Summer 2023 hasn’t been the greatest of summers, thanks to a lack of sunny days and a lot more rain than we’re used to at this time of year (and that’s saying something!). But now that it’s coming to an end, we can put the washout behind us and start looking forward to some cosy autumn vibes!

But alongside the pumpkin spice lattes and autumnal decorations, there are jobs to be done. If you do them now, you could save money in the long run, helping you stretch your money a bit further in the run-up to Christmas.

Here are some ideas for autumn/winter jobs to do now, ready to enjoy some savings later on.

Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons

Do the wardrobe sort out
With every new season, you should try and have a wardrobe sort out. This can help you save some space, get your wardrobe organised and get rid of any clothes you no longer want or need. Selling your clothes on Vinted and other sites can be a simple way to downsize your wardrobe, and is an excellent way to make some money too. It’s also a good time to declutter the rest of your home and get rid of your unwanted items. Get ahead of the clear-out while people are looking for some seasonal bargains – a little wardrobe purge will help you feel great!

Service your heating sources
It’s been nice not having to have the heating on for a few months, but with colder weather around the corner, you need to start thinking about your heating. Now is a good time to start testing to see if it’s working properly, and carry out some maintenance if needed. Paying for domestic fuel tank cleaning now could save you a lot of money down the line if you need to fix a fault with your oil tank. You should also check your radiators and other heat sources to make sure they’re all working as they should.

Remember, heating costs are coming down compared to last year, but nothing’s ever certain, so be sure to put a little extra aside (if you can) to cope with any increases to your bills.

Start stockpiling for Christmas
It may feel like Christmas is a long way away, but it’ll be here before you know it. September is a good time to start collecting things for Christmas. Whether this means gifts, alcohol or food, you can help spread the cost of Christmas by buying little bits here and there. Keep an eye out for special offers to help you save money, but only on the types of things you’d be buying anyway.

Remember to sign up for different reward schemes, apps and websites, helping you save even more on your Christmas shopping. There are various cashback sites too that are perfect for building up some savings:

@lookingafteryourpennies Get money back when you spend #cashbackoffers #savemoneyhack #ukmoney #budgeting101 ♬ original sound – Charlotte Jessop

Look at your budget
Autumn is a good time for you to make a fresh start on your budget. Use this time to check your spending and clear any unnecessary or unused memberships and subscriptions. Any savings you can make can be put aside for Christmas, helping to ease the pressure. It can also help you see if you’re spending too much on takeaways and coffees, ready to make some changes to your habits.

Getting ahead of your autumn/winter jobs can help you enjoy some big savings. From making savings to making money, there’s a lot you can do in the coming weeks to help you save money. It’ll be hard at times, but you’ll be thankful you did it in a few months’ time!