It’s time for an Autumn reset routine because fall is just around the corner. The crisp air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, the smell of apple crisp in the oven, pumpkin spice lattes on repeat, and the perfect cozy sweater—it’s my favorite time of year. I love fall. I love the activities, flavors, scents, and vibe. It’s cozy, and I can’t get enough.

But the start of fall also means more time indoors. Early autumn feels like the perfect season to be outside—comfortable weather, not too hot and not too cold. But late autumn and winter are right behind, bringing frigid days that keep us inside.

We all know “spring cleaning,” but I love an Autumn Reset. It’s the perfect time to reconnect with yourself, reset your space, routines, and goals. After all, if we’re about to spend more time indoors, shouldn’t our space feel cozy, clean, and comforting?

Here’s how to give yourself an Autumn Reset this season.

Clear physical and mental space

Like spring cleaning, use this time to declutter—especially as you make room for seasonal décor. When you swap your summer wardrobe for fall, donate what you didn’t wear. As you pull out winter clothes, ask if each piece really fits your style and body. Don’t waste closet space on items you won’t wear.

Deep-clean overlooked spaces before the holidays: your fridge, coat closet, junk drawer or storage bins. Clearing physical clutter creates mental clarity and sets the stage for cozy rest in the months ahead.

And don’t forget your phone. Put on a comfort movie in the background and clean it out: delete old apps and photos, clear unread texts, and—best of all—turn off notifications. Fewer pings mean fewer distractions, freeing your mind for the life happening in front of you.

Create cozy routines

As the days shorten, it’s easy to lose momentum. Instead of clinging to summer routines, build rhythms that work for fall and winter.

• Morning routine: Brew coffee or tea, light a candle, and take 10 minutes to journal or pray before diving into your day.
  
• Evening routine: Establish a screen-free wind-down—reading, knitting, crafting, or another hobby. Keep the atmosphere cozy with blankets, candles and warm lighting.
  
• Seasonal meals: Plan menus around fall produce. Soups, roasted vegetables and apple desserts bring warmth and nourishment for body and soul.

Reset your goals

By fall, most New Year’s resolutions are long forgotten. Use this season to reflect and reset.

Ask yourself:

• Which goals have I let go of, and which are still worth pursuing?
  
• What challenges have shaped me in the past few months?
  
• What small habit could improve my well-being right now?
  
• How do I want my days to feel this season?
  
• What do I need more—or less—of in my life?
  
• How can I bring more beauty into daily life?
  

Write down your answers. They’ll help you move into the colder months with focus and intention.

Nurture yourself and your relationships

Fall is the perfect time to slow down and invest in what matters most.

• Make time for hobbies. Rediscover the joy of creating—baking, painting, knitting, writing, or even building in Minecraft.
  
• Practice mindfulness. Take a walk without headphones, journal your gratitude, or sip cider on the porch as you watch the sunset.
  
• Write letters. A handwritten note to a friend brightens both your day and theirs.
  
• Host simple gatherings. Invite friends for a game night, soup potluck, pumpkin carving, or movie night. Connection doesn’t have to be complicated or costly.

Lean into the season

An Autumn Reset isn’t about overhauling your life. Small, intentional changes are more sustainable than sweeping resolutions. Fall and winter bring a slower rhythm of life—natural, healthy, and good. We weren’t made to run at full speed all year.

So don’t do everything at once. Try one or two changes this week, add another next week, and give yourself space to rest. Grab a blanket, sit by the fire, sip tea, and embrace the slowness of the season.