Ensure your home is ready for the months ahead by starting your pre-winter seasonal deep clean and to-do list.

There's plenty that can be done inside and out, from tidying away garden furniture, deep-cleaning your carpets and washing bedding to checking home security and fixing draughty windows.

Kickstart your autumn deep clean today with these essential household jobs to do before winter sets in. Click or scroll for more...

If you're going to be cleaning around your home, you'll want to ensure your laundry space is ready for action. Give cupboards and surfaces a scrub down and be sure you're stocked up with cleaning essentials.

You could also have a go at making your own. Diluted vinegar is fabulous for tackling tricky cleaning jobs, while bicarbonate of soda works wonders for getting rid of smells. ​

Laundry equipment available from Garden Trading.

Autumn is the best time to have your chimney swept before the heating season begins. However, sweeping the chimney is NOT a DIY job you should tackle yourself.

The National Association of Chimney Sweeps states that chimneys need to allow free passage of dangerous combustion gasses, so regular sweeping to remove soot, creosote, cobwebs and even bird nests is a must. Professional chimney sweeps have the knowledge and equipment to ensure your fireplace is safe to use throughout the winter. Visit NACS.org.uk to find your local qualified sweep.

Fire screen and tools available from Garden Trading.

For a free and speedy job to get your home ready for the chilly months, it’s time to get bleeding those radiators.

You'll need to purchase an inexpensive radiator bleed key to complete the job. Use WikiHow or follow a YouTube video if you haven’t done this before and your radiators will be working at their full potential in no time, ready for the frosty months.

Chrome thermostatic radiator valve available from UKRadiators.com

You don't want to enter the winter months unsure if your central heating and boiler is functioning properly. It's likely you've not used your heating since the springtime, so fire it up ahead of the cold season to ensure everything is working and top up the pressure if necessary.

If you find any faults then call in a professional to see that it's repaired in time. Nobody likes a cold shower on a chilly morning!

Vaillant ecoFIT pure combi and system boiler certified by Quiet Mark.

A simple DIY task to make sure your home is cold weather-ready this winter is to make sure your windows and doors are draught proof. While insulation is key to keeping the heat in, another effective step is to add sealant or putty to any cracks that may have occurred in window frames and doors, as well as applying self-adhesive foam tape.

Another idea to keep your house warm through winter is to consider a ‘snake’ style draught excluder that you could even make yourself with a tube of stuffing and fabric of your choice.

If you notice condensation on windows while draught-proofing, as well as musty smells around the house, then your home could be in danger of poor ventilaton or even damp. If this is the case invest in a dehumidifier, keep extractor fans on when showering and cooking and open windows a slither whenever you can.

If you suspect damp, the problem may be eliminated with specialist paint that stops moisture penetrating through walls. But, if the problem persists, a damp specialist will need to survey and advise on rectifiable steps on how to get rid of mould and damp professionaly.

With a few tricks, you won't need to shut off your conservatory during winter. Choose the right heating and insulation options and the glass-covered extension can be just as cosy as the rest of your home. 

Installing under-floor heating, radiators or a wood-burning stove will ensure a continued supply of controlled heat. While, reflective insulation foils and thermal wadding can be added to roof panels. Quicker and more affordable updates include upgrading window sealants as well as installing thermal blinds to increase energy and warmth efficiency. 

Thermal blinds, available from Blinds 2go.

If you have the space inside your house, set up an area for recycling, as now that the winter weather is coming, you won't want to go outside so much.

DIY stores stock a range of inexpensive stackable bins that you could store in an adjoining garage or the laundry.

Avoid a home appliance fail and get your kettle and coffee machines working properly by giving them a deep clean and descaling. If you live in a hard water area, you'll find you need to do this more regularly compared to those in a soft water area, but it's advisable to do it often anyway. It'll prolong the life of your appliances and produce better-tasting drinks too.

A natural alternative to descale kits is to use distilled white vinegar. Kitchen appliance experts at MyJobQuote.co.uk suggest: "Fill the kettle with half water and half distilled white vinegar. Turn the kettle on and allow it to boil. Pour all of the water and vinegar out. Fill the kettle with just water this time and then boil again (this will remove any lingering vinegar). Empty the kettle and inspect it for any remaining limescale. If there is still some limescale remaining after this process, simply repeat the process."

Kenwood Dusk Olive Green ZJP30.000GN kettle certified by Quiet Mark.

As opportunities for outdoor laundry drying reduce, make sure the tumble dryer is ready for use. Wipe down the exterior and stock up on dryer sheets.

Lint build-up can become a hazard so renew or clean any filters, then disconnect the vent pipe, clean and replace. Run the dryer empty for a few minutes to loosen embedded lint then vacuum inside the drum to remove any last remaining fibres. 

