Goodbye summer! Hello fall! We are looking forward to the golden season, to the blanket in which we can drink tea snuggled up warm and cozy, the new knitting and long bubble baths. To make the most of this time of year, we prepare our homes for the change of season beforehand.

1. protect boots and shoes from the wet

Your boots are now looking forward to extra care so that they are prepared for the rain. Treat leather shoes with a suitable waterproofing spray. The same applies to wind and rain jackets. Rub rubber boots with care lotion.

2. dirt stays outside

A dirt-trapping mat in front of the door keeps out the worst of the mud. However, it should be vacuumed regularly. It is best to place wet boots in an extra drip tray. This catches water and dirt.

3. remove dust from radiators

Before turning up the heating in the fall, ventilate and clean once. Because dirt and dust cost heat output. Either vacuum or clean with a finned brush. Blow out the inside of flat heaters with a hairdryer.

4. get warm blankets ready for use

If they have been stored over the summer, shake them out now and air them. Put comforters in the washing machine at 30 degrees on a gentle cycle.

5. winterize garden furniture properly

Stainless steel or aluminum furniture can spend the winter outside, all other furniture should be stored. Our household tip for the fall: Clean garden chairs and tables thoroughly with soapy water and allow to dry completely. The same applies to parasols and ornamental objects.

6. plant new plants in the garden

September is the right time to plant new plants for next year. Tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, for example, can now be planted in the bed.

7. sort out summer clothes

Tops and shorts need to be cleared out of the closet now. Dispose of broken or worn-out items straight away. Wash everything else, store in moth-proof boxes with lavender bags or vacuum-seal in plastic.

8. remove discoloration from the balcony

Colorful leaves look so beautiful, but if they lie on the balcony or light-colored natural stone walkways for too long in autumn, they attack the surface and discolor it. Therefore, always sweep up leaves quickly. Too late? Then dissolve oxygen-releasing stain remover in hot water and apply.

9. clean the gutter in the fall

Remove leaves and dirt regularly to prevent water damage. Or make the gutter leaf-proof with a protective grille from a specialist dealer.

10. brush dogs and cats thoroughly

Dogs and cats are now changing their coat and should be brushed daily. Hair on the sofa and armchair can be removed by running a damp rubber glove over it.

11. remove deposits from thermos flasks

We will be drinking hot drinks more often from now on. So it's worth giving the jug a thorough clean. Our household tip for this: Simply pour in boiling water and add a little baking soda.

12. take good care of your car in the fall

Regularly remove leaves from the roof, as they release tannic acid and can damage paintwork and metal. Also make sure that leaves cannot get into the car via the air intakes.

13. seal properly against draughts

Is there a draught in your home? Cover the windows with sealing tape and insert a draught excluder. Also useful: clean the frame, as dirt is often the reason why the window no longer closes properly.

14. prevent mice infestation in the cellar

In their search for warmth, mice quickly get inside the house. As a preventive measure, seal all entry openings such as cracks and crevices. Cut back ivy on house walls and fit ventilation openings with a mouse-proof grille.

15. preserve fruit into compote

Fall is preserving season. Let your imagination run wild and create compotes, chutneys or jams according to your own recipe. When preparing, make sure you only use fruit that is in perfect condition. Stored in a cool, dark place, it will keep for a long time. Beautifully labeled and packaged, it makes a lovely gift for dear relatives and friends.

16. crafting with the little ones

Brighten up your home with a few autumnal decorations. A special treat for children: go out and collect chestnuts and create funny figures from what you find. You can find instructions at: www.besserbasteln.de

17. feeders for hungry peeps

Even if it's not yet winter outside, you can still start feeding the birds, according to the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union. You can easily build a bird feeder yourself. Instructions are available at: www.heimwerker.de

18 Finding the right temperature

As a guideline: 20 degrees during the day and 16 degrees at night are sufficient in living and working spaces. Too cold? Then it's better to wear a sweater or a woollen blanket. Another good household tip: programmable thermostatic valves ensure precise regulation.

19. remedies for the fall blues

The lack of light in the darker months of the year can be hard on the mood. Brightly colored clothing and spending as much time outdoors as possible will cheer you up. Special daylight lamps can help combat tiredness in the morning. You can buy them for around 20 euros. www.hitmeister.de

20. a home for squirrels

You can already do the nimble rodents a favor in autumn by hanging up a nest. This is a nest in which squirrels spend the winter. Attach the nest to a tree at a height of approx. 3 meters so that the animals feel safe. The squirrel is also happy about a so-called feeder. Both are available in the pet shop.

21. check outdoor lighting

Homeowners should make sure that outside steps, driveways and garages as well as all entrances are adequately lit, as it is now getting dark again earlier. Good outdoor lighting helps to protect against burglars. Additional locks on windows and doors provide even more security.

22. make umbrellas weatherproof

Clean dust and dirt from umbrellas regularly with water and a sponge. Then be sure to apply a waterproofing spray and allow it to dry thoroughly when stretched out.

23. cleaning and storing mushrooms properly

A little kitchen paper and a mushroom brush are sufficient for cleaning. It is best to freeze them for storage. Mushroom dishes can also be reheated, but only once and at a minimum temperature of 70 degrees.

24. remove mud stains from clothing

Soil and sand stains stick to the fibers and need pre-treatment before they end up in the washing machine. Special stain removers from the shops are quick and effective. A good household tip, but one that involves a little more work, is this method: treat the stain with gall soap and a soft toothbrush and leave the product to work for a good hour. Then machine wash the garment as normal.

25. storing and preserving pumpkins

Pumpkins are in high season in the fall. Whole specimens can be stored for months - preferably hung up in a net in an airy place at around 10-13 degrees. If you only eat part of them first: Once cut, the leftovers will keep in the fridge wrapped in foil for about two days. However, it can also be frozen as puree, soup or cut into small pieces and will then easily keep for 4-5 months. Enjoy your meal.