Seasonal Homemaking Checklist
Each season brings a fresh chance to reset — not just in our routines, but in the way we care for our homes and ourselves. Homemaking isn’t about perfection or doing it all; it’s about creating rhythms that feel nurturing, intentional, and aligned with the season we’re in.
For me, homemaking is deeply tied to wellness — when my home feels cozy, clear, and seasonal, I feel more grounded in my body and mind. With autumn here, I wanted to share my seasonal homemaking checklist. These are 15 things I’m leaning into this fall to create a warm, inviting space while embracing slower, simpler living.
My Seasonal Homemaking Checklist 🕯️
1. Swap Out Seasonal Décor
I’ve brought out my cozy blankets, a few neutral pumpkins, and my favorite dried hydrangeas from the yard. In the past I’d go buy new decorations every year, but this year with baby on the way, I’m keeping it simple and reusing what I already love.
How you can try it: Rotate summer décor into storage and bring out fall tones like burnt orange, deep greens, and warm neutrals. Even just swapping pillows or adding a seasonal wreath makes a big difference.
2. Deep Clean Key Spaces
I always feel more grounded when the spaces we live in most are refreshed. For me, that means giving extra love to the kitchen (since I’m cooking from scratch so much more) and the bedroom, where rest is essential in pregnancy.
How you can try it: Pick one room each weekend to reset — dust, vacuum, wipe down surfaces, and declutter. A little goes a long way.
3. Air Out the Home
I love throwing open the windows on crisp mornings to breathe in the cool air while I sip coffee. It clears out the stuffiness and instantly makes the home feel fresh.
How you can try it: Even 10 minutes of fresh air each day can lift the energy in your home. Pair it with music, tea, or journaling for a seasonal reset.
4. Stock the Pantry for Seasonal Cooking
I’ve been stocking up on oats, beans, root veggies, and pumpkin purée. Having these on hand makes it easier to cook simple, nourishing meals instead of grabbing processed snacks when I’m tired or craving sweets.
How you can try it: Make a list of 10 fall pantry staples and keep them stocked. Think cinnamon, broth, rice, canned tomatoes, lentils, and apples.
5. Create a Soup or Stew Rotation
Soup has become one of my favorite pregnancy meals — warm, easy to digest, and loaded with nutrients. I make a big pot of chili or chicken soup on Sundays and eat it all week.
How you can try it: Pick 2–3 “go-to” recipes for fall. Rotate them weekly so you always have something cozy ready in the fridge.
6. Light Candles in the Evenings
Switching off harsh overhead lights has been huge for my circadian rhythm. I love curling up on the couch with candles glowing and soft lamps on — it feels like a hug after a busy day.
How you can try it: Choose a few unscented or naturally scented candles and make lighting them part of your nightly wind-down.
7. Check in on Linens
As the weather shifts, I swap our bedding for heavier quilts and flannel sheets. It makes climbing into bed something I look forward to each night.
How you can try it: Wash and rotate your linens with the seasons. Adding one cozy blanket at the foot of your bed can make evenings feel instantly snug.
8. Start a Seasonal Declutter
This fall, I’m especially motivated to declutter as we make room for baby. I’m focusing on closets, kitchen drawers, and shelves where things tend to pile up.
How you can try it: Set aside 15 minutes a day to clear one drawer, basket, or closet. You’ll be amazed at the difference by the end of the month.
9. Refresh the Front Porch
I’ve been keeping it simple — a small pumpkin display and a dried flower wreath I already had. It feels welcoming without being over the top.
How you can try it: Even one seasonal touch — mums by the door, a pumpkin, or a fall wreath — can set the tone before you step inside.
10. Make Space for Tea & Cozy Drinks
I’ve been swapping my evening sweet cravings for herbal teas. Having a little tea station with mugs, honey, and cinnamon feels like a seasonal ritual.
How you can try it: Create a “cozy corner” with your teas, mugs, and sweeteners. Choose one evening drink you can look forward to daily.
11. Add a Nature Element Inside
Dried hydrangeas are my absolute favorite — they last forever and bring that soft fall beauty indoors.
How you can try it: Bring in branches, pinecones, pumpkins, or even a bowl of seasonal fruit for the counter. Nature is the best décor.
12. Shift Clothing Rotation
I’ve pulled my sweaters and scarves forward in the closet. I love dressing with the season — it helps me feel in sync with the world outside.
How you can try it: Pack away summer pieces and highlight cozy layers. Even just rotating what’s in sight makes dressing easier and more fun.
13. Prep for Cozy Evenings In
With pregnancy, I’ve been spending more evenings at home. I’ve pulled out puzzles, knitting, and a few favorite books so I have cozy options ready.
How you can try it: Pick one hobby or activity that feels slow and intentional. Keep it out in the open so it’s easy to grab instead of your phone or TV remote.
14. Create a Seasonal Playlist
I’ve been loving acoustic and instrumental playlists while cooking or winding down. Music sets such a cozy atmosphere.
How you can try it: Curate a playlist of calming songs for fall — or find one on Spotify/Apple Music to set the vibe instantly.
15. Set an Intention for the Season
Journaling has been grounding for me this fall, especially as pregnancy has me reflecting on what I want to carry into motherhood.
How you can try it: Ask yourself: What am I ready to release this season? What do I want to welcome in? Write it down and revisit it throughout the season.
✨ Closing Thoughts
Homemaking is about more than cleaning or decorating — it’s about aligning your home and routines with the rhythms of the season. This checklist isn’t about doing all 15 things at once, but rather using it as inspiration to weave seasonal joy and intention into your daily life.
So light that candle 🕯️, simmer a pot of soup 🍲, pull on your coziest sweater 🧣, and lean into the rhythms of fall. Your home is the heartbeat of your wellness, and when you nurture it, it nurtures you right back. 🍁
