Fall Cleaning (for Your Home and Life!)

Fall is the perfect time for a seasonal update, not just for your home, but for your overall well-being, too. 

While spring cleaning usually gets all the attention, fall cleaning is just as important—especially since you’ll likely be spending more time indoors during the cooler months ahead.

By preparing your living space and focusing on your wellness, you’ll be ready to embrace all the season has to offer. 

Let’s take a look at some simple yet effective ways you can create a cozy, nurturing environment that supports both your physical and mental well-being this fall. 

12 Ways to Fall Clean Your Home and Life

Ready to snuggle up and get cozy indoors this season?

Follow these tips to make sure that your home is the tranquil sanctuary you deserve throughout the autumn months—and beyond. 

1. Declutter

It’s hard to feel relaxed in a chaotic space; it’s even more difficult to clean it. 

Before you begin cleaning your home for autumn, prep your space by reducing clutter.

• First, put everything in its proper place. If it doesn’t have a “home,” designate one. 
• Is there anything broken or that isn’t working properly? If so, either take it for repairs, donate it to someone who will, or discard it. 
• Take a hard look at the decorative items on your shelves and countertops. Do you truly like each item? Is it useful? Remind yourself that it’s okay to get rid of anything that’s lost its use or appeal. 
• How many towels, pots and pans, or throw blankets do you really need and use frequently? Choose your favorites and whittle down unnecessary multiples.

If, after decluttering as much as possible, you still have too many decorative items, create a rotational system. Choose the ones you’d like to display now and pack away the rest. In a few weeks or months, swap them out. 

Decluttering your house means less “stuff” sitting out, gathering dust, and needing to be cleaned. It also helps to unburden your mind in a way you might not expect!

2. Stock Natural Products

Before you begin the deep cleaning work, take stock of your cleaning products. 

During autumn, you’ll probably be spending more time indoors. And you’ll probably have the windows closed firmly to avoid cold drafts. 

Avoid harmful fumes by choosing organic, non-toxic cleaning products. Or make your own with natural ingredients such as vinegar, lemon, and baking soda. Your house will be clean and healthy! 

3. Deep Clean for Air Quality

Decluttering? Non-toxic products? Check! 

Now it’s time to get to the deeper work: cleaning your house for fall. 

You’ll be spending more time indoors, so you want to make sure your space is dust-free. That means going beyond your usual dusting and sweeping. 

Here are some strategies to give your home the fall cleaning it deserves. 

First, make sure you’re thoroughly cleaning any hard-to-reach areas. Pay special attention to areas that you typically skip in a quick cleaning, such as ceiling fans, window sills, baseboards, and behind bulky furniture items.

Then, deep-clean your carpets, drapes, and upholstered furniture. Use vacuum attachments or furniture shampooers to eliminate trapped dust and allergens.

Next, hit the bathrooms to get rid of any mold and mildew that may have built up during the humid summer months. Deep-clean tiles and grout, and remove any bath products to clean shower shelves. 

If you use a shower curtain or liner, check the edges and replace them if you see any discoloration, which is a sign of mold or mildew.

Finally, take one last step in improving your air quality by cleaning or replacing your HVAC system’s air filters. If you notice an increase in allergies when you start spending more time indoors, consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter. (We love AirDoctor.)

4. Create a Mobile Cleaning Station

Feeling great about your sparkling-clean house? 

Make the upkeep easy by creating a mobile cleaning station. This can be whatever you choose: a large bucket, rolling cart, or plastic caddy are all good options. 

Load it with everything you need to clean, including cleaning products, sprays, sponges, wipes, gloves, trash bags, and anything else you use on cleaning day. 

When it’s time to clean, you won’t have to dig under the sink or through the garage for supplies. Just grab your cleaning station and carry it from room to room with you.   

5. Get Your Kitchen Fall-Ready

Holiday meals. Football games on television. Cozy evenings in. This season is all about gathering with your loved ones and sharing hearty, filling fall foods. 

Prep your kitchen now, and your cooking and baking sessions will be that much more enjoyable! 

• Go through your pantry and kitchen shelves. Throw out expired products; consider donating food that’s still fresh but that your family won’t eat before it expires. 
• Clean out your refrigerator and freezer, too. Create space for cooking in bulk and holiday leftovers. 
• Once you see what’s left and what you need, it’s time to do some fall shopping. Restock your kitchen with fall staples such as soups, stocks, and the holiday baking essentials you’ll be using throughout the season. 

Take time now to deep-clean your appliances as well, including your dishwasher and oven. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and use specialty products as needed. 

6. Prep Your Bedroom for Hibernation

Just as wildlife slows down and gets ready to rest, so should we. 

