10 Smart Things to do Now to Get Ready for Fall

Get ahead of the season with these 10 smart tips to prepare your home for fall, including decor, simple crafts, and homemaking ideas.

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Fall is right around the corner and I’m here to help you transition your home from summer to fall without feeling overwhelmed. By doing a few simple steps now, you’ll be welcoming fall with a lot less stress and a lot more joy! 

These ideas will have you prepared for fall and ready to enjoy your home in all of its beauty for one of my favorite seasons. 

Plus, don’t miss my free Fall Decorating Timeline Printable to make planning easier than ever! You can find the link to it down below.

1. Refresh Your Front Porch

Your front porch is the very first thing that your guests, and you see, so it is the natural place to start when preparing for fall.

Clear away anything leftover from summer like fading flowers, shabby welcome mats and brightly colored outdoor pillows. Do a quick sweep and wipe down your door and clean your light fixtures so that they look polished. 

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Now that you have a blank slate, add a few simple fall touches. A seasonal wreath for your front door is an instant update. You can also layer a patterned rug under your doormat for a little character and a more cozy look.

Consider placing a pair of lanterns or potted mums on either side of the door once they are being sold where you live. 

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Need inspiration? Take a look at my Cozy Front Porch Fall Decorating Ideas post. It is filled with lots of easy tips for adding just the right amount of warmth and charm.

TIP: If you have a small porch, you might enjoy Small Porch Decorating Ideas for smart ideas to make the most of limited space. 

Making these updates now will create a welcoming entry that feels ready for fall without feeling too heavy while it’s still warm outside.

2. Start with Cozy Textiles

One of the easiest ways to start transitioning your home for fall is by swapping out lightweight summer fabrics for cozier textures.

Begin with throw pillows and blankets—trade bright or pastel colors for warmer tones like rust, mustard, and deep green, or deep jewel tones. Classic patterns like plaid and houndstooth, can bring in that fall aesthetic too.

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If you love a layered look, add pillows in various sizes and mix in different fabrics, such as soft knits, velvet, or faux fur. This is a simple update that makes your rooms feel warm and inviting without a single pumpkin in sight.

Not ready to invest in new pillows? This is the perfect time to try making a few yourself! My tutorial on using kitchen towels to make no-sew pillow covers allows you to create pillows for any season – it’s quick, budget-friendly, and ideal for seasonal decorating.

These simple swaps help you ease into fall decor in a way that feels natural, even if it’s still warm outside.

3. Swap Out Greenery

It’s time to switch your summer florals to stems in richer hues. Greenery like eucalyptus, dried hydrangeas or even faux flowers are a great choice.

Start by removing bright summer florals like daisies and replace them with something like olive branches. Using faux stems work beautifully and can be reused year after year. 

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Place a few tall branches in a vase on your mantel or use smaller items in crocks for a casual look. In my prior fall kitchen, I used muted eucalyptus stems to add seasonal charm without overwhelming the space. 

Another great option is to incorporate dried elements, like wheat or pampas grass. They add texture and are perfect for creating height in your arrangements.

4. Clean Out Summer Clutter

Before you break out the fall decor, take a little time to clear away lingering summer items. Pack up the pool towels and beach bags and tuck away any summery accessories. This will instantly make your home feel tidier and give you a blank canvas for decorating

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This is also a good time to tidy up storage spots that tend to get messy over the summer. My post, 20 Game-Changing Ideas for Using the Backs of Closet Doors, shares clever ideas for organizing smaller items and freeing up space for fall essentials like boots and jackets.

Once the clutter is gone, add back only what feels cozy and intentional.

5. Add Warm Lighting

Now that the days are getting shorter, cozy lighting is essential for creating a welcoming atmosphere. Change out bright white bulbs for those with more of a warm tone to instantly make your home feel softer and more inviting. Lamps and even candles can all play part in setting that cozy feel. 

