Housekeeping: 10 Ways to Winter-proof Your Home
Tackle these essential jobs before the cold weather kicks in for a cosy, stress-free winter
The evenings are getting longer and there’s a chill in the air. With winter around the corner, now’s the time to give your home an MOT and prepare it for the cold weather ahead. From protecting your outdoor plants to sweeping the chimney, here are 10 jobs that should be on your to-do list.
Put away outdoor furniture
Give garden furniture a thorough clean and, if possible, move it to a shed to safeguard it from the worst of the weather. If not, wait until it is completely dry then cover it with a tarpaulin or dedicated cover, and ensure it is properly secured if winds are forecast.
See more beautiful patio photos to inspire your project.
Give garden furniture a thorough clean and, if possible, move it to a shed to safeguard it from the worst of the weather. If not, wait until it is completely dry then cover it with a tarpaulin or dedicated cover, and ensure it is properly secured if winds are forecast.
See more beautiful patio photos to inspire your project.
Bring plants inside
Do this gradually, bringing them in at night only to start with, so as not to shock them by moving them from a cold environment to a warm one. Help protect outdoor plants with a 6cm-deep layer of mulch around their base (leaving the stem clear), and wrap delicate plants with fleece or straw.
Check out these ideas for indoor plants
Do this gradually, bringing them in at night only to start with, so as not to shock them by moving them from a cold environment to a warm one. Help protect outdoor plants with a 6cm-deep layer of mulch around their base (leaving the stem clear), and wrap delicate plants with fleece or straw.
Check out these ideas for indoor plants
Give paths the once-over
Check your paving is well drained, as any water that collects there will freeze in cold weather, turning your garden path into a slippery and dangerous obstacle course.
See how other homeowners have spruced up their front gardens.
Check your paving is well drained, as any water that collects there will freeze in cold weather, turning your garden path into a slippery and dangerous obstacle course.
See how other homeowners have spruced up their front gardens.
Clean the chimney
If you’re planning on enjoying your open fire this season, have the chimney swept now before the big chill arrives. Also stock up on logs or smokeless fuel so you’re ready to go.
If you’re planning on enjoying your open fire this season, have the chimney swept now before the big chill arrives. Also stock up on logs or smokeless fuel so you’re ready to go.
Prevent a boiler breakdown
Winter is a busy time for plumbers, so plan ahead and get your boiler serviced now to ensure it’s in good working order. A regularly serviced boiler will work more efficiently, helping save on energy bills.
Winter is a busy time for plumbers, so plan ahead and get your boiler serviced now to ensure it’s in good working order. A regularly serviced boiler will work more efficiently, helping save on energy bills.
Protect pipes
A burst pipe will put a serious dampener on your day, so act now to make sure it doesn’t happen. Lag outside pipes and those in unheated areas with insulating material, and leave your heating on a low temperature if you’ll be away for any length of time. Make sure you know where your stopcock is located and have the number of a plumber handy in case the worst does happen.
A burst pipe will put a serious dampener on your day, so act now to make sure it doesn’t happen. Lag outside pipes and those in unheated areas with insulating material, and leave your heating on a low temperature if you’ll be away for any length of time. Make sure you know where your stopcock is located and have the number of a plumber handy in case the worst does happen.
Insulate, insulate, insulate
Shave zeros off your energy bills by ensuring your loft, walls and floors are adequately insulated. Draught-proofing your windows and doors can also save you up to £50 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
Shave zeros off your energy bills by ensuring your loft, walls and floors are adequately insulated. Draught-proofing your windows and doors can also save you up to £50 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
Clear gutters
Blocked-up gutters can mean your walls get a soaking in wet weather, so clear them of leaves and gunk now.
Blocked-up gutters can mean your walls get a soaking in wet weather, so clear them of leaves and gunk now.
Cosy up
Pile on the soft furnishings to keep the chill out. Rugs will make hard flooring cosy underfoot and limit draughts from the gaps in floorboards, while thick curtains and cosy throws will keep you toasty all winter.
Which jobs are on your list this autumn? Share your thoughts in the Comments below
Pile on the soft furnishings to keep the chill out. Rugs will make hard flooring cosy underfoot and limit draughts from the gaps in floorboards, while thick curtains and cosy throws will keep you toasty all winter.
Which jobs are on your list this autumn? Share your thoughts in the Comments below
Dark nights provide more cover for burglars, so invest in security lighting and use timers so lights come on when you’re out. As Christmas approaches, store presents out of sight rather than leaving them on display under the tree.
See more outdoor lighting ideas