Along with deep cleaning, there are a few extra things you can do in your bedroom to get it ready for hibernation. 

• Wash bedding items that you usually skip: throw pillows, mattress protectors, comforters and blankets, and dust ruffles. 
•  Vacuum and flip your mattress.

This is also a great time to pack away your lightweight linens and bring out your cozy fall blankets. 

7. Update your Closets

Create space in your closet for your fall favorites. 

• Store away summer gear such as beach chairs, outdoor sports equipment, etc. to make room for your winter items. 
• Likewise, store your lightweight clothes to make room for sweaters, jackets, and jeans. 
• Leave extra room in the hall or mudroom closet. Add sturdy hangers, and guests will have a place to hang jackets and coats while they visit. 

8. Create a Cozy Space

Now that your space is clean and organized, focus on making your home fall-ready with cozy accent items. 

Bring out extra blankets and style them on the back of your couch. Swap out photo frames to include pictures from past holidays, including special memories with your loved ones. Enjoy the shorter days with candles or flameless candles for ambient lighting. 

If you’re having guests over, rearrange your furniture to create natural seating groups where people can chat comfortably. 

Fall Cleaning for Your Life

Fall cleaning isn’t just for your physical space, though. It’s also for your mental space. 

By incorporating wellness into your fall cleaning, you make sure that your body and mind are just as ready for the season ahead as your home is. 

9. Slow Your Pace

Snuggling under a blanket with a warm cup of tea…

Reading a good book before bed with some mood lighting…

Fall is the perfect time to adjust your lifestyle to nature’s cycles by slowing down and eliminating stress.

• Temporarily snooze or unfollow stressful or negative social media accounts—even if it’s someone you know. You can find more positive ways to stay in touch. 
• Incorporate gentle movements and stretching into your daily routine. Try yoga, tai chi, and other mindful activities. 
• Use soothing aromatherapy scents such as lavender, chamomile, clary sage, or bergamot. (We love Amrita Aromatherapy’s organic essential oils.)

You can also stop your racing mind with a nootropic supplement. Our favorite is Just Calm. Its proven ingredients support a healthy mood, help you manage daily stress, and promote balanced cortisol. 

In the end, you’ll feel positive and focused as you align your emotions with the calm beauty of the season.

10. Nurture Connections

From office parties to marathon baking sessions, it can be challenging to spend time in-person with your loved ones during the hectic holiday season. 

Combat loneliness and deepen bonds by making an extra effort to reach out to your loved ones. 

If you don’t have time for a leisurely dinner or have trouble coordinating calendars within your friend group, plan a short gathering instead. Be creative: grab coffee together, go out for dessert instead of dinner, or simply run errands together. 

11. Practice Gratitude 

Adopt the spirit of the most famous fall holiday, Thanksgiving, all season long by establishing a gratitude practice. 

Every day, take the time to think about the things you’re thankful for. Write them down in a journal or your phone’s notes app, so you can re-read them whenever you need a gratitude boost.  

12. Focus on Your Health

Let’s shift from emotional wellness to physical well-being. 

Here are some things you can do to stay healthy this fall. 

• As the air becomes drier, stay hydrated inside and out. Drink plenty of water and use rich moisturizers to protect your skin. (We love AnnMarie Skincare, and right now they are offering an exclusive 40% skincare trial to our audience.)
• Avoid Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a depressive condition closely associated with reduced sunlight, by spending time outdoors whenever the weather allows. (Check out these fun, fall outdoor activities you can do with your kids!) When you’re stuck indoors, throw open the curtains or talk to your doctor about using a lightbox. 
• Transition to seasonal foods. Nourish your body with nutrient-rich seasonal produce such as squash, pumpkin, root vegetables, and hearty greens. Use your crockpot for easy-to-make, yet deliciously warm soups and stews. 

Also, make sure you support your immune system so it can keep you healthy and strong throughout the season. 

This Immune Health Bundle from Just Thrive contains two supplements that work together to promote optimal immune function. 

• Ultimate IgG: an antibody-rich supplement that promotes a balanced immune response and body detoxification. It also promotes nutrient absorption so your body can maximize the benefits of your nutritious fall foods. 
• Immunity Plus: includes five research-backed ingredients that promote your body’s natural immune resistance. It supports your gut, immune, and overall health.

Final Thoughts

Embrace the beauty of fall! 

As the season changes, so can your surroundings and daily routine, giving you a chance to refresh both your space and your mindset.

By updating your environment and refocusing on your wellness, you can set yourself up to thrive throughout the season and make the most of the joys it brings—cozy moments, crisp air, and vibrant autumn landscapes. 

Let fall be a time of renewal for both your home and your life.

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