Resetting Your Home for Fall

There’s something about the first hint of cooler air, the earlier sunsets, and the smell of leaves outside that makes me want to bring fall indoors. As a minimalist, I cringe at the thought of cluttering my home, but I've also learned that setting up my home with an 'autumn touch' doesn’t have to mean boxes of decorations, cluttered shelves, or a home that feels more staged than lived in.

Resetting your home for fall should feel like a warm hug. It should create a sense of comfort and coziness without overwhelming your space. 

So let’s talk about a few simple ways you can add an autumn touch to your space while keeping things uncluttered, practical, and calm.

Make Some Easy Switches

Some of the best seasonal touches can come from switching out items you already use every day. Instead of filling your space with extra “stuff,” swap out what you already have for something with a more seasonal aesthetic. For example: 

• Candles: Replace fresh summer scents with warm, earthy ones like cinnamon, apple, or sandalwood. Lighting a candle can shift the whole mood of a room.

• Pillowcases: Instead of buying new throw pillows every season, invest in a few covers you can rotate. Think deep oranges, muted plaids, or soft neutrals.

• Blankets: Fold a heavier knit blanket over the couch or keep one draped on the bed for an instant cozy upgrade. These can be a great resource- especially when hosting! See my post on Hosting without the Hustle for ideas on how blankets can bring comfort to your guests.

• Picture frames: When you take out those cute seasonal frames, put your everyday frames into storage. This allows you to easily swap out photos and aesthetics without cluttering your countertops. 

The beauty with all of these ideas is that you aren’t adding clutter. You’re simply making small swaps that let your home reflect the season.

Store Decor Without Losing Space

One of the biggest frustrations with seasonal decor is figuring out where to put it all when it’s not being used. My rule: if it takes up too much storage, it isn’t worth keeping.

Here are a few ways to keep things simple:

• Stick to items like pillow covers, small frames, or folded linens that take up very little space when packed away.

• Store seasonal items in a single bin or basket that’s clearly marked so you aren’t digging through random boxes when the next season rolls around.

• Avoid duplicate purchases. If you already have cozy fall blankets, you probably don’t need five more. Be selective and intentional.

This approach keeps your home from feeling like a rotating storage unit and makes seasonal resets quick and easy.

Get Creative With Autumn Touches

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. You don’t need an entire collection of fall decor from a store. Often, the most meaningful touches come from creativity and nature.

Forage for some decorations. A few branches in a vase, a bowl of acorns, or a handful of colorful leaves on the table can shift the feel of a room. You can also switch out your produce and get a bonus 'autumn touch'. Try keeping out a basket of apples or a fresh baked loaf of bread on the counter for a beautiful and practical decoration.

Think sensory, not just visual. The smell of soup simmering or the sound of a crackling candle can create just as much of a seasonal reset as decor on the walls. Incorporating everyday activities (like cooking) into your decorations can give you a multi-sensory experience. 

Finally, make it personal. Include your family and display items that are special to you at this time of the year. Remember, one of the most important elements of this time of year is our connections with others. Incorporate that love and care into your decor for a super personal touch. 

At the end of the day, our homes don’t have to look like a magazine image to feel warm and welcoming.

Always Prioritize Comfort Over Clutter

Not every one of these strategies will work for you, and that's okay! Your home should feel like a place of comfort. We are all individuals, and that means our homes will look individual too. 

If decorating starts to feel like pressure or if your space begins to feel crowded, take a step back. Fall should be a season where your home feels like a retreat. 

When you focus on comfort over clutter, your home becomes the kind of space you actually want to be in, which is the whole point.

Your Fall Decor Reset Worksheet

I know that planning your fall decor can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to keep your home cozy without adding clutter. That’s why I created a one-page Fall Decor Reset Worksheet, designed to help you:

• • Plan each room’s seasonal refresh

  • Choose colors, textures, and small decor swaps

  • Keep your home intentional, warm, and clutter-free

Whether you’re updating one room or your whole home, this worksheet gives you a simple, step-by-step way to replace, not add, so your fall decor feels effortless and meaningful.

📄 Grab your worksheet here: Download the Fall Decor Reset Worksheet

Resetting your home for fall doesn’t mean doing a complete makeover. It’s about thoughtful shifts, cozy touches, and creating an atmosphere that feels grounding. Choose what brings comfort, let go of what overwhelms you, and let your home breathe with the season.

Keep it simple, 

-Ashley 💛 

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