There’s something about autumn that makes you want to stay in.
The evenings get darker, the temperature drops, the jumpers come out of the wardrobe and suddenly spending a Friday night on the sofa with a blanket, a film and a hot drink sounds like the perfect plan.
But creating a cosy home isn’t just about buying more cushions and lighting every candle you own. A clean, fresh and comfortable home can make just as much difference to how your space feels.
So, if you’re ready to embrace the autumn evenings, here are 5 simple ways to make your home cosy this autumn, with a few cleaning tips thrown in too.
1. Bring out the blankets and cushions
Nothing says cosy quite like soft blankets, chunky cushions and plenty of things to snuggle into.
Swap lighter summer throws for thicker blankets and add a few extra cushions to the sofa or bed. You don’t need to completely redecorate your home either. Even a couple of small changes can make a room feel warmer and more inviting.
Of course, once the blankets are in regular use, they can quickly collect dust, crumbs, pet hair and all those mysterious bits that somehow appear on the sofa!
Make sure you:
- Wash blankets and throws regularly according to their care instructions
- Give cushions a good shake and vacuum around them
- Vacuum underneath and between sofa cushions
- Keep throws folded neatly when they aren't being used
A quick tidy-up can make your living room feel instantly more relaxing, especially when you're planning to spend more time there over the colder months.
2. Create a warm and relaxing atmosphere
Autumn is all about creating a warm atmosphere at home. Think soft lighting, cosy blankets, candles and those little seasonal touches that make you actually want to stay in.
Bring out your favourite autumnal candles and go for scents like cinnamon, vanilla, spiced apple or pumpkin. Just remember to keep candles away from anything flammable and never leave them unattended.
You can also give your home a little autumn makeover without spending a fortune. A few dried flowers, pinecones, pumpkins, warm-toned cushions or a seasonal wreath can instantly make your space feel more autumnal.
And let's not forget the autumn mugs. Whether it's your favourite pumpkin-shaped mug or one covered in little leaves, there's something about drinking your morning coffee or evening hot chocolate from a seasonal mug that makes it feel that bit more special.
Even something as simple as turning off the main lights and switching on a couple of lamps in the evening can completely change the feel of a room.
But before you get too comfortable, give those little areas a clean.
Dust can build up surprisingly quickly on lampshades, shelves, windowsills and decorative items, and it can be particularly noticeable when light shines across the surface. Candles can also leave a little soot or wax behind, so give the area around them a wipe from time to time.
A quick dust and tidy around your living spaces can help your home feel fresher and cleaner, while still keeping that cosy, lived-in feeling.
3. Give your bedroom an autumn refresh
When it's cold and dark outside, there are few things better than getting into a lovely clean, comfortable bed.
Autumn is a great time to give your bedroom a little refresh. Change your bedding, rotate your mattress if appropriate and have a proper tidy of those areas that you might normally ignore.
Don't forget the less obvious places too.
Give your bedside tables a wipe, vacuum underneath the bed and clean mirrors and windows. You could even add a cosy blanket to the end of the bed for those particularly chilly nights.
And, of course, clean bedding makes a huge difference. There’s something very satisfying about getting into a freshly made bed after a long day.
4. Make your kitchen feel warm and welcoming
As autumn arrives, we're often spending more time cooking at home. Soups, stews, pasta dishes and Sunday roasts suddenly become much more appealing when it's chilly outside.
That means your kitchen might be getting a lot more use too.
Keeping your kitchen clean and clutter-free can make cooking feel much more enjoyable. Nobody wants to prepare dinner in a kitchen covered in yesterday's dishes and crumbs.
Try giving some attention to the areas that can easily get overlooked:
- Wipe down kitchen cupboards and handles
- Clean your hob after cooking
- Give the fridge a quick clear-out
- Wipe down worktops and splashbacks
- Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly
- Clean around appliances where crumbs tend to collect
You don't need to spend hours deep cleaning your kitchen every evening. A few small jobs as you go can make a big difference.
And once the kitchen is clean, get that autumn mug out, make yourself a hot chocolate and enjoy it!
5. Have a proper autumn clean
Finally, if you really want your home to feel cosy this autumn, start with a clean slate.
An autumn clean is the perfect opportunity to tackle those jobs you've been putting off and get your home feeling fresh before you settle into the colder months.
You could work your way through the house room by room, or simply focus on the areas you use most.
Think:
- Dusting skirting boards and surfaces
- Cleaning windows and mirrors
- Vacuuming carpets and rugs
- Mopping hard floors
- Cleaning bathrooms
- Changing bedding
- Decluttering cupboards and drawers
- Getting into those awkward corners that don't get much attention
And once it's done, you'll have the perfect backdrop for all those cosy autumn evenings.
A cosy home doesn't have to mean a spotless home
Let's be honest, your home doesn't need to look like a showroom to feel cosy.
A few blankets on the sofa, a pile of books, toys on the floor or yesterday's mug on the coffee table are all part of having a home that actually gets lived in.
But regular cleaning does make a difference. When the everyday dirt and dust are under control, it's much easier to relax and enjoy your space.
If you're finding that your home needs more cleaning than you have time for, that's where a little help can go a long way.
At Time For You, our local cleaners can help take care of the regular cleaning, leaving you with more time to enjoy the things that make your home feel like home.
From sparkling bathrooms and clean floors to dust-free surfaces and freshly cleaned living spaces, sometimes the cosiest feeling of all is knowing the cleaning is already taken care of.
Find your local Time For You cleaning service today at www.timeforyou.cleaning.
