Here in the UK, we're quite used to it feeling like winter all-year-round, but all the same, October is a great time to prepare your home for the inevitable onslaught of rain, wind, and maybe even snow that the following months will likely bring. Read on to discover our top tips for making sure your home is suitably prepared for the great freeze...

1. Declutter your gutters!
   
   When you think about it, it's your home's exterior which becomes the first line of defence against the harsh winter weather, so clearing your gutters is a great place to start, however boring a job it may be! Of course you can hire someone to do this for you, and in this case we'd recommend hiring a specialist tradesman, or, you can have a crack at tackling it yourself. Firstly, you'll need to clear out any leaves or debris from your gutters, then, check for any leaks or cracks before running water through to check for any blockages.
   
   
2. Give your radiators some TLC!
   
   Bleeding your radiators is an essential piece of the puzzle when it comes to prepping your home for winter. It'll not only make them work better, but will save you money on your heating bills (inflation, anyone?!). Luckily, it's quick and easy to do, by loosening the bleed valve and collecting any water. Just make sure your heating is turned off when you do it!
   
   
3. Check your insulation!
   
   Before you consider hunkering down and getting all cosy for winter, think about where you might be losing heat in your home first. It's usually the loft! Even if your loft is already insulated, it's worth checking it meets a depth of 250-270mm before winter sets in. You could also consider cavity wall and water pipe insulation, and of course in both cases it's a good idea to find a decent local tradesman to do this for you.
   

Is your home and garden all prepared for winter? Let us know your tips over on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.