Simple Homemaking Tasks to Tackle Before Fall

Get your home ready for the new season with these simple homemaking tasks to tackle before fall. From preserving food to resetting routines, here’s how to prepare with peace.

As the long days of summer begin to shorten and the golden evening light starts to shift, I always find myself looking ahead—just a little—toward fall.

August has its own kind of urgency. The garden is full, the days are still hot, and yet there’s a quiet pull toward slowing down and preparing for the cozier season ahead. For me, that means looking around my home and asking, “What needs to be tended to before the rhythm changes?”

Whether you’re sending kids back to school, wrapping up summer projects, or simply sensing that gentle nudge to prepare your nest, here are a few simple homemaking tasks I like to tackle before fall.

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1. Preserve the Harvest

This is the season for jars on the counter, fruit in the sink, and the soft ping of sealing lids. Whether you’ve grown it yourself or picked it up from a local orchard, this is the time to get food on the shelf for the colder months.

If you’ve never canned before, now is a wonderful time to learn. I just shared a simple beginner’s guide:
👉 Water Bath Canning 101

And if you have extra peaches on hand (or plan to grab a basket from a farm stand), don’t miss this cozy recipe:
👉 How to Can Peaches in Honey & Cinnamon Syrup

Even just putting up a few jars of something sweet can bring so much joy come January.

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2. Declutter Summer Clutter

Flip flops by the door, stacks of pool towels, half-used sunscreen, toys that migrated outside and never came back in… this is the time to quietly reset your spaces before a new season arrives.

I like to take one area per day and do a quick “summer sweep.” What can be stored, passed on, or thrown out? This makes room for the warmer throws, boots, and cozy touches that will be coming soon.

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3. Deep Clean High-Traffic Areas

Late summer is a great time for a little old-fashioned elbow grease—especially before we’re spending more time indoors again.

Some things I like to focus on:

• Wash windows and wipe down baseboards
• Clean heat vents and ceiling fans
• Freshen up rugs and floor corners
• Wash couch slipcovers or cushion covers
• Clean out the fridge before fall baking begins

You don’t have to do it all at once—just pick one or two a week, and it adds up fast.

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4. Take Inventory of the Pantry

Before fall soup season rolls in, take stock of what you have. I like to:

• Jot down any canned goods I’ve already preserved
• Make a note of bulk pantry items I’m low on (oats, flour, broth, etc.)
• Toss expired items or nearly-empty containers

This also helps with meal planning as we head into the cozier months. If you’re like me, once the weather cools, you’ll want to bake everything.

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5. Prep the Entryway for School or Fall Chores

This could be as simple as:

• Adding a small basket for fall shoes
• Hanging a few hooks for jackets or scarves
• Creating a space for mail or homeschool books

Even in a small space, a little preparation can cut back on clutter and make daily routines smoother when life speeds back up.

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6. Wash and Air Out Bedding

As the weather cools (and the bugs lessen), I like to strip the beds, wash everything, and hang it outside in the sunshine when I can. It’s such a satisfying chore.

If you rotate seasonal bedding, now’s a good time to check that everything’s clean and ready. Even fluffing and spritzing the pillows can make a room feel refreshed.

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7. Reset Daily Homemaking Rhythms

Summer can throw off even the best routines, and that’s okay. But as fall approaches, I like to ease back into my daily rhythms, especially with homeschool, animal chores, and homemaking.

Even something as simple as writing out a new weekly rhythm (like “bread baking day” or “kitchen cleaning day”) helps my brain and home settle back down.

If you’ve been feeling a bit scattered lately, you’re not alone. Take a deep breath, give yourself grace, and just start with one small thing.

• Why Great Grandma Could Do It All: She Had a Daily Homemaking Rhythm
• How To Create an Old-Fashioned Homemaking Routine

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Let the Season Lead You

One of my favorite things about old-fashioned homemaking is that it flows with the seasons. There’s no pressure to do everything perfectly—but there is wisdom in preparing your home little by little.

So light a candle, turn on some music, and let yourself enjoy these simple homemaking tasks. Your future fall self will thank you.

You can do this, friend. 🫙