Can you believe this? Autumn is just around the corner, and it’s like we’ve just started the summer season yesterday! Time really does fly by!
But here we are, approaching a new season with new things to do.
September feels like a fresh start. The long summer days slowly give way to cooler breezes, golden leaves, and cozy nights that invite us to slow down and savor the moment. It’s the perfect month to take a breath, reset, and get ready for the new season ahead.
Whether you want to refresh your home, pick up a new hobby, or simply find more balance, these 17 things to do in September are here to help you welcome autumn with warmth and intention.
Think of this as your friendly fall checklist, full of simple ways to feel organized, inspired, and ready to enjoy everything this season has to offer.
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Things to do in September to welcome autumn
Here are 17 things you can do to welcome the new season!
1) Refresh Your Home and Senses
When we start with something, we should start it with a clean slate. Think of September as a mini spring-cleaning. Declutter spaces that feel heavy, give your home a light cleaning, and swap out those light summer linens for warmer blankets.
Add touches of fall with candles, autumn wreaths, or earthy tones that bring warmth to your space.
If you want to decorate your home intentionally, you can add some minimalist home decor that will transform your home into a fall retreat without exaggerating with decorations!
2) Transition Your Wardrobe & Get a Fall Makeover
This is the funny part of the changing season.
Pack away your summer clothes and bring forward sweaters, boots, and cozy layers, and assess your wardrobe. Do you need a new pair of boots or a favorite fall jacket?
Then, consider treating yourself to a full fall makeover. This could mean a new haircut or color, experimenting with richer makeup shades, or refreshing your wardrobe with trendy yet timeless fall staples.
A makeover can give you a confidence boost and help you feel aligned with the season’s energy.
3) Set a Goal for Quarter 4
One of the most important things to do in September is to set goals. We still have 4 months before the end of the year, don’t we?
September is a great time to focus on one main goal for the last quarter of the year. If you think it’s too late to start refocusing, you’re wrong. You can achieve a lot in 4 months! Whether it’s career growth, fitness, creativity, or personal development, commit to something achievable before the year’s end.
4) Create a Fall Cozy Morning Routine
Mornings get darker and chillier, so create a routine that energizes and comforts you. Warm drinks, journaling, stretching, or a few quiet minutes with a book can set a positive tone.
I love having time for myself in the morning, because everything is still, and it’s the perfect time to get things done and to spend some me time.
Build a cozy fall morning routine that will support your vision, but also something that relaxes you, and set a positive tone for your entire day.
5) Make a Fall Bucket
What is so exciting in a new season if you don’t have some fun and enjoy the season to the fullest?
Plan out fun seasonal activities to make the most of autumn. Apple picking, pumpkin carving, visiting farmers’ markets, sipping hot cider, taking scenic drives to see the changing leaves, and enjoying cozy nights in are just some of them, but there are many more!
Writing a fall bucket list can help you stay intentional and ensure you don’t miss out on your favorite seasonal traditions. If you need some ideas, you can check this cozy fun bucket list ideas for maximum autumn vibes!
6) Make an organization and declutter checklist
Create a detailed organization and declutter checklist. This could include:
- Closet rotation: store away summer clothing and bring forward cozy pieces; donate or sell items you no longer wear.
- Deep cleaning: vacuum, dust, and wipe down high-traffic areas, baseboards, and windows.
- Kitchen reset: organize pantry, toss expired items, and make room for baking essentials.
- Paper and digital clutter: sort through mail, shred old documents, and back up or clean out files on your devices.
- Outdoor prep: tidy up the yard, rake leaves, plant bulbs, and prepare gardens for cooler weather.
These small actions will help you start the fall season feeling organized, refreshed, and ready for the season ahead.
You can check this fall cleaning checklist that helps you refresh your space for a new season.
7) Plan Seasonal Meals and Try Fall Desserts
Do you love cooking or baking? This is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen!
Incorporate hearty recipes like soups, roasted vegetables, and slow-cooked stews that warm you from the inside out. Think butternut squash soup, creamy risottos, or roasted root vegetables seasoned with fall spices.
Fall is also dessert season. Try apple pies, pumpkin bread, pecan tarts, or spiced cookies. Don’t forget to experiment with warm drinks like chai lattes or mulled cider (yummy!).
Planning your meals around seasonal ingredients not only keeps things exciting but also helps you make the most of the fresh produce available this time of year.
8) Read fall-themed books
Cooler evenings are perfect for cozy reading. Make a list of books you’ve been meaning to enjoy and create a little reading nook to unwind. Consider mixing in genres, like mysteries, romances, or classics, to keep things interesting.
And now comes my favorite part! Add a warm blanket, a favorite chair, and maybe a cup of tea or hot chocolate for a complete experience. You can’t miss them in a cozy reading session!