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TIP: If you love the warmth of incandescent bulbs, but are using LED’s, be sure to use bulbs that have a temperature of no more than 3000 kelvin. Anything higher than that resembles fluorescent light.

You can even layer your lighting by using different sources instead of just overhead lighting. Place a small lamp on a side table or console to create warm pools of light in the evenings. Lamps and candles play a big role in making  a more inviting space. 

Don’t forget about decorative lighting too. Adding lanterns with battery-operated candles to your mantel, hearth, or porch can instantly create that cozy fall mood without much effort. I also shared this trick in my Fall Fireplace Mantel and Hearth Ideas, where lighting played a big role in the seasonal transition.

6. Make a Simple Fall Craft

I love adding a handmade touch to my home and it is so fun to do to welcome a new season.

These DIY chinoiserie pumpkins are proof that you don’t have to be overly crafty to a little warmth and charm to your fall decor.

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Creating a fall centerpiece is one fun idea for crafting. It can be something as simple as group of DIY painted pumpkins!

Or, check out my post with directions for how to make a fall wreath for your door with faux leave and berries to make your entry feel seasonal. 

Try gathering acorns, pinecones, or branches from your yard to use in vignettes and arrangements. These little projects add a cozy, personal touch and can be done well before you fully decorate for fall.

7. Transition Your Dining Table

The perfect spot to start easing into fall decor without committing to a full tablescape is at your dining room table. Swap out bright, summery linens for textured pieces. A neutral or muted table runner paired with woven placemats is a simple way to set the tone.

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Be sure to use items with various heights and texture for an eye-catching display.

Even just adding a few fall-colored napkins or swapping to wooden chargers can make a big difference and you don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to do this.

8. Prep Your Kitchen for Fall Baking

I don’t know about you, but there’s something about fall that makes me want to spend more time in the kitchen. I  love the smell of cinnamon and baking apples wafting through the house. Take a few minutes to prep your kitchen for all those cozy recipes you’ll be making.

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Stock up on pantry staples like cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and canned pumpkin. Organize your baking tools so your measuring cups, mixing bowls, and favorite pans are easy to reach. 

This is also the perfect time to pull out your favorite mugs and pretty serving pieces. I like to keep a few on a coffee station or beverage bar so they’re ready for apple cider on cooler days.

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9. Layer in Seasonal Scents

Even before you bring out pumpkins or garlands, a cozy fragrance can instantly set the mood and make your home feel like fall. 

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Start with candles in classic fall scents like apple, pumpkin spice, or warm vanilla. I often use them in the kitchen and living room because they make the whole house feel inviting. You can also try wax melts or essential oil diffusers if you prefer a flameless option.

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TIP: Love this fall printable? Sign up to get access to my entire printable library!

Another favorite trick is filling a simmer pot with sliced oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a splash of vanilla. It’s simple, all-natural, and makes your home smell amazing.

When it comes to creating a cozy fall home, seasonal scents are just as important as the decor itself!

10. Follow a Fall Decorating Timeline

If you’ve ever wondered exactly when to start decorating for fall, you’re not alone.

It can be tricky to know how early is too early or when to swap out summer items for your favorite fall pieces. That’s why I created a free Fall Decorating Timeline Printable to take all the guesswork out of it.

This easy-to-follow guide breaks the season into easy steps so you can add decor gradually without feeling rushed or overdoing it all at once.

It includes what to focus on each week from transitioning your textiles and greenery to setting up your front porch and adding in seasonal accents. Download the printable and keep it handy as you work through these tips. You’ll love how effortless getting ready for fall feels!

Getting ready for fall doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. By tackling these 10 simple steps now like refreshing your porch, swapping out greenery, cozying up your textiles, and more, you’ll create a warm, inviting home that’s ready to welcome the season.

The best part? When you decorate gradually and with intention, your home will feel naturally cozy instead of rushed or overdone. Take a little time now, and you’ll be amazed at how effortless it feels to transition your home beautifully for fall.