Bosch WPG23108GB Series 6 8kg condenser tumble dryer certified by Quiet Mark.

A job that most people try to avoid, but is nonetheless important. Spend an afternoon clearing out old paperwork and sorting household files. If you have a home office then make space for folders that you can dedicate to certain utilities.

Shred or burn anything you throw away so to limit any security risks, and seriously think about going paperless. Lots of providers offer discounts or savings if you choose not to receive a traditional paper bill.

Ahead of winter, give your kitchen cabinets a thorough clean. It's definitely a job for a Sunday as it could take you all day if you want to do it properly.

Tackling one cupboard at a time, remove all the items and scrub the doors and shelving. When the shelves and insides of the cupboards are dry, put back the contents. But before you do, see what you can sell or donate to charity. This will make room for when it's to stock-pile supplies in the countdown to Christmas. 

Built-in pantry available from LochAnna Kitchens.

It's a great time of year to get organised, have a sort out and throw away things you don't need. Get three boxes – one for selling, one for charity and one for the rubbish – and place items you no longer want in one of the three.

You may wish to sell some items on eBay or save them for a spring boot sale, while you can donate the rest to charity. If anything is broken or very old and tired, then just throw it away. And be sure to recycle; don't just send it to landfill!

As the seasons change there's no doubt the oven will get used more often to cook up some heart-warming winter dishes. Make sure it's ready for use with a good scrub to make it sparkle again. Not only will this improve its appearance, but it will also rid any whiffs while cooking from baked-in grease and grime.

Alternatively, for an oven that is almost as good as new book a professional oven cleaning contractor to do the job for you.

Prepare your large home appliances for extra winter use by giving each machine an MOT. Deep clean washing machines to prepare for more bulky items.

Empty, defrost and clean fridges and freezers, ready for the festive season. And, ensure your dishwasher is running to its optimised performance before the festive period by running dishwasher cleaner through it or try a natural homemaking hack as an alternative. 

Over time your kitchen kickboards and living area skirting boards will build up with dust, grease, splash stains and scuffs. 

Give them a seasonal clean by first vacuuming them with an appropriate attachment to remove debris, then remove more stubborn surface tarnishes with a degreasing cleaner or sugar soap. Finally once dry check for scrape marks, especially in high-traffic areas like the hallway that may need a paint touch-up. 

Wall and floor tiles available from Tile Warehouse.

We all fall guilty of not doing this job often enough, but while the sun is still shining get it done now.

Totally empty the bin and thoroughly clean it. Then swill the bottom out with some bleach and leave it to settle for a few hours. Rinse completely and then pop the bin in the garden under the afternoon sun to dry. It'll be as clean as a whistle for the winter months ahead.

Stainless steel double bin available from VonHaus.

With the winter season comes more time indoors with friends and family. Ensure your bathrooms are presentable for your guests by giving everything a thorough clean. It's always good to have a deep clean with each season.

Refresh grout, tackle limescale and rid glass of water stains. If you have the time, touch up any paintwork and repair chipped and damaged tiles.

Dulux bathroom paint available from B&Q.

During the summer, when doors have been left open and we've been in the garden more, extra dirt will most likely have been brought inside.

A lightweight steam cleaning mop will not only clean and shine but sanitise every type of floor – from carpets, tiles and vinyl to wooden and sealed laminate – helping to keep germs and bacteria at bay. This handy gadget uses no chemicals or detergents, just tap water, and removes ground in dirt in a flash. 

Items that are handled regularly, such as door handles, light switches, TV remotes and game console controllers can make perfect environments for bacteria to spread. In the fight against germs, it's important to clean as well as disinfect.

Disinfectant specialists Zoflora advise: "To best clean your remotes, add two capfuls of Zoflora into an 800ml trigger spray bottle containing water. Spray the solution onto a dry cloth and wipe over your devices to disinfect. Do not spray directly onto electrical items."

Remove ground-in dirt and grime from carpets and rugs in no time at all when you use a professional-quality carpet cleaner at home.

Go for a model that will wash the carpet, neutralise odours and leave a fresh fragrance. It's best to do this job in the morning as you'll need to leave the carpet for several hours to allow it to properly dry. If an expensive cleaning machine seems expensive at this time of year, carpet and upholstery cleaners can be hired from specialist equipment hire centres and DIY stores. 

Once the clocks change, shutters and Venetian blinds will probably be closed sooner in the day. Prepare slatted window treatments for more use by cleaning summer dust build-up ready to hunker down.

As well as dusting louvres regularly with a duster, now's the time for a deeper clean using a few extra tools. Vacuum shutters using a soft-bristled attachment, then wipe down with a damp cloth. A soft-bristled toothbrush is ideal for cleaning hinges or hard-to-reach crevices. 