Reading not only relaxes the mind but also provides a sense of escape and inspiration as you transition into the reflective months of fall.
9) Watch Seasonal Movies
Who doesn’t watch movies? This is very classic, but I need to mention it as one of the things to do in September to welcome the fall season!
Indulge in fall classics or comforting seasonal films. Think cozy nights with blankets, popcorn, and your favorite autumn-themed movies. Create a watchlist that includes feel-good comedies, family favorites, and cozy animated movies.
Seasonal movie nights can be a simple way to relax and make evenings feel special, whether you watch alone, with family, or invite friends over for a themed movie marathon.
10) Enjoy the Outdoors and Visit Fall Festivals
Take advantage of mild weather to enjoy nature and seasonal events. Go on hikes, bike rides, or scenic drives to admire the colorful foliage. Visit local fall festivals, farmers’ markets, pumpkin patches, or craft fairs to soak in the festive atmosphere. Bring along a picnic, try seasonal foods, or capture photos of the vibrant landscape.
Spending time outdoors not only refreshes your mind but also helps you fully embrace the beauty and energy of autumn.
11) Start Journaling
Use the reflective energy of fall to journal about your goals, gratitude, daily experiences, or creative ideas. Try different journaling techniques like bullet journaling, morning pages, or guided prompts to find what resonates with you. Journaling can help you gain clarity, track personal growth, and serve as a mindful practice that encourages self-reflection throughout the season.
Consider adding seasonal themes or writing challenges to make it more fun and engaging. You can add stickers, decorate your journal with seasonal colors, or just write on a blank page. Anything is ok as long as you reflect and enjoy the time with your thoughts.
12) Develop New Hobbies
Fall is the perfect time to explore new hobbies and creative outlets. You can experiment with autumn-inspired baking, DIY crafts, knitting, photography, painting, or learning a musical instrument.
Dedicating time to hobbies not only reduces stress but also provides a sense of accomplishment and joy. Try setting small, achievable goals for your hobbies each week to make the experience both productive and enjoyable.
Check the 15 creative fall-inspired hobbies to immerse yourself in the season.
13) Create a New Skincare Routine
As the air gets cooler and drier, my skin dries out. So it’s very important to update your skincare routine to protect and nourish your skin. Introduce richer moisturizers, hydrating serums, and weekly masks. Consider gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin, and switch to cream-based cleansers for added moisture.
Experiment with natural oils, soothing face mists, and nourishing lip care for a complete fall-ready routine.
A seasonal skincare routine not only keeps your skin healthy but also creates a self-care ritual that promotes relaxation and well-being throughout the fall months.
14) Focus on Self-Care
Cooler weather can affect your skin, energy levels, and overall wellness, so now is the perfect time to prioritize self-care. Adjust your skincare routine to include richer moisturizers, gentle exfoliation, and hydrating masks. Make sure to schedule any health appointments you’ve been postponing, such as dental check-ups or routine doctor visits.
Prioritize sufficient sleep, hydration, and balanced meals to maintain energy and boost immunity. Self-care can also include mental wellness practices like meditation, journaling, or simply taking time to relax and unwind.
Remember, taking time for yourself is not selfish, but a must if you want to live healthy with yourself and with others.
15) Plan Ahead for Holidays
You think that it’s too early to think about Christmas or other holidays, but the truth is, there is no better time than this actual month.
September is the perfect time to start thinking about upcoming holidays. Make a list of gifts, decorations, and meal plans to avoid last-minute stress. Planning ahead helps you manage time and budget effectively, ensuring a more relaxed and joyful holiday season.
Trust me, having everything already planned and ready will assure you have an amazing holiday time ahead of you!
16) Prep Your Garden and Lawn
Decorating and taking care of your home also means taking care of your outdoor space. The appearance of your house from the outside can leave a nice feeling for you and your neighbors.
Prepare your outdoor spaces for fall and winter by raking leaves, planting bulbs, and protecting delicate plants from colder temperatures. Clean and store gardening tools, trim bushes, and consider adding mulch to preserve soil moisture and health.
17) Establish New Routines
Fall is a great opportunity to implement new daily or weekly routines. Whether it’s a fitness schedule, meal prep system, or morning mindfulness practice, establishing routines now can set you up for consistency and success during the busy months ahead.
So start deciding where you want to improve and what you want to achieve in the last quarter, and build routines that will support them.
Wrap up
As September unfolds, remember that there’s no need to do everything at once. Choose a few things from these 17 things to do in September that excite you and make you feel good. The change of season is a wonderful chance to pause, breathe, and create moments of joy.
Whether you’re cozying up with a book, exploring outdoors, or trying something new, enjoy this time of transition and be kind to yourself along the way.
