The garden is slowing down and the leaves on the trees are starting to go yellow. This has given me a nudge to start getting ready for Autumn and the following winter. I can’t believe that summer has whizzed by so quickly. The weather has been kind, though, and the garden and the countryside have provided an abundance of food. Over these next few weeks, as it starts to get cooler, I will prepare to make the coming seasons easier. This is my list.
In the pantry
The other day I rotated the ingredients in my store cupboards. I brought ingredients to the front that I used more in winter to make comfort food.
Yesterday I redid the inventory of my cupboards and freezers so that I know exactly what I need to get us through the winter. I will not be wasting unnecessary money doubling up on items.
Making sure that I have enough food and water stored in case of bad weather, I am ill, or an emergency is important. The government have recommended that we have enough for at least 3 days.
Having plenty of nutritious food is important for my immune system and so I will shop with that in mind.
Buying some ingredients for Christmas now saves me money before prices increase.
There are still plenty of things to forage and so I will continue to preserve things I find.
I will make immunity boosting elderflower syrup.
Yesterday I made a big batch of chilli and that will be useful to freeze for a cold day when I don’t feel like cooking, or for when the power is out.
Winter proofing my home
Chimney sweep is booked.
Hot water bottles unpacked and checked.
It is good to change the curtains if you have thick, thermal ones, or pin blanket to the back of your curtains to keep the warmth in.
This weekend we will sort the log shed and moisture check the wood. We will collect more wood or kindling if we need it..
Heating checked to see if it works, and serviced if needed.
Bleeding the radiators is on our list.
I checked the camping stove, batteries, torches, and lights worked last week in case of black outs.
Check for any draughts and seal.
Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working
Unpack my candles and tea lights.
Have a throw on the bottom of my bed to use around my shoulders when writing my blog to my group early in the morning.
Make sure the gutters are cleaned and cleared.
Use a sunny day to do any last minute painting to protect walls or fences.
In the garden
Finished plants and vegetables will be composted.
Fallen leaves will be collected and stored to make leaf mulch.
Canes will be put away
Soon I will put inside or protect any frost sensitive plants. I put double glazed windows on to my raised boxes and put my potatoes inside.
Seeds sown for Autumn or Spring crops.
Greenhouse cleaned out
Small pots packed away or stacked..
Store or cover the BBQ and any outdoor furniture.
Stock up on sand and have the shovel handy in case of ice. My garden is tiered and on a hill and so is lethal when it is icy.
My environment
Summer cushions swapped for my winter ones.
Throws unpacked
Duvets already been aired. I put a second one in winter. They have already been washed.
Some people decorate their homes with fairy lights and autumnal displays. I leave the lights for Christmas but do have some all year in my conservatory which is a warm place to sit if the winter sun has been out.
Stock up on cold and flu medicine if you are prone to catching them during the winter.
If you are into candles get some autumn smelling ones.
My clothes
Sandals packed away and boots put on the shoe rack.
Hats and gloves found.
Jumpers out and aired
Summer clothes packed away. Most clothes I use for all seasons but I just layer them up as it gets colder.
Reproof spray on water proof clothing if needed.
I have washed my winter coats but Mr S still has one that need scrubbing and drying on a sunny day.
My self care
Have crafts and hobbies to do when it is too cold to go out.
Get as much sunlight and daylight as I can now. Maybe consider getting some vitamin D supplements or prepare more food with vitamin D in it.
Have a special book to journal in because I am prone to bad days in winter.
Car
Tyres checked that they have a good tread.
Test my car battery.
Fill up screen wash and check wipers.
De icer and scraper are easy to find
blanket, torch, and shovel in the boot. Summer toys stored in the shed.
Emergency rations like nuts , water, dried fruit placed in the boot.
Car first aid box checked.
Make sure jump leads are in the boot and tow rope.
Here are some other blogs that may help you prepare for winter. Just click the titles and they will link you.
Frugal ways to make your home feel cosy this winter
Are you ready for the change in season?
Excellent list of autumn jobs and seasonal preparation. I’ve started this week, I’ve taken in the lounger, and stored the cushions. This morning I’ve had the boiler serviced and next week I’ll contact someone to clean out my gutters. Neither very frugal but necessary.I’ll just do it all gradually this month.
Thanks. It was actually your comments that inspired me to write a list and the blog
Thank you for the list, certainly need to get the ladder out to clear the gutters. Went through my winter jumpers, quite looking forward to wearing my snuggly ones again. Back into summer clothes today. Will be looking for roadside stalls, selling butternut squash and pumpkins ready for soup making.
I love my jumpers, too. Hope you find the squash at good prices
Hi Toni. Excellent advice, as always.
You’ve asked in the past for people to let you know about typos. I think perhaps you meant elderberry not elderflower for the immune boosting syrup.
I’ve been busy stripping sloes off branches so I can make a hedgerow jelly. I’ve also got crab apples and hawthorn already. Just need some elderberries and rose hips now. Good weather forecast tomorrow, so I’ll be out getting them, and then hide from the bad weather on Sunday in the kitchen. I get half price electric on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm, so I’ll be boiling up the fruit then!
Brilliant. Thanks for pointing out the erroor. Predictive text is the bane of my life 😊. Enjoy your day in the kitchen.
We put bubble wrap on the inside of windows which keeps warmth in and cuts down on traffic sounds. For the windows we want to see out of, we’ve used an anti-glare cover which also helps. As the loft hatch is perspex we’ve put a rug at the back of it to keep heat where we prefer it to be.
Good idea about the rug. I used to put bubble wrap on the windows oof a rented flat and it works well. I have done it with my green house, too. Thanks for sharing
Just brought out my thick velvet curtain for the front door.
I took delivery of a camping stove and gas cylinders just in case, I have no open fire or multifuel burner. Im actually thinking of buying some sort of cooking device I could use outside if gas and electricity are off.
Good idea. I use my fire pit and we have a wood burning pizza oven. I only use my camping stove outside, too.
Extremely helpful, thank you.
No worries
An interesting, helpful read – thank you. I believe that you can boost your vitamin D intake by exposing mushrooms to day light before using them ( I eat chestnut ones raw in salad) I’m also someone who struggles on the dark days.
I didn’t know that. Thanks
Useful list, thank you. I’m looking forward to cosy evenings in front of the log burner, with the world shut out. Reading the pile of books I’ve gathered from charity shops – fiction for escaping, but also recipe books and herbal guides. Crochet in front of the TV is a guilty pleasure too!
Recognising the need to slow and rest is vital, and needn’t cost that much if you’re prepared – your blog and group all help in that preparation so thank you Toni 🌻
That sounds lovely and I’m glad thaat you find the blog and group helpful. Thanks
Fabulous and helpfull list!
Thanks
Brilliant list. Thank you Toni. So many on there i hadnt thought of.
No woorries. Yes my list gets bigger each year 😊
Great post – thank you. I do many on here but you’ve given me more to think about.
Great. There are probably things I’ve missed as well but I love a list 😊