Natural wood furniture and kitchen worktops are beautiful but need a little extra TLC to stay that way. Rewaxing or oiling surfaces will offer an extra layer of protection and allow the natural wood grain to come into its own. 

First, clean wood surfaces with soapy water and a soft cloth, being careful not to soak the wood. Once fully dry, apply wax with a dry cotton cloth in small circular motions. Let dry and buff off with a separate cloth. Repeat this process with specialist oil on kitchen worktops and wooden chopping boards. 

Coffee table available from Desser & Co.

Give kitchen and bathroom tiles a good clean with hot soapy water, ensuring to scrub the grout between them. Use bleach or mildew remover if they're really dirty, leaving it on for an hour to get to work. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and let air dry.

Once dry, give splashbacks a total once-over by repainting between the tiles with a special grout pen. You can pick one up from Amazon in a range of colours or just stick to white to make it look brand new.

Busy homes naturally bring spills, stains and wear and tear to a family sofa, but with the right care, a settee can stand the test of time. If you can remove the covers, give them a proper wash – ensuring you follow the manufacturer's instructions – to get them looking good as new.

If you can't remove them, give the sofa a spot clean and a thorough vacuum. Not forgetting to check under the cushions first; you might find a pound or two!​

If you find your curtains lacking a little in keeping the light out of a sunny morning, they won’t be helping the cold chill out either. Short of purchasing a new pair, adding a layer of lining to the curtains you already own will go a long way in keeping the heat in and the elements outside where they belong.

Victoria Robinson, product and style expert at Hillarys, says: "Thermal curtains can reduce heat loss by up to 25%, keeping your space warm and cutting down on energy costs, especially in colder months.”

Thermal curtains in pewter available from Hillarys.

As the evenings draw in it's time to turn on lights more often. Make sure you won't get caught in the dark by giving each light, lamp and socket a quick 'MOT' with good clean, dust. Then inspect and test each bulb to replace if necessary.

Why not go for a new look altogether with a lampshade or floorlamp update to make your decorating scheme cosy for autumn and winter?

While the warm weather is still with us, make use of the sunshine, just like grandma used to do, and wash the linens around your home. Make a day of it and get your curtains, nettings and tablecloths all washed and hung out to dry.

A sunny afternoon will have everything aired in no time, allowing you to iron, fold and get everything stored away by the evening.

As the weather is changing, there is no need for those shorts, sandals and T-shirts so box up and declutter your home and summer wardrobe in readiness for next year. Reshuffle the walk-in wardrobe or in smaller spaces, invest in vacuum-pack bags that you can cram full and store underneath your bed or pop in the loft.

Paul Richardson, a stylist at Wren, claims that households should be re-organising their wardrobes every season to keep space clean and clutter free, prioritising certain items depending on the season: “Clothes, shoes and household items can get lost within larger wardrobe spaces, making it difficult to find what you need. As seasons change, different items become a priority, and so it’s important to refresh your storage spaces in line with the weather changes.”

Once you've cleaned, packed and stored away summer linens, it's time to bring down the warmer blankets and throws from the attic. Give them a good airing or refresh with a dry-clean and then layer-up beds, sofas and armchairs ready for cosy nights to come. Brushed cotton or 'teddybear' fabric bedlinen is ideal for creating a snuggly and cocooning bedroom vibe. 

Switching your summer duvet to a thicker winter version will ensure a warm night's sleep during colder months. Mark Tremlett from Naturalmat explains: "If you are comfortable and have the right temperature throughout the night, you are much more likely to get a good night’s sleep. A heavy duvet with [at least] a 9 tog rating should give you all the warmth and comfort you need when it’s cold outside."

While you’re re-acquainting yourself with your winter woollies that have been gathering dust at the back of the wardrobe, remember to add some layers to your living spaces.

Just as you’ll appreciate the extra layers, you can help bring your heating bill down by adding extra thick furnishings to your home. Snuggle up on a sofa lined with cushions and throws and you’ll feel toasty this winter.

You'll want to start this job early in the morning, and on a sunny day, so that beds can be re-made in time for nightfall. Strip the bed of the duvet and pillows and pop in the washing machine – be sure it's big enough to accommodate what you're washing, and if not head to the laundrette.

Bear in mind that feather-filled duvets and pillows will take longer to dry. Check label instructions prior to washing.

While you're waiting for the duvet and pillows to dry, give the bare mattresses a clean down, too. Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the surface and leave for a couple of hours, then vacuum off. This will remove any smells, draw out sweat and clear away mites and dust. If you can turn over the mattress then do so.

If you have one, now's a good time to wash your mattress protector too. Rebecca Swain, mattress expert at Winstons says: “Mattress protectors often get neglected because people forget they’re there or they won’t fit in the washing machine with the rest of the bedding. Although protectors don’t need to be washed as often as your bedsheets, it’s still important to give them a good clean every other month to maintain your sleep hygiene".

