Little Rituals to Ease Into Fall
The shift from summer to fall always feels like a gentle invitation to reset. The days grow shorter, the air crisper, and I find myself drawn to cozy routines and intentional transitions. Each season, I like to take stock of my home, wardrobe, and habits—making space for what’s to come. Here’s my current fall checklist:
Closet Reset & Clothing Swap
I start by going through my closet and identifying what I haven’t worn in a while. Anything that doesn’t feel like “me” anymore gets set aside for a clothing swap with friends (or sold, or donated). It feels good to give these pieces a second life.
If you’re in the mood to reassess your wardrobe too, I recommend my article on The Three-Word Method, a helpful framework by stylist Allison Bornstein for finding your personal style.
Seasonal Switch & Wardrobe Care
As temperatures drop, I slowly bring fall and winter pieces out of storage. This is also when I start spotting wardrobe gaps (do I need a new pair of boots? a warm base layer?).
Before putting anything away or back into rotation, I make sure to give pieces a quick clean or mend. You can browse my mending posts for inspiration if you want to refresh your clothes instead of replacing them.
Home Cleanup & Reset
After months of leaving the windows open, it feels right to do a light fall cleanup:
- Dust surfaces that collected summer pollen.
- Replace the newspaper lining on top of my kitchen cabinets (a trick I swear by for catching grease and dust).
Bedding Refresh
The single top sheet I use in the summer no longer cuts it—so I replace it with a light duvet. It makes crawling into bed at night feel instantly cozier.
Candlelight Rituals
With the sun setting earlier, I’ve been lighting pillar candles in the evenings. It creates such a grounding atmosphere and makes the seasonal shift feel special rather than melancholy. This year, I ordered this fall-themed candle mold, and can’t wait to pour, unmold, and burn my first candle as the nights grow longer.
Tea Cabinet Restock
Fall also means hot drinks are back on the menu. I like to create a small “tea station” with jars of my favorite blends. I’m currently on the hunt for a glass or stainless steel tea kettle that indicates the best temperature for different kinds of teas—if you have recommendations, let me know!
Garden Check-In
Before frost arrives, I like to “put the garden to bed”:
- Harvest seeds for next year.
- Dry flowers for flower pounding projects.
- Drain and store the garden hose before it freezes.
- Cover or store outdoor furniture.
It always feels bittersweet to wrap up the season in the garden, but also satisfying to close the loop. If you’re curious about starting a garden that keeps giving back— here’s my guide on how to start a flower and dye garden.
Planning Fall Activities
As a spring girlie, fall can feel a little bittersweet—the shorter days and falling leaves sometimes feel more like an ending than a beginning. That’s why I make a point to plan cozy activities that boost my mood and help me enjoy the season—pumpkin patches, leaf-peeping hikes, apple picking. I even put together a list of my favorite fall activities if you’re looking for inspiration.
Gather with Friends & Neighbors
This year, my neighbors and I are planning a fall block party—chili might be on the menu! I also love the idea of hosting a cozy outdoor dinner or soup potluck with string lights, a pizza oven, and a fall playlist in the background. These simple rituals make the season feel celebratory.
Cozy Reading Corner
I don’t really decorate seasonally (except for wreaths, sometimes), but I am making room for a cozy reading corner in my living room. I’ve been searching Facebook Marketplace for the perfect reading chair. If you’re also in the mood to curl up with a good book, you can peek at my 2025 Reading List.
What’s on your fall checklist?
I love how these small rituals make the transition between seasons feel intentional and cozy. Do you have a fall routine—things you always do or swap out this time of year?
