Here we are, coming to the end of September. You’ve almost made it through the first month of the school year and nearly to the end of harvest season. You’re so close to the point where you can breathe a little easier, when the garden work slows down and the days stretch shorter. I can’t wait, can you?

But the chill is sneaking in, the leaves are turning, and suddenly the kids who lived outside all summer are underfoot, moving inside for the cold weather. And if your house is anything like mine, it doesn’t exactly feel ready for the great indoor migration. That’s why I’ve come to love a fall reset.

Spring cleaning always feels frantic to me—like we’ve been cooped up for months and now we have to tear everything apart, declutter every corner, and scrub until it feels “new.” A fall reset, on the other hand, feels calmer. It’s not about perfection. It’s about making your home warm, cozy, and ready for rest. A fall reset feels like putting away the extra projects of summer so your home can carry you through the stillness of winter.

fall reset

Focus Areas for a Cozy Fall Reset

When I think about preparing my home for fall, I’m not aiming for spotless. I’m looking for comfort. A fall reset is about choosing spaces that will bring the most peace to your family. Here are the areas I like to focus on:

  • Decluttering for comfort. When stuff piles up, it creates chaos. During a fall reset, I like to clear out the warm-weather gear, store away things we won’t use until spring, and cut back on the extra clutter that just seems to appear over summer.
  • Refreshing textiles. My grandmother always swapped out her dishes and tablecloths with the seasons—she had summer sets and winter ones. I may not go that far, but I love pulling out thicker blankets, warmer curtains, and cozy pillows. During a fall reset, even just switching the fabrics you use can make your whole home feel refreshed.
  • Cleaning entryways and mudrooms. By golly, if you’ve lived through a Canadian winter, you know this area gets wrecked fast. A fall reset is the perfect time to clear it out and prepare for muddy boots, dripping mittens, and piles of coats.
  • Kitchen touch-ups. The kitchen is where we gather most in the colder months. A fall reset here might mean baking something warm, stocking up on comfort foods, or even prepping freezer meals. It’s also the time when I make space for jars of frozen garden produce that will get us through the winter.

Simple Steps to Make Your Fall Reset Manageable

Now, I’ll be honest: a fall reset can feel overwhelming if you try to do it all at once. The trick is to break it down.

Instead of marathon cleaning sessions, I spread things out. This week, I washed all the sheets one day, vacuumed the next, and did a deeper clean on the kitchen another day. A fall reset doesn’t have to be rushed—it’s better when it isn’t.

Focus on high-traffic spaces like the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. These are the areas that make the biggest difference in your daily life. And if you’re like me, you’ll want to keep things simple—using natural cleaning products, small daily chunks of work, and a pace that feels doable.

Habits That Keep Your Fall Reset Going

One of the best parts of a fall reset is that it sets the stage for habits that last through the winter. This is when I like to reintroduce a weekly tidy-up. Once everyone is inside so much more, the mess doubles fast—but if you make it a team effort, it’s amazing how quickly it all gets done.

And don’t forget the fun parts of a fall reset: candles, warm lighting, cozy decor, and little touches that make your space feel welcoming. These things don’t just look nice—they help your family feel grounded when the outside world turns cold and grey.

A Small Devotional Moment

fall reset

Cleaning can feel exhausting, and even a fall reset can feel overwhelming at times. But when we approach our homes with love, the work changes. It becomes service. And when we choose service over resentment, our homes shift from chaotic places into safe havens.

Prayer: Lord, help me to care for my home with love and patience. Let every task, big or small, be an act of grace that brings peace and comfort to my family. Amen.

Why a Fall Reset Matters

A cozy fall home doesn’t just look nice—it changes how your family feels. When your home is peaceful, homeschooling flows more smoothly, your homesteading feels less chaotic, and homemaking becomes a rhythm instead of a burden. A fall reset sets you up for more than a tidy house; it creates a safe haven where your family can rest, learn, and grow.

So, don’t aim for perfect. A fall reset isn’t about sparkling windows or spotless closets. It’s about wrapping your home in warmth, making space for rest, and creating an environment where your family can thrive through the long months ahead. Cozy up with a warm sweater, a hot drink, and a good book, and know that the work you’ve done is enough.

You’ve got this, mama.

Hi, I’m Bri — the heart behind Hesitant Root. I wasn’t raised on a farm or homeschooled in the woods. I grew up with a city mindset and a fast-paced lifestyle. But after marrying my very country husband, things slowly began to shift. Over time, I traded drive-thrus for homemade meals and school drop-offs for homeschooling rhythms. Now, years later and with four kids in tow, I’m a newish homesteader, a homeschooling mama, and a firm believer in starting where you are. Here at Hesitant Root, I share our journey of growing food, learning at home, managing a small space, and trying to live simply, self-reliantly, and faithfully—even when it’s messy and loud. If you’re navigating motherhood, home education, or a slow shift toward a simpler life, I hope you’ll feel at home here. This space is for the hesitant, the hopeful, and everyone learning as they grow.
Bri Picard

Hi, I’m Bri — the heart behind Hesitant Root.

I wasn’t raised on a farm or homeschooled in the woods. I grew up with a city mindset and a fast-paced lifestyle. But after marrying my very country husband, things slowly began to shift. Over time, I traded drive-thrus for homemade meals and school drop-offs for homeschooling rhythms.

Now, years later and with four kids in tow, I’m a newish homesteader, a homeschooling mama, and a firm believer in starting where you are.

Here at Hesitant Root, I share our journey of growing food, learning at home, managing a small space, and trying to live simply, self-reliantly, and faithfully—even when it’s messy and loud.

If you’re navigating motherhood, home education, or a slow shift toward a simpler life, I hope you’ll feel at home here. This space is for the hesitant, the hopeful, and everyone learning as they grow.

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