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Eithne Shortall: Why autumn is the new spring when it comes to tidying the house

With nights drawing in and Christmas on the horizon, it’s suddenly essential that your home is in ship shape – and has a new front door to welcome your visitors

New door, new entrance for all those anticipated visitors over the festive season. Picture: Getty Images

I have the autumn itch. It descends upon me like a thick mist every September, a sudden and indefatigable desire to overhaul the whole house. It tends to start with something specific – this year, a niggling hatred of my porch door – before fanning out beyond my control and budget.

Spring has the universal reputation as the time of year when we spruce up our homes. The light gets brighter and more unforgiving to ...