Fall is upon us here in the Pacific Northwest with cool temperatures and drizzle.  The change of seasons evokes mixed emotions for me.  Relief that the heat is over providing cooler working temperatures, a dread of the coming cold and rain, and nostalgia about the end of wonderful summer days with our granddaughters.  Below is my checklist for September as the weather shifts.  I hope you’ll find some of these home-keeping ideas helpful.  This Fall I’m doing my checklist on a scaled down version in keeping with living in an RV.  I have only one candle and one arrangement on our tiny table, one throw pillow and one throw on our little sofa, no change of bathroom towels because they are in storage, no comfortable chair to read in, no garage to clean, but I can still enjoy the season and share what I have with others.

Lighting- Darkness descends earlier this month and I crave warm light, so the candle comes out for my table.  Whether you use LEDs or wax candles, make sure they’re odorless for the table so their fragrance doesn’t overpower the smells of food.  I like to raise the candles for more flattering light on faces by arranging several LED candles on a cake stand or on candlesticks, but this year one candle with do.  If your dining room chandelier and living room lights aren’t on dimmers, do it now.

Accessories- I want to reflect the colors outdoors, so I get out my pillow in Fall colors and soft texture, my warm throw, and if I had a lamp, I would change out lamp shades to Fall tones.  I make arrangements of natural materials like fruit, vegetables, dried flowers, moss, and twigs.   The great thing about accessories is that because they are relatively inexpensive, I have freedom to experiment with color and style.  I rotate items seasonally or when I need a perk up.  Buying pillow covers instead of the entire pillow saves money.  Buying dessert/salad plates in seasonal motifs is less expensive than buying whole place settings and gives my table a shot of color.

Linens- Usually I break out a seasonal runner or placements for the table, but this year one placement fits nicely under the small arrangement on our mini table.  I like to put out towels in warm colors.  Yes, warm colored bath towels help make me feel warmer.  Try deep warm colors like brown, rust, red, or warm grays.

Reading/studying place- With shorter days and longer nights I love a good read.  I just started reading a thought provoking book entitled, “1491” by Charles Mann.  It challenges our arrogant assumption that the indigenous peoples of the Americas were scattered primitives lagging far behind the civilized Europeans since the dawn of history.  To make reading more enjoyable, create a space with a good light, a throw, a comfortable chair, a table for a cup of something hot, storage for reading material and supplies like a notebook and pen.  This season I don’t have a comfortable chair or good light, but I’ll read anyway and look forward to the years I will enjoy our cozy little house when it is finished.  If there are students in your household, make sure they have a place to study that fits their personality.  Some of us need quiet and solitude while others thrive in the company of chaos.  Having good light, organized supplies, and comfortable seating are the important elements.

Clean out clothes closets- I have gotten rid of warm weather clothes that don’t serve me well.  I’ve laundered and stored those I’m keeping.  I’ve gotten cold weather clothing out and gotten rid of some that no longer serve me well.  I’ve washed or aired the ones I’m keeping before putting in my closet.

Linen closet- Our ‘