Now it’s officially autumn (on the calendar, with the weather and temperature and in overall vibes), it’s time to get prepared for cosy season. As much as I do like slightly warmer weather, I’m an autumn/winter girlie at heart. Maybe not as much as some influencers on TikTok but enough to want to be a homebody. Here are my 7 ways to get ready for autumn.
Sort out your calendar
One of the first things I do before we get officially into autumn is to sit down and plan the rest of the year. It might seem obsessive but how often do last-minute plans come up on a random night in November and you don’t know what you’re meant to be doing? I like to get everything between now and the New Year in my planner/Google Calendar so I have a quick reference point.
Of course, plans change but at least you have a rough idea of what’s going on. Schedule any appointments as far in advance as you can. Make concrete plans for Halloween/Bonfire Night/Christmas with family and friends. Add in any important dates for work or life in general.
Do the seasonal wardrobe switchover
I try to do this quarterly but autumn/winter is practically one long six-month season in the UK. In fact, because I’m such an autumn girlie, one of my favourite things is to get out all my sweaters and knitwear, get them washed again and hang them all up again. Packing away my shorts and vests doesn’t take up as much storage so I always have some extra space afterwards too!
It’s also the perfect time to have a mini declutter. Which of your spring/summer pieces didn’t you reach for at all? Similarly, are there any autumn/winter items that you no longer love? Getting rid of them now before you wash or pack them away means you also get some extra space too. Don’t hang on to items because you’re waiting to fit into them or you might wear them one day. Trust me, one day never comes (unless it’s occasionwear).
Declutter your house and give it a deep clean
Before you put your autumn clothing back in your wardrobe, why not have a proper clearout/clean? I always like to vacuum the insides and dust the tops too because you wouldn’t believe how much grime is on there!
Whilst you’re at it, you could make a list of all those spots that also need more of a deep clean. I’m sure you vacuum/dust/clean weekly but now is the time to have a more thorough clean. We like to pick a room per weekend to go in on so it doesn’t feel like the biggest job in the world! Take stuff out of the cupboards, dust all cupboards and shelves, get rid of what you don’t need/want and freshen up the space a little.
Update your skincare routine
The colder the weather gets, the drier your skin gets, especially if it’s sensitive or eczema-prone like mine. Autumn is the perfect time to add in moisturising products. In fact, I usually double moisturise because my skin gets so dry! Shop your existing skincare stash before purchasing new products. Do your own research online and spend up those Boots points that you’ve been saving up!
Make an autumn bucket list
You’ll see this online everywhere and you should get inspiration from them but have a go at making your own. You can include a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities, making sure to visit what you want in your local area. See if any local museums have any new exhibits on show, find a local fair to visit for the day and explore the city/town/place you live in.
I always try to include a range of activities, from free to pricier items. You might need to book some events in advance so double check that.
Some ideas include:
- A Harry Potter movie night (please try to buy the DVDs from a charity shop if you don’t have them to minimise giving their creator any money for her anti-trans views. I already own the DVDs so she gets zero money from me).
- Head to the library to find some new autumnal/spooky reads or find a local bookstore.
- Visit a fireworks display, a pumpkin patch and/or a local fair.
- Book a cinema or theatre trip for yourself, your friends and/or family.
- Find some new cosy recipes online, from soups to cakes!
Choose your autumnal/spooky TV, films and books
This is one of my favourite things to do when it gets cold and dark out. I’m always a hermit but especially in autumn. The weather gives me an excuse to not leave the house on an evening! I’ve really got back into reading in 2024 so I’m eyeing up a bunch of autumn-themed and spooky books. As long as they’re chick lit, I’m not fussed on the story! I loved The Ex Hex last year so plan on reading Erin Sterling’s latest book.
I also always start a new box set when autumn comes around, usually Gilmore Girls, because it’s so lovely to cosy up on the sofa or in bed with a hot chocolate and watch your show. With Strictly and Bake Off returning plus a bunch of new dramas on every channel and streaming platform, why would you want to leave the house?
Have a spruce up in your home
Every year, I see tonnes of people (mostly Americans) go all-out with their home décor for autumn, Halloween and then Christmas. I’m into the ‘less is more’ bracket because as much as I love home décor, the more you have of it, the more cluttered your space feels and the harder it is to clean up! Plus you have to find the space to store your off-season stuff and I don’t have the room.
Instead, how about getting a few bits and bobs for around your home? I love getting a new seasonal duvet for autumn/winter and this year, I might treat myself to a new cushion too. A little ornament here or there looks seasonal but subtle. And any excuse to buy a new mug, am I right?
If you’re from the school of ‘more is more’, then go mad with the decorating! Just please try to minimise what stuff you throw away every year and aim to reuse and recycle your décor. Invest in decent home décor and it should last for years.
If you’re anything like me, you’re super excited for autumn! My 7 ways to get ready for autumn don’t have to mean going on a shopping spree, just adding a few key pieces to your wardrobe and home. There are lots of free stuff to do out of the house (as well as cleaning the house) where you can see family and friends or even go on a solo date!
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