7 Ways To Prepare Your Home For Autumn
Today I’m sharing 7 ways to prepare your home for autumn!
As I pondered what to write this week, nothing seemed particularly inspiring. To mix things up, I’ve decided to share a collection of refreshing and practical decorating and DIY projects that will help you prepare your home for the upcoming autumn season. What follows are 7 simple yet effective ways I personally like to refresh my space at this time of year, giving my home a renewed sense of calm and cleanliness as we transition into the new season.
Join me on this journey as I reveal my secrets for making the most of the change in seasons!
7 Ways To Prepare Your Home For Autumn
Organize Seasonal Decor.
As the seasons transition from spring to summer, my home often becomes a chaotic mess of seasonal decor. Over time, I’ve accumulated new pieces without a thought as to where they’ll ultimately end up, leaving me with a jumbled assortment scattered throughout my living space. To regain control and put my decorative items in order, I dedicate an hour or two to gathering and categorizing all my spring and summer decorations.
This process also provides the perfect opportunity to take stock of my fall decor and make any necessary adjustments. For those who already have a well-oiled organizational system in place, you may be wondering why I’m sharing such a simple approach. The truth is, sometimes simplicity trumps complexity.
My solution involves purchasing plastic bins in various sizes, carefully wrapping breakable items in extra plastic bags for added protection, and then labeling each bin using tape and a Sharpie marker. This budget-friendly method keeps my decorative items organized and easy to access. Given that I don’t have the luxury of a basement, I designate my storage closet as the hub for frequently used items, while less-frequently accessed pieces are stashed away in the garage.
Tidy Outdoor Areas.
As the summer months draw to a close, my husband and I take pride in giving our outdoor space some much-needed TLC. With 99% of our time spent alfresco on our patio, by the lake, or out fishing, come August our surroundings can look a bit worn. That’s why I make it a point to tackle these small but significant tasks before fall arrives. It may seem trivial, but trust me, it makes all the difference.
To get started, I fire up my leaf blower to clear away leaves, rogue grass clippings from the mower, and cobwebs that have accumulated. Next, I give our patio cushions and pillows a good shake to remove any debris that’s settled in, then spot clean them using a damp Norwex rag if they’re dirty or bearing stains. From there, I use the same trusty rag to wipe down tables, furniture, and window screens, leaving everything looking fresh and clean.
Finally, I finish off with a quick sweep of our patio rugs using a broom to remove any remaining remnants. The result is nothing short of breathtaking – my outdoor space looks revitalized, setting the stage for a beautiful fall season filled with pumpkins, coziness, and all things autumnal.
De-clutter and Donate Unused Items.
One of my most treasured tips is to eliminate unnecessary items from our lives. As someone who detests excess clutter, I take pride in regularly purging unused possessions. If an item hasn’t been utilized for over two months, it’s likely time to say goodbye! I also believe in periodically rotating decorative pieces to keep things fresh and interesting.
This means that when I find a great vintage treasure or snag something at a thrift store, I’ll simultaneously declutter another item from my stash. As someone who values minimalism, I’ve learned that living clutter-free has numerous benefits. Not only does it create a sense of calm and serenity in our homes, but it also enables us to stay present and focused on the moment.
In fact, you might have noticed that my living room is looking particularly tidy in this photo – just days prior, I gave it a good once-over, fluffing pillows and blankets, and giving everything a thorough vacuuming.
Refresh Home Decor.
As the warmth of late summer settles in, now is the perfect time to simplify your decor and let nature be your guide. My inspiration came from a beautiful cloth napkin that caught my eye – its soft colors and textures inspired me to create a serene atmosphere reminiscent of the season. The main focal point of this display is a basket vignette that showcases a harmonious blend of dark blues, light greens, and whites, with subtle hints of yellow.
To refresh your decor, I recommend finding an inspiration piece that resonates with you – it could be a vase, bowl, or linen, or even a specific color. Use this anchor to inform the rest of your decor, incorporating complementary textures, colors, and styles to create a relaxed and inviting space. Whether you’re looking to revamp your living room or refresh your dining table, remember that simplicity is key to capturing the essence of late summer.
Deep Clean Floors and Air Vents.
I’m not surprised you’re skeptical about the benefits of deep cleaning – but I can confidently say it’s a game-changer. As someone who’s passionate about keeping their home spotless, I’ve found that this process is incredibly rewarding.
During the summer months, my floors tend to get bogged down in dirt and grime, courtesy of grass and sand tracked in by me, my family, and our furry friend Tilly – not to mention the countless bugs and spiders that seem to find their way into every nook and cranny. To tackle this issue head-on, I turn to my trusty Norwex mop, cleaning rags, and vacuum to meticulously clean those often-neglected baseboards, corners, and crevices.
I also make it a point to thoroughly clean off all the air vents, which tend to accumulate dust and debris when our AC is in use. The end result is a sparkling clean home that feels fresh and ready for the new season – and all it takes is some upbeat tunes and a little bit of elbow grease!
Switch Around Wall Art.
As the seasons transition from spring and summer to late summer and early fall, I find myself adjusting my wall art to reflect the changing mood. During the warmer months, vibrant florals, vintage crewelwork, and summer-themed barns adorn my walls, bringing a sense of lightness and airiness. However, as the days shorten and the temperature cools, I opt for more subdued tones such as brown, copper, yellow, or burnt orange to create a cozy atmosphere.
In this photo, a floral tole tray has been replaced with a vintage oil painting in earthy hues, reminiscent of Minnesota’s fall landscapes. This thrift store find is one of my favorites, and its pairing with vintage milk glass creates a harmonious balance. When selecting art for your own space, I recommend focusing on the colors that evoke the feeling of late summer and early fall.
Pair this art with decor that resonates with these tones to create a seamless transition from one season to the next.
Take Inventory of Clothing.
While some may find it tedious, I’m a firm believer in regular closet organization. In fact, I dedicate time every month to reorganize my clothes and purge items that no longer serve me. One of the most effective ways to do this is by grouping summer clothing first. Here, I take note of any unworn pieces from the previous season and set them aside for donation. Then, I revisit my collection to identify gaps in my wardrobe for the upcoming year.
With many retailers offering great deals on summer clothing during this time, it’s an ideal opportunity to replenish your wardrobe with essential items. As I move through my closet, I also assess my jeans, pants, and sweaters from the previous season. I’ll try on each piece to determine if they still fit comfortably or need to be replaced. This process helps me gauge what clothing I need to purchase for the upcoming season.
Whenever possible, I opt for second-hand shopping as it allows me to snag specific items before the cooler weather sets in and avoid feeling underdressed. Ultimately, my approach is simply a reflection of what works best for me, but I hope sharing my experience might spark ideas for others looking to streamline their wardrobe.
