Fall is here, and it’s more than just pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters — it’s the season of reset. Nature is shedding what no longer serves, and we’re invited to do the same in our homes.
As women, we are the Hearth Keepers — the ones who set the tone and energy of our spaces. Our presence, our moods, our rhythms ripple through our homes. And when our spaces feel fresh, intentional, and cozy, our entire lives begin to flow with more ease.
Recently, I picked up one of Martha Stewart’s books and was so inspired by her timeless, practical wisdom. Martha has this way of reminding us that homekeeping isn’t just about chores — it’s about rituals, order, and beauty that anchor us to the season we’re in.
In fact, I dedicated an entire podcast episode to this very idea, and if you’d rather listen while you’re decluttering or sipping your fall latte, you can catch it here:
Related Reading: Fall bucket list 30 blissful things to do this Fall
But today, I want to walk you through 15 Fall Home Reset Rituals, as taught by Martha Stewart. These are the exact things I’m putting into practice right now to refresh my own home and set a cozy, high-vibe atmosphere for the season ahead.
1. Prepare Your Kitchen for Fall Meal Prep
Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and it needs to flow with the season. Martha suggests preparing your space for hearty meals by:
Making sure you have enough storage containers for meal prepping and leftovers.
Creating a system for where things go once they’re cooked, so your fridge doesn’t get chaotic.
A little organization now means your fall cooking rhythms feel effortless later.
2. Swap Summer Appliances for Fall Tools
It’s time to say goodbye to the ice cream maker and the outdoor grill, and hello to your slow cooker, Dutch oven, and casserole dishes. Bring out the tools that support warm, comforting meals.
This small shift instantly sets the tone for cozy nights in with soups, stews, and roasts.
3. Clean Out the Freezer
Before fall cooking gets into full swing, clear out what’s been sitting in your freezer all summer. Make space for leftovers, meal prep batches, and fall produce.
You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not digging through mystery bags of food to find room for your Sunday chili.
4. Declutter and Organize Digital Photos
Clutter isn’t just physical — it’s digital, too. Martha suggests taking time to sort through your summer photos. Delete duplicates, back up your favorites, and even create a printed photo book to commemorate the season.
This ritual not only clears space on your phone but also gives you a tangible keepsake of summer memories.
5. Create a Family Calendar
Fall often means back-to-school schedules, sports, holidays, and events. A family calendar — whether digital or displayed beautifully in your kitchen — keeps everyone on the same page.
This can double as a décor piece if you choose something stylish for your command center or kitchen wall.
Related Reading: How to create a home family command center
6. Tackle Summer Dust
Summer has a sneaky way of leaving dust everywhere. Martha reminds us to:
Wipe down ceiling fans, baseboards, and overlooked areas.
Replace air filters.
Consider investing in an air purifier.
Fresh, clean air instantly changes the energy of your space — and your health.
7. Refresh Your Hall Closet
As the weather cools, rotate your outerwear. Make sure coats, scarves, and hats are clean, in good condition, and ready to wear.
Donate anything that no longer fits or is damaged, and create space for the pieces you actually love.
8. Organize Shoes and Boots
Say goodbye to summer sandals and hello to fall boots. Check what still fits, what needs repair, and what can be donated.
Having an organized shoe system makes leaving the house stress-free on busy mornings.
9. Swap Your Handbags
Put away your summer totes and rotate in your fall handbags. Structured, leather, or cozier textures feel perfect for the season.
This is also a great time to declutter what’s inside your purse — no more sticky lip glosses or crumpled receipts.
10. Cozy Up Your Sofa
Refresh your living space by putting away summer pillows and lighter fabrics. Bring out velvet or deeper-toned pillows and throw blankets that invite you to snuggle up.
Even a small change like this makes your whole living room feel like fall.
11. Switch to Fall Bedding
Wash and store your summer sheets, then bring out heavier thread count bedding. Layer on blankets and quilts for added warmth.
This one ritual makes bedtime feel instantly more grounding and restorative.
12. Preserve Garden Herbs
If you’ve been growing herbs, cut and freeze them before the first frost. Wrap them in paper towels, seal in Ziploc bags, and tuck them in your freezer.
This way, you’ll have fresh flavor all season long.
13. Pot Your Spring Bulbs
Don’t forget to protect your garden. Martha advises potting up spring bulbs so you can bring them inside during the colder months.
It’s a simple step that pays off with blooms when spring returns.
14. Take Advantage of End-of-Season Garden Sales
Local garden centers often discount pots, soil, and tools in the fall. Stock up now, so when spring rolls back around, you’re already prepared (and you’ve saved money).
15. Layer in Fall Scents
Finally, set the atmosphere with scent. Add cinnamon brooms, pumpkin or apple candles, woodsy diffusers, and fall-inspired linen sprays. Here are some of my favorite Fall scents:
Your nose will remind you every day that the season has shifted, helping your mind and body settle into cozy rhythms.
These 15 rituals aren’t about doing everything perfectly — they’re about aligning your home with the energy of fall. When you refresh, rotate, and ritualize your space, you create a sanctuary that supports you and your family.
✨ And if your home feels “off” and you don’t know where to start, I can help. My High Vibe Home Mentorship Sessions are designed to uncover what’s stuck in your space and give you a system to reset your home’s energy. [Insert link]
And don’t forget — you can listen to the full podcast episode where I share more personal stories and insights on being the Hearth Keeper this fall:
Light your candle, stir your soup, fluff your pillows… and let this fall reset be your most intentional one yet. 🍂
Fall Home Reset FAQ
1. What is a fall home reset?
A fall home reset is a seasonal refresh where you clear out the clutter from summer, rotate in fall décor and essentials, and create cozy, intentional spaces that support your routines. Think of it as aligning your home with the rhythms of nature — just like trees shed their leaves, you shed what you no longer need.
2. Why is it important to reset your home for fall?
Fall is the season of nesting. With shorter days and more time spent indoors, a home reset helps you create an environment that feels calm, supportive, and restorative. Studies also show that cluttered homes are linked to higher stress levels and poor sleep. Resetting your home is good for both your mental and physical health.
3. How do I start a fall home reset if I feel overwhelmed?
Start small. Pick one area — your entryway, a single drawer, or your sofa pillows. The key is momentum. One small change at a time creates ripple effects. You don’t need to do everything at once — think of it as layering in rituals over the course of the season.
4. What should I declutter first for fall?
The best places to start are the ones that impact your daily life:
Your kitchen tools and pantry (since fall means more cooking at home).
Your hall closet and shoes (so you’re ready for cooler weather).
Your freezer (to make room for leftovers and seasonal meals).
5. Can I do a fall reset in a small apartment?
Absolutely! A reset isn’t about size — it’s about intention. Even swapping pillow covers, adding a cozy blanket, lighting a fall candle, or setting up a seasonal entryway table can transform the mood of your space.
6. What are some quick fall reset rituals I can do today?
Light a cinnamon or pumpkin candle.
Swap your summer sheets for a heavier set.
Declutter one handbag and rotate it for a fall bag.
Dust your fans and baseboards.
Freeze leftover herbs from your garden.
You may also like:
💛 30 Fall bucket list things to do for women
💛 35 cozy at home date night ideas for couples to do this Fall
💛 How to set your Fall intentions
Please feel free to email me at ashlina@thedecorista.com if you have any questions! I’m always happy to help with decorating, life advice or even picking out a specific perfume! Have an amazing day!!
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