Seasonal
September 4th 2023
As autumn quickly approaches and summer draws to a close, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your home for the forthcoming cooler months. So, we’ve put together some top tips to help you with transition, enabling you to kick back and enjoy the winter months. There’s no reason you can’t still enjoy your garden but it’s a great idea to foolproof your home for autumn too.
Gutters are responsible for draining vast amounts of water off the exterior walls of your home, and protecting against damage, rust and corrosion. Blockages can cause serious problems, so it’s important you check your guttering before all the leaves start to fall in autumn – ensure your guttering is straight and free from leaves, nests and any other debris. Should you need to clear any blockages, we have all the equipment you need for drain clearance, inspection and maintenance.
Loose slates and roofs in a state of disrepair can cause leaks, draughts and other problems. It’s easier to rectify any problems while the weather is still relatively warm and dry. If you have a flat roof, ensure it’s free from any debris. Visit hss.com for ladders or platforms and remember to stay safe when working at height.
As you’ll be spending more time indoors, it’s worth checking all alarms, such as smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors are fully functional – even use real smoke in addition to the test button. All alarms should be replaced at least every ten years.
It’s worth checking your whole house for draughts – if you don’t, you may end up paying more for your heating than you need to. Windows, doors, attics, chimneys, cellars, electrical sockets and lighting fixtures are common places where draughts tend to occur. A lot of the time, small draughts can be fixed easily; window draughts, for example, and can be helped with the use of heavier curtains. Similarly, door sweeps can work well, or draught-proof gaskets for plug sockets.
It’s time to get rid of clutter inside, and out. All the items you’ve been hanging on to but never use. Get rid of them. Clear out the garden shed. Put any garden furniture away and bring any smaller plant pots inside. As you’ll be spending much more time in the house, it’s a good idea to make more space – maybe rearrange your furniture, and give your carpet a clean whilst you’re at it!
Windowsill plants, herbs, flowers, and even fake flowers can brighten up your home and mood. All of these things are inexpensive, but can make a huge different to the look and feel of your home. As you will be indoors in the evenings, it’s good to bring nature into your home!
If your boiler breaks down in the middle of a cold winter, it’s no laughing matter. Check your boiler is working properly, and if necessary get a professional to check and service it – it’s more cost effective than having to pay for a brand new boiler later on. It’s also a great time to check and bleed all of your radiators. We have the perfect tool for giving your central heating system the professional treatment but at a DIY price…check out our central heating flushers.
With dark nights and limited daylight, the winter months can be tough. Vitamin D is essential and in the absence of sunlight, it can be very hard to ensure you are getting enough – particularly if you work indoors. Light therapy lights are a fantastic way to get a mood-boosting blast of light in the comfort of your own home; just 20 minutes a day can have a significant impact on mood and energy levels – well worth the investment.
Simple, inexpensive accessories can transform a house into a home. For the winter months, why not invest in candles, blankets, throws, cushions to make your home more inviting and comfortable.
While the weather is still mild, why not take the opportunity have a deep clean – washing the things you never normally get round to doing. For instance, you could wash cushions and duvets so they are nice and fresh for the winter season.
Lauren works in our Ecommerce Team, with over 6 years of experience at HSS. She brings product knowledge and is able to give her advice on the right tool for the job no matter how big or small.
One way to care for your soil is to try and take control of pesky weeds. Making sure you get them while they are still small will help to ensure they don’t overtake your flowers and borders and restrict the growth of other plants. Use a hoe or hand weeder tool
It may seem obvious, but you need to check if the fence you are planning to paint is yours. If it is your neighbour’s fence you may be wondering “can I paint my side of the fence
Using a sharp, clean pair of secateurs if you ensure to cut back and prune climbing and bush roses, they’ll stay healthy and bring strong growth in the summer. Trim winter damage from trees and shrubs, removing dead wood and shape plants to encourage healthy new growth. Cut back any remaining perennials to encourage new growth.
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