We’re two weeks into September, and it’s still early to truly feel the autumn vibes. For instance, Greece is still warm with temperatures being in the low 30s most days. It’s… always sunny in Philadelphia kind of thing.There are signs, though, that the new season is closer than it feels like.🍂 The nights have started getting longer and colder, the AC is barely needed anymore, and we even had our first thunderstorm a few days ago. So, I’ve started thinking about small ways to prepare for this fall – ways that are not extremely complicated or time – consuming, but can still make a difference and help us enjoy the cozy season.
I’m not the type of person who deep cleans everything when a new season arrives. I also don’t have kids, so my seasonal preparations aren’t particularly family-oriented. I’m the type of person who tries to be goal – oriented and creative, embraces slow living, and wants to make the most out of every season. ✨
With all that in mind, I’m going to share 9 easy and small ways to get ready for this fall.
1. Review your yearly goals
Do you remember all these goals you set back in January? To be honest, I barely do. There are more than three months left before 2026 ends though, and autumn tends to be a productive season for many people. So, it’s a good time to review these goals, track your progress and check if they’re all still relevant. Then, get ready to lock in! Pick two or three goals that seem achievable and are truly relevant right now, and focus on them. There’s still time, but we gotta be more specific. ✨
2. organize your closet
My wardrobe is a mess right now, and to be completely honest, tidying it is a task that I’m not looking forward to. On the other hand, I love the transition from summer to autumn and it’s something that eventually I’ll need to do. So, why not use the change of season as an opportunity to tidy things up? If you wanna do the same, start by putting your summer clothes away and wiping down the shelves of your wardrobe. Donate or recycle anything that you no longer need. Make sure to keep around some clothes that are appropriate for the weird days of fall – you know, the days that start too warm and end up too cold. Finally, tidy your autumn clothes, and make sure to declutter them if it’s needed.
3. Decorate your space
One of the best ways to embrace the transition from one season to the next is to decorate your house to match the vibes of the new season. I love decorating for fall, and it’s always a struggle to not buy any new things when autumn comes around. Pumpkins, mushrooms, leaves, candles, fairy lights – I love all of these things. You don’t have to go big with decorating though if that’s not your thing. Even a scented candle, a pillow cover, or an orange blanket can make a difference and turn your living room or bedroom into a warm and cozy hub, a place ready to welcome autumn.
4. Create a cozy morning routine
As many people, I also associate autumn with new beginnings. The crisp air and the way nature and weather change make fall feel like a great opportunity for a total reset. Compared to summer, I find it easier to get back to my routines and focus on my habits. If you want to enjoy fall, create a cozy morning routine – one that’ll allow you to start your day gently and slowly by enjoying the rainy and autumn mornings. In fall, my favorite thing is to make a cup of hot coffee, read a few pages from a book, plan the day ahead, and tidy a little around. These are the things that help me ease into my day. Remember: a morning routine doesn’t have to be complicated or “aesthetic”. It only needs to be somewhat enjoyable, flexible so it doesn’t get boring quickly, and help you start your day in a gentle way.
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5. Make a fall bucket list
If you want to make the most out of this autumn, consider making a bucket list of seasonal activities. What are the things you wanna do and absolutely don’t want to forget about? Do you wanna visit an orchard? Make an apple pie? Watch a specific movie? Have a seasonal drink? Organize a cozy night at home? Write down everything you’d like to do and don’t worry about the specifics right now – the how and the when. Go as big as you want. Lists help me having specific things in mind, and I end up doing more than I’d do without it.
6. mAKE A LIST OF MOVIES, BOOKS, AND SHOWS
Yes, I’m obviously a person who likes lists. More than that, I’m a person who somewhat needs a list to cope and actually do things. Autumn is a cozy season, and let’s be honest, it’s amazing for the homebodies. The rainy days and the colder weather are great to spend time at home watching movies, reading books, and binging shows. Halloween is also around the corner, and I know people who truly love spooky content. So, why not be organized? Make a list of all the content you’d like to consume this fall. Is there a movie you connect to this season? Write it down. A book that has been on your reading list for a while? Maybe it’s time to read it. Make that list, and it doesn’t have to be long. It’ll help you get things out of your mind and get more prepared for the season ahead.
7. rEFLECT ON THE SUMMER MONTHS
It’s probably time to leave summer behind us and move on. Whether you enjoyed last summer or not, whether you were active or lazy, it’s always a good idea to reflect on the summer moves before the new season settles. What was the biggest lesson of this summer? How did you see yourself growing or changing? What’s one thing you’d have done differently if you could? What was the biggest joy of the previous season? Be honest with yourself and at the same time, gentle. The best approach would be to journal about your thoughts and feelings, but even thinking about what happened and how you felt can help you understand more about yourself and your life.
8. RECONNECT WITH A HOBBY
How can you find joy this season? When autumn comes, most of us feel like we have to be productive, achieve goals, reach milestones, do things constantly. The season calls for it, I get it. It’s important though to have an outlet, a hobby, an activity that brings us joy – especially before the long and dark winter. So, it’s the best time to reconnect with a hobby you’ve neglected for a while. What’s something you used to love doing but you haven’t done in a long time? I feel like for me that’d be coloring. It’s a cozy activity and I think it’s perfect for nights at home and for when I want to spend some time away from screens.
9. Fill your calendar
The last way to get ready for this season is to get seriously organized by filling in your calendar. Write down any appointments and events you already know you have to attend. Think about appointments you’ve been avoiding to book and do it soon. Schedule some time for fitness and entertainment. Plan outings with your friends and family and dates with your significant other. This way, you’ll have an idea about the things you have or want to do this month, and it’ll help you feel more organized and ready for what comes next.
And there you have it: 9 easy and manageable ways to get ready for this autumn – especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed and you’re unsure of how to start. You definitely don’t need to have everything figured out when a new season comes. You can take the steps, though, to make the transition feel smoother. Here’s to a cozy and joyful slow season! 🧡
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