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How to prep your home for fall: Create the perfect cozy retreat

Embrace the season: Effortless ways to ready your home for fall

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Fall mantle decor leaves and sign
Kristen Prahl / Shutterstock

It’s the season for pumpkin spice lattes, Thanksgiving gatherings, and enjoying the coziness of home. Here’s what you need to do to make your abode the perfect respite on cool, dark evenings.

1. Clear the summer clutter

Start by packing away summer gear: beach towels, patio cushions, and pool toys. Winterize outdoor furniture with high-quality covers, and store garden hoses and tools that might otherwise be left out in the rain. Especially if you intend to use them in the spring. 

If there are items you didn’t use this summer, take stock. Decide what to keep, donate, or toss. A little decluttering now will make your home feel calm and intentional before the holidays sneak up.

2. Layer in warmth and texture

Thanksgiving decor pumpkins and candles
Nika Art / Shutterstock

Once your space feels clear, it’s time for the fun part. Add cozy layers that celebrate the season.

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Swap out lightweight throws for chunky knits and wool blankets, and add pillows in warm hues like dark reds, amber, and forest green. Bring in soft lighting through candles and lanterns, and display pumpkins or gourds on your mantel, coffee table, or front porch for an easy autumn touch.

Your entryway sets the tone, so make it welcoming: add a sturdy doormat for muddy boots, a basket for umbrellas and gloves, and planters filled with mums or other fall blooms. A fall wreath or a few pumpkins instantly add curb appeal.

3. Don’t skip the maintenance

Leaves being raked
Elena Elisseeva / Shutterstock

Fall is also the perfect time to tackle the home projects you’ve been putting off. Check windows and doors for drafts and add weatherstripping or caulk where needed. Heavier curtains not only add warmth but also help insulate.

Before the chill sets in, schedule a furnace or fireplace inspection. Shop around, as many HVAC companies even offer discounts for early fall checkups. Replace air filters, stack firewood safely if you have a wood-burning stove, and make sure your exterior lights are working.

Finally, clean out gutters to prevent water damage from fall rains, and rake leaves for compost if you can. These simple steps protect your home and make it easier to relax once the temperatures drop.

Welcome the season in

With a little preparation, your home can be both functional and full of fall charm. Once the chores are done, light a candle, pour a mug of hot tea or cider, and enjoy the cozy spaces you’ve created. After all, fall is about slowing down, savoring the season, and feeling truly at home.

Sarah Zemp
Sarah Zemp
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