Dust Away the Cobwebs: 5 Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Frosty Weather and Festive Fun | 247 Blog

As the temperatures drop many of us are reluctantly cranking the thermostat up, but here are some tips and tricks to make the money you spend on your energy bills go further:

•  Now is the perfect time to give all your radiators a deep clean to remove any built-up dust or dirt – this will work to maximise their efficiency and warm your house up faster.
• Place tin foil or a ‘radiator reflector’ behind your radiators to reflect heat into the room and prevent warmth from being wasted on walls – this tip is particularly useful for radiators placed on exterior walls where more heat is lost.  

It's easy to neglect your windows, but now is the perfect time to give them a deep clean, not only to get ready for any festive decorations you might be adorning them with but also to make sure they're not costing you extra money on heating bills:

• Remove window coverings and give your windows a deep clean, this will get them ready for any decorations or lights you might put up over the festive season.
• Whilst deep cleaning your windows, check for any drafts and seal gaps with filler to prevent cold air coming in.
• Up to 40% of heat that escapes your home is down to your windows, consider investing in a thermal roller blind as a budget-friendly way to better insulate your home and save you money in the long run.
• If you feel like your space requires a bigger refresh, invest in new thermal Roman blinds and matching curtains to maximise insulation and give your room that luxury hotel feel. 

Naturally, as the temperature drops we end up spending more time in our homes. Whether you plan on decorating for the festive season or not, now is a good time to rethink your spaces and décor pieces in order to declutter and make sure you still look forward to spending time in your home. 

• Declutter the spaces you use the most, particularly over the festive period, like living rooms, kitchens and dining areas.
• If possible, rearrange room layouts and furniture to make your space feel like new. Consider more social layouts if you’re planning on hosting any gatherings over the season, or opt for tighter, cosier layouts for snuggly nights in. And don’t forget to leave space for the tree!
• Sell or donate décor pieces you don’t love anymore to make room for festive décor or new pieces that are more aligned with your style. Swapping out smaller accessories and soft furnishings like cushions can be a quick way to make your space feel refreshed without getting the decorators in.

There’s no better feeling than getting into a warm, comfy bed and snuggling up when it’s cold outside (and there’s no worse feeling than having to get out of it in a morning!), so now is a good time to give your sheets, pillows, and blankets a season-appropriate refresh: 

• Swap out any lighter summer bed linens and duvets for heavier, cosier options for maximum snuggle factor! 
• Add decorative throw pillows and blankets if you want to go the extra mile and make your bedroom feel like a high-end hotel.
• Appeal to all senses by purchasing a seasonal scented fabric softener to make your sheets smell just as good as they look! 

Once all the cleaning and decluttering is over – reward yourself with some extra embellishments in the form of yummy home fragrances and seasonal decorations: 

• Scatter scented candles in seasonal fragrances like cinnamon, spiced apple, or pumpkin around your home. Consider popping a diffuser in your entryways so your home smells delicious as soon as you walk through the door.  
• Don’t wait until Christmas for the decorations! Start small by hanging a wreath of seasonal dried flowers and foliage on your door, this can be store-bought or DIY-ed using a wreath frame!