It’s officially September—cue the conkers, cardigans and sudden urge to put cinnamon in everything. While autumn brings cosy evenings and pumpkin-spiced everything, it also signals that it’s time to get the house ready for the colder months.
If the idea of “seasonal home maintenance” makes your eyes glaze over, don’t worry—this isn’t about perfection. This autumn home maintenance checklist is built for real-life parents juggling school runs, laundry mountains and never-ending snack requests.
These are the quick, essential tasks that make a real difference—keeping your home warm, safe, and one step ahead of the weather.
🍂 1. Check the Heating Before You Need It
Don’t wait until the first frosty morning to discover your heating’s packed in.
- Turn your boiler on and run it for 10–15 minutes
- Bleed radiators to get rid of air pockets
- Check your thermostat and timer settings
- If needed, book a boiler service (especially if you’ve skipped a year)
Pro tip: this is also a good time to stock up on blankets. Not essential, but highly recommended.
🧰 2. Clear Gutters and Drains
Falling leaves and autumn rain are not a good combo when it comes to gutters.
- Safely clear leaves and debris from gutters (or hire someone local if ladders aren’t your thing)
- Check drain covers and soakaways aren’t blocked
- Ensure water flows away from your home’s foundation
A blocked gutter can cause leaks and damage—nipping this in the bud now avoids future headaches.
🚪 3. Seal Up Draughts
A quick once-over around windows and doors can save on heating bills and keep your home toasty.
- Check for gaps or worn-out seals
- Use draught excluders or self-adhesive strips
- Hang thicker curtains to reduce heat loss
- Add door brushes or thermal door curtains
It’s like giving your house a nice warm scarf.
💡 4. Outdoor Lighting and Safety Checks
With darker mornings and earlier evenings, now’s the time to check that your outside space is safe and well-lit.
- Replace dead bulbs in porch or garden lights
- Test motion sensors
- Clear moss or slippery leaves from steps and paths
- Fix loose paving or uneven slabs
Bonus: functioning lights make you feel a bit more “on top of things” during that 7am dash to the bins.
🌳 5. Prep Your Garden for Autumn
This doesn’t mean pruning every hedge—just a few small tasks to prevent problems later.
- Pack away or cover garden furniture
- Store outdoor toys (or clean and sort them for next summer)
- Trim back any branches hanging near your house
- Clean up fallen fruit or veg if you grow your own
If you’ve got a greenhouse or shed, now’s a good time for a quick sort-out before it becomes a dumping ground.
🪟 6. Clean Windows and Check for Condensation
Autumn can bring more condensation, especially in older homes.
- Give windows a good clean inside and out (kids can help with the inside part!)
- Check for signs of damp or mould near frames
- Consider a window vacuum or moisture absorbers in damp-prone rooms
- Open windows for short bursts to improve air circulation
Small tweaks now can help avoid bigger problems later.
🔦 7. Stock Up on Seasonal Essentials
Because when the clocks change and the rain sets in, you’ll want to be ready.
Make sure you’ve got:
- Working torches and spare batteries
- Salt or grit for slippery paths
- Emergency candles (bonus points if they’re scented)
- A stash of easy meals in the freezer for gloomy days
Also—check that your umbrella isn’t broken. Trust me.
🧺 8. Rotate Wardrobes and Wash Winter Wear
Time to dig out the jumpers and pack away the swimsuits.
- Wash and store summer clothes in labelled boxes or vacuum bags
- Check kids’ coats, gloves and boots still fit (spoiler: they probably don’t)
- Donate anything outgrown or unused or list on Vinted
- Put a basket by the door for hats, gloves and scarves to avoid the daily treasure hunt
Organisation now means fewer tantrums later.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to tackle everything in one weekend. Choose one or two tasks each week and chip away at your autumn home maintenance checklist at your own pace.
Think of it like this: you’re setting your home up to be a warm, welcoming, calm (ish) space for the colder months ahead. That’s parenting gold.
..And if all else fails, at least light a seasonal candle and make it smell like you’ve got it all under control. 🍁
