How I Prepare for Fall

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but FALL IS ONLY 17 DAYS AWAY!

For me, these images come to mind:

It should be no surprise to anyone reading this that fall is my favorite time of year. I genuinely feel myself become happier when I know autumn is right around the corner and every year I “get ready” for the season. Here are my tips to prepare for fall.

Clean Out the Closet

Everyone associates cleaning with spring but I believe a deep cleaning before any seasonal shift is a good idea. Not only does it give me an opportunity to donate clothes and items I am no longer using, but it also gives me the chance to rotate my wardrobe. I can throw all my summer clothes to the back of the closet and pull out my sweaters, long pants, boots, etc. There is no reason for my sundresses to be right in the front hiding all my cardigans.

Cleaning out my closet also lets me see what new items I need for the upcoming season. For instance, I really need a new pair of black boots, a camel-colored turtleneck, and a black jacket. I love being able to see what I need to update.

Rotate Seasonal Scents Around the House

By the end of August I am done with summer scents. I am so over cucumber-melon mists, lilac hand soaps, candles that smell like the beach, etc. I replace all of these seasonal items around my house with cozier smells that reflect the upcoming season.

I am obsessed with the fall products by Mrs. Meyer’s, all of Yankee Candle’s autumnal scents, and Champagne, Apple, & Honey by Bath & Body Works has been my favorite scent for years.

Restock the Pantry with Autumnal Favorites

I do not know about anyone else, but my kitchen looks a lot different depending on the season. In the summer, for instance, we use a lot of fresh produce from the garden every day in salads and such. Then in the winter, I like to stock up on things like broths for soups, etc. (These are very general examples, but you get the idea.)

Before the beginning of each season, I like to prepare my kitchen. Every year I look forward to all the new fall items at Trader Joe’s and make it a point to stock up on these products. I also like keeping apple cider, Pillsbury cookies, cubed butternut squash, pumpkin creamers, etc., in my fridge that are ready to use whenever I need them (or want them!).

If you’re a wine drinker, you might also want to start restocking the wine rack with some richer reds like Cabernet Sauvignons, Pinot Noirs, etc.

Get Excited!

In addition to pulling out the sweaters, lighting a pumpkin-scented candle, and sipping on a good red wine, get excited about the season by watching a horror movie, cooking a cozy meal, or listening to a spooky podcast. Enjoy the season!