Getting Your Home Ready for Autumn in 2026
We made a lot of changes to our homes this summer, and now autumn’s coming just as fast, here’s what to do to make your home autumn ready
By Settle & Kettle Published 09 August 2026
5 min read
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This summer has been a hot one. Like, actually hot. The heatwave was on another level, and sales of air-con units and fans went up as everyone scrambled to find ways to cope. We’re still only in the middle of summer, with a few more sunny days ahead, but it’s never too early to start planning, especially if you’ll need to make some purchases. Buying items out of season is one of the easiest ways to save money without paying the “in demand” price tag.
With all the changes and adjustments we’ve made to our homes this summer, it’s just as important to get things ready for autumn. The mornings are cooler now, the days are shorter, the heating’s back on, and the thicker duvet is out of storage. It’s the season for slowing things down, making your home feel warm again, and settling into everything autumn has to offer, from the cosy nights in to the days out making the most of the season.
Here’s everything to tackle this autumn.
01Check your heating
Get your boiler or heating system serviced, or at least give it a proper test run now rather than waiting until you actually need it. Bleed the radiators if they’re heating unevenly, and check the thermostat’s working properly.
02Draught-proof your home
Go around your windows and doors and feel for where the warm air’s escaping. A roll of draught excluder or a tube of sealant costs next to nothing and makes a real difference to your heating bill once the temperature properly drops.
03Clear your gutters
The leaves are already turning, and gutters clog up fast this time of year. A blocked gutter in a heavy downpour means water finding its way somewhere it shouldn’t, so it’s probably best to get up there and clear it out while the weather’s still on your side.
04Bring your autumn things out
Pack away the air-con units, fans, and lighter furniture, and get your autumn wardrobe and accessories out and set up so everything’s ready to use.
05Deep clean while you’re at it
With everything already getting moved around, use the moment to get into the spots you usually skip: window sills, the top of the fridge and microwave, the chimney if you have one, the back of the wardrobe, and the mattress and sofa cushions while you’re pulling everything else out.
06Bring in the autumn accessories
Swap your candles for spice scents like pumpkin, cinnamon, and clove, add soft lighting like table lamps or fairy lights, and swap out any lighter rugs or cushion covers for heavier, warmer textures. It’s surprising how small changes like these make the biggest difference to how the room actually feels.
07Cosy everything up
Autumn and cosiness go hand in hand, so now’s the time to bring out all your cosy items: throws, soft cushions, warmer bedding, and thicker pyjamas and loungewear. Keep a couple of hot water bottles and warm slippers handy, and if you’ve got guests coming over, an extra blanket or two goes a long way.
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