Pocket sprung mattress available from Darlings of Chelsea.

Boost your kerb appeal and update any doormats that have become threadbare. Lay down a coir mat at each doorway to ensure that muddy shoes and paws don't trample into the house during the winter season.

Invest in a boot rack to efficiently store practical winter footwear. Leave other shoes at the door in shoe storage or dedicated baskets, to keep potentially harmful microbes away from your main living space.

Coir doormat available from Yester Home.

With the cold and wet comes extra layers, umbrellas and muddy boots, so get ahead by making space for them in your entryway. Start by taking out all the clothes, shoes and any other clutter that's accumulated over the summer. Pull out furniture to wash down walls and woodwork, then vacuum floors and corners before mopping or steam cleaning.

Sort and pack away summer hats, light jackets and sandals then add baskets and boot racks, plus something to hold wet umbrellas. Finally, add some finishing touches; a plant and a diffuser or scented candle will create a welcoming first impression. 

Oak dressing table available from The Cotswold Company.

Get outside to organise your garage while it's still warm, the big job will feel all the more overwhelming once the cold and ice sets in. Plus, an orderly and spacious garage will make the countdown to Christmas easier.

Knowing the best garage hacks will mean there'll be plenty of new room for storing extra items while the decorations are up or guests are using the spare bedroom. 

As seasons change there are plenty of autumn garden jobs to attend to. You'll find that your front and back garden starts to fill up with fallen leaves. Gather up the debris before it turns to mulch – a leaf blower that will speed up the job, making it a lot less time-consuming and easier to keep on top of. 

Also, cover or move delicate plants that don't do well with frost, cut the grass a final time and give any hedges or shrubs a final trim.

Give bicycles, barbecue equipment, garden tables and chairs a wash down and store them away for the winter months. After reviewing weather and rain patterns across the UK's capital cities over the last five years, Ruggable pin-pointed the perfect time to store away your outdoor furniture. The data concludes that the overall date for putting away garden furniture in the UK, in our current climate, is October 24. So get yours in, pronto!

Cassandra Leisz, Creative Director at Ruggable, says: "It's essential to bring your furniture indoors before they are exposed to prolonged rain, especially metal items such as tables and chairs that are prone to rust and corrosion."

As the nights draw in, we often see an increase in burglaries and property damage. 

Waseem Malik from Aviva, says: "As well as the trick-or-treat antics of Oct 31st, the clocks go back on the last Saturday of the month. This creates an opportunity for people to go about their business under the cover of darkness.” With this in mind, get your burglar alarm serviced if you have one. Outdoor security lights, should be checked and bulbs replaced. If you don’t have security lights, you might consider installing some.

High on your to-do list of household winter tasks, should be to check all the batteries in your smoke and emergency alarms, ensuring every safety feature is working properly in your home.

If you have a security alarm, give that a test, too, as burglaries can increase leading up to holidays.

Autumn and winter is the season for spotting more spiders in the house as they search for warm and dry corners to set up home and a new mate.

As well as cleaning regularly to disturb and remove webs and nests, look for tiny holes and or gaps and fill them in. This will not only keep out spiders and other unwelcome creeply crawlies such as slugs and snails but draught-proof the house too. Win-win!

As the weather gets colder we all enjoy cosying up at home. Unfortunately so do other wild animals and creatures who will look for ways to enter your warm home and set up camp for the winter. A few simple steps can help keep out common household pests including pests like mice and rats.

Fill in any external gaps; wire mesh or steel wool is ideal. Then, use caulk or spray foam to keep it in place. Food should be stored in air-tight containers, and always remove dog and cat food for pets as soon as mealtime is over. Look out for tell-tale signs of pests such as scratches and droppings and if you suspect rodents have entered your home look for a local professional pest controller at bpca.org.uk/find.

Blocked guttering can cause all sorts of problems if it's not cleared out and properly maintained, including damp and structural issues.

This is a classic case of prevention being better than cure, so ensure to remove dead leaves and blockages so that any water is quickly channelled away. Definitely a job to do before the rain sets in!

Once you have cleaned your guttering, look up on your roof for any signs of broken or slipped roof tiles. Gaps on the roof will allow heat to escape, or worse, lead to potential leaks. As well as roof tiles, also check the quality of any flashing. Flashing is thin sheets of metal, usually galvanised steel, installed on vertical areas and corners to waterproof the area and divert rainwater. 

If you notice any flaws, contact a professional roofer who is skilled in roof tiling and has been safety trained to work at high levels.

Do you love to hunker down in autumn? 30+ gorgeous ways to make your home cosy and chic