Each year, the clocks go back at 2 am on the last Sunday of October. This year, it falls on the 27th of October, 2024. This occasion marks the end of daylight savings time in the UK, meaning lighter mornings, darker evenings, and a bonus hour of the weekend. But how can you make the most of that extra hour of the day?

Property and DIY expert Thomas Goodman at MyJobQuote.co.uk has come up with this brilliant list of five quick DIY jobs that you can do with that extra hour. What better way to use your extra hour than to get something done around the house that you’ve been needing to do. Take a look at the five ideas below for some inspiration…

Change The Lightbulbs

The first job on the list is changing the lightbulbs. If you’ve had a lightbulb out for a while, or if you’re simply looking to upgrade your current bulbs, this is the job for you. It’s a simple job that you can easily complete within that extra hour this weekend.

Take the following steps to correctly change your lightbulbs:

1. Before you begin, turn the power off to the circuit you’ll be working on. This will prevent the possibility of electric shocks.
2. Next, make sure the new bulbs are compatible with your fixtures and wattage requirements. This will prevent damage to your fixtures and ensure optimal lighting.
3. Carefully remove the current bulb and replace it with a new one. If you struggle to reach the bulb, use a ladder or a step stool for safe access.

Clean Your Gutters

The next job on the list is cleaning the gutters. This is an important job at this time of the year as it can help to prevent blockages and potential ice dams in the colder weather to come.

Follow the steps below to properly clean your gutters:

1. Make sure to use a sturdy ladder and also wear gloves to protect yourself from any sharp edges or pieces of debris. Always maintain a good firm grip on the ladder and avoid reaching out too far. It’s helpful to have someone else at the bottom of the ladder to keep it sturdy.
2. Scoop out any leaves, twigs, or other debris from the gutters. Use a trowel or gutter scoop to efficiently remove the debris.
3. Check for any damage to your gutters, such as holes, cracks, or sagging. If you do find any damage, repair it promptly to prevent water damage.

Winterise Your Garden

This is another job that is essential at this time of the year. By winterising your garden now, you can ensure it is well prepared to take on the harsh winter weather so that it comes back thriving in the spring.

Follow the steps below to properly winterise your garden:

1. Firstly, you want to prune trees and shrubs. Remove any dead or damaged branches to promote healthy growth in the spring. This will also help to prevent pests and diseases.
2. Clear away any dead or dying plants to improve the overall appearance of your garden and prevent the spread of diseases.
3. Protect any sensitive plants from frost with covers. This will help to insulate the plants and prevent them from freezing. For particularly sensitive plants, you may want to bring them indoors for the winter season.

Organise Your Kitchen

Another job that is a good idea now, especially before the holiday season, is to organise your kitchen. There are many things you can do to get your kitchen organised.

Consider taking the following steps to organise your kitchen:

1. Firstly, you’ll want to go through your kitchen and remove any expired or unwanted food items. This will help free up space and prevent food waste.
2. Group similar items together, such as cans, dried goods, and spices. This will make it easier to find what you need and prevent further clutter.
3. Label containers for easy identification and to prevent confusion. This will also help to keep your kitchen organised and prevent food from going bad.

Clean Your Windows

Another job you can complete with your extra hour is cleaning the windows. Windows can very quickly accumulate dust, grime, and dirt, so it’s important to clean them periodically to keep them in their best shape.

Follow the steps below to properly clean your windows:

1. Begin by gathering the supplies. You will need a window cleaning solution, a squeegee, and a microfibre cloth. You may also want to use a soft-bristled brush for the window frames.
2. Start by cleaning the window frames with a damp cloth. Pay attention to the corners and crevices where dirt, dust, and debris may accumulate.
3. Next, apply some window cleaning solution to the glass and use the squeegee to remove streaks. Work from the top to the bottom to prevent streaks.
4. Finally, wipe the glass dry with a microfibre cloth. This will help to prevent water marks and will ensure your windows are sparkling clean.

Final Thoughts

With the clocks going back, that extra hour presents a golden opportunity to tackle a quick DIY project around your home. Whether it’s replacing those dim lightbulbs or finally cleaning out the clogged gutters, even a small task can make a big difference.

The key is to choose a project that fits within your skillset and available time. Remember, safety always comes first. Don’t hesitate to use a step stool for those hard-to-reach bulbs or ask a friend to hold the ladder while you clean the gutters.

By taking advantage of this bonus hour, you’ll not only feel a sense of accomplishment but also head into the colder months with a more prepared and organised home. So, don’t let the extra hour slip away – grab your tools, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the satisfaction of a DIY project well done!

THOMAS GOODMAN

Thomas Goodman has worked as a property and construction expert for MyJobQuote for six years and has worked in the construction industry for over twenty years. Thomas continues to work on building projects while providing expert construction and property advice to industry professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

MyJobQuote is one of the UK’s top trades matching sites that helps individuals find a reputable tradesperson in their local area.

MyJobQuote also has a wide range of experts with extensive knowledge in interior design, cleaning, gardening, property, construction and more. MyJobQuote’s experts have been featured in over 700 publications, including Woman and Home, The Times, House Beautiful, BBC News and more.

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