start with the rooms where you spend the most time, like the living room and kitchen, and get rid of items you no longer need or use. Remember to deep clean the spaces that might have been neglected over the summer, such as behind the sofa or under large furniture. The satisfaction of a clean, organized home is almost as comforting as a hot cup of tea on a chilly evening.
