As we approach the end of British Summer Time, the shift to darker evenings and colder nights signals more than just a change of season. With the clocks set to turn back, Barratt Homes Bristol has crafted a practical “winter clean” guide, aimed at helping Swindon residents prepare their homes for the colder months. From cosy additions to essential maintenance, this 10-step checklist is designed to ensure your home is snug, efficient, and ready to weather the winter.
Barratt Homes’ “winter clean” suggests the following steps:
- Bedroom Refresh: Pack away summer clothing and make room for winter favourites. Add a thicker duvet or extra blankets and consider winter-fragranced candles for those evening soaks.
- Living Room Cosiness: Clear out summer clutter from back doors and introduce snug touches like blankets, books, and board games. Bowls of autumnal treasures like conkers and vases of winter greenery can bring nature indoors.
- Seasonal Soundtrack: Prepare winter and festive playlists on your Bluetooth speaker to drown out the wintry weather outside.
- Fresh Air Flow: Even in winter, a few minutes of open windows can refresh your space and improve indoor air quality.
- Heating and Appliance Checks: Bleed radiators, inspect smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and arrange for a Gas Safe engineer to check your heating. Consider investing in a programmable thermostat and remember to keep curtains closed in unused rooms.
- Gutter Care: Remove leaves and debris from gutters to prevent winter flooding and ensure water can drain effectively.
- Outdoor Furniture and Barbecue Storage: Before the frost hits, clean and store outdoor furniture and barbecue equipment to protect them through winter.
- Protect Garden Plumbing: Drain hoses and sprinkler systems, shut off outdoor faucets, and use faucet covers to avoid frozen pipes.
- Winter Tools: Check that security lights are in working order and keep a stock of salt for icy paths. Make sure snow shovels and sledges are easy to access, ready for the first frost.
- Indoor Plants for Spring: Plant bulbs indoors as a reminder that brighter days lie ahead.
For those looking to settle into a new, winter-ready home, Barratt Homes Bristol is building new properties in Wiltshire, with developments at Wichel Fields and Orchards View at Wichelstowe in Swindon. With a range of schemes available, including the Key Worker Deposit Contribution Scheme and Part Exchange, there’s no better time to explore the options.
