As the leaves begin to turn and the air takes on that crisp bite, fall always feels like a season of preparation. On our homestead, it’s the time of year when we slow down enough to savor the beauty of autumn, while also making sure our home is ready for the cold months ahead.
Homemaking in the fall is about more than just cleaning, it’s about creating a cozy, welcoming space for your family to gather as the days grow shorter, while also tackling the practical tasks that keep a household running smoothly through winter.
Here’s a checklist to help guide your homemaking this season.
Deep Cleaning & Maintenance
Fall is the perfect time for a deeper clean before the windows close up tight for winter.
- Clean and test fireplaces, wood stoves, and chimneys.
- Change or clean filters in mini-splits, furnaces, and heat pumps.
- Wash windows inside and out to let in as much light as possible.
- Vacuum under and behind furniture (before dust settles in for winter).
- Deep clean rugs and wash slipcovers/curtains.
- Rotate mattresses and wash all bedding.
- Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures.
- Check weather stripping on doors and windows.
- Hang duvets and mattress overs on the line.
Kitchen & Pantry Prep
The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially in the colder months.
- Stock up on pantry staples for soups, stews, and baking.
- Organize the freezer and preserve any fall harvest (apples, squash, tomatoes).
- Rotate pantry goods — use up older items first.
- Restock baking essentials (flour, sugar, spices).
- Clean out the fridge before holiday cooking begins.
- Prepare hot drink stations (tea, coffee, hot chocolate).
Laundry & Linens
- Wash and store away summer linens and lighter blankets.
- Bring out warmer bedding — quilts, flannel sheets, duvets.
- Wash and air out heavy curtains before hanging.
- Keep a basket of cozy throws in the living room.
Outdoors & Garden
Even if you’re not on a homestead, fall means preparing outside spaces too.
- Clean gutters and downspouts.
- Rake leaves and add to compost or mulch garden beds.
- Plant garlic and spring bulbs.
- Cover garden beds or put them to rest for winter.
- Store away hoses and outdoor furniture.
- Check firewood supply and stack for easy access.
- Set up your fire pit for fall/winter use.
Family & Seasonal Traditions
Homemaking is just as much about atmosphere as it is about chores.
- Decorate with natural touches (pumpkins, pinecones, branches).
- Plan seasonal family outings (apple picking, leaf walks, hayrides).
- Restock candles and cozy lighting (swap out cooler bulbs for warmer light).
- Refresh the family prayer table or seasonal display for fall feasts.
- Gather favorite fall recipes (soups, breads, crisps, and pies).
- Create a fall reading basket for the kids.
Embrace Sweater Weather
Fall homemaking is about preparing for the season ahead, both practically and spiritually. By tending to the details now, you can enter the winter months with peace of mind, knowing your home is ready to be the cozy heart of family life.
So pour yourself a cup of tea, light a candle, and work through this checklist at your own pace. You’ll be amazed at how it brings both order and comfort to your home this season.
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