Deep clean the house

We often think about giving the house a spring clean but we forget that the autumn season is an ideal time for a deep clean, too. Wipe down the skirting boards and dust commonly forgotten areas like lampshades and the top of cupboards and shelves. Start with the living room and work your way around the house. Once you start on the kitchen, don't forget to deep clean your oven and fridge too.

Don't forget the gutters

Autumn is a great time to clear your gutter. Checking for falling leaves and twigs will help to avoid water not being able to flow correctly.

. Clean the fireplace

If you're planning on using your fireplace this autumn, line the area with newspaper and remove loose ashes and dust with a shovel and broom. Then, use a wire brush to clean off the soot from the brick, and use baking soda and warm water on a sponge to clean the remaining soot and dust

Insulate the home

'A well-insulated house can help to significantly reduce your energy bill, especially during autumn and winter. One of the easiest and cheapest ways to make your home more energy-efficient is to insulate and draught-proof your external doors,' says Marc Husband, purchasing director at Leader Doors.

Check boilers and radiators

Arranging to have your boiler serviced is the best way to make sure your central heating is operating safely and efficiently — especially ahead of those cold, frosty days.

Declutter and streamline your living space

Donate unwanted furniture, homeware and electrical items, plus clothes and shoes to charity, and have a good clear out of your kitchen cupboards. You can donate all your in-date but unwanted food to food banks, where those in need can make use of them. You should end up with an uncluttered, streamlined home, giving you more space to enjoy the calm, cosy surroundings that the autumn season brings.

Set the atmosphere with scent

Candles and diffusers create the perfect cosy setting for a relaxing night in, just add a few dotted tealights or go for large pillar candles.

'There is nothing more comforting than an autumn scent running through the air on a rainy evening. Trendy mason jar candles with scents of ginger, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, and cedar wood complete the ultimate autumn vibe,' says Sylvia James, interior designer at HomeHow.co.uk.