"Very few things in life compare to the feeling of coming home to a warm and cozy house on a crisp fall evening. As summer fades into fall, it’s time to settle in for a season of spending less time out and about and more time snuggled up at home. Autumn also brings cooler temperatures and a slower pace of life, which makes it the perfect time to do a little sprucing up around your home. To make sure your space is ready for cozy fall evenings, seasonal decor updates, and gatherings with friends and family, there are a few home projects you should take care of during this time of year. Keep scrolling for 12 easy home projects you should do every fall, no matter where you live.
1. Hang a fall wreath on the front door
Nothing screams “fall” quite like a festive wreath. Get into the spirit of the season by hanging a fall wreath on your front door. Choose one with warm-toned leaves, dried flowers or grasses, or seasonal accents like mini pumpkins. This simple addition will immediately make your home look cozier and more inviting and help you welcome in the fall vibes. Likewise, if you have an outdoor welcome mat, be sure to swap it for a fall-themed one as well.
2. Put away your summer wardrobe
I personally try to hang on to summer for as long as humanly possible, but I really don’t need to have my flip-flops laid out during the fall—it just doesn’t make sense. And one of the easiest ways to prep your space for the season is to put away your summer wardrobe. Pack up your sandals, sundresses, and shorts, and store them away for next year. If you want to take it a step further, go through your closet and clear out any fall pieces from years past that no longer fit or suit your style. Donate anything that’s still in good shape.
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3. Swap out bedding, blankets, and throw pillows
Cozy up your space by swapping your bedding, blankets, and throw pillows for thicker, plusher versions. Materials such as velvet, wool, flannel, and cotton in chunky knits tend to be the most popular during this time of year. And if you really want to fully embrace fall, go for browns and reds, burnt orange, yellow, or deep, rich purple colors.
4. Replace detector batteries
It’s recommended that you replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every six months, so it’s a good idea to tackle this project every autumn and then again in the spring. After all, you’ll likely be spending more time indoors come fall, so think of this as your insurance policy. Also, be sure to test your detectors to make sure they’re functioning properly.
5. Set ceiling fans to spin clockwise
While turning on your ceiling fan when it’s chilly outside may seem counterproductive, it can actually be super beneficial. Warm air rises, and ceiling fans that spin clockwise will help push that warm air back down. Not only will this help prevent heat from escaping from the room, but it might actually improve heat circulation throughout your home and in turn reduce your heating bill, which is definitely not a bad thing.
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6. Improve indoor lighting
The lighting in your home can really make or break the atmosphere. And with the days getting shorter and the nights getting longer, chances are you’re going to be using your indoor lighting a whole lot more. Make it as cozy as possible by adding lamps to rooms where the lighting is lacking, and swap any too-bright lightbulbs with warm-toned replacements to create a softer ambience.
7. Deep-clean the floors
Contrary to popular opinion, deep cleaning isn’t reserved just for spring. After months of trekking in dust, sand, and who knows what else, our floors deserve a deep clean this fall. Doing this now will remove any unseen debris or dirt from the floor, and rid the carpets of excess moisture that could lead to mold ahead of the cold months.
8. Check insulation
Checking your insulation during fall may seem a bit preemptive, but now’s the best time to do so. You never know when cold weather might strike, and the last thing you want is to be freezing during a cold snap. Take the time to check on your insulation, especially around your windows and doors. If there are any areas that don’t feel well insulated, try sealing them with weatherstripping to help keep your home warm and toasty.
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9. Clean the gutters
Cleaning the gutters is admittedly not the most glamorous or exciting task in the world, but it is essential. Your gutters are responsible for keeping rain (and potential water damage) away from your home, but falling leaves and debris can easily get trapped in them and freeze over the winter. Needless to say, this can cause a whole slew of problems you really don’t need. Cleaning the gutters now, though, will set you up for success and allow them to drain properly when inclement weather strikes.
10. Update the entryway
While updating your entryway with fall decor is always a good idea to make your space feel warm and inviting, it’s also important to make sure that it’s ready for the upcoming cold weather. As you break out your heavier coats and boots, you’ll also want to take steps to avoid tracking mud and slush into your home. To stop excess dirt and debris at the door, add a slip-proof mat, hooks for coats, and a shoe rack to your entryway.
11. Prepare and clean the fireplace
There’s nothing better than lighting the fireplace on a cold evening and curling up with a warm drink and a blanket. Before the weather really turns chilly, make sure your fireplace is clean and working properly in preparation for the cold. It’s a good idea to have your fireplace inspected and cleaned by a pro once a year, so now is a good time to get this done so you don’t have to worry about problems arising later.
12. Tend to the garden
Spend some time laying down mulch and fertilizing your garden this fall to give your plants some much-needed TLC after the blazing summer heat. Likewise, be sure to trim any overgrowth and harvest your fruits and veggies that are ready. Doing this now will keep your plants strong and healthy for the winter and ready to bloom again in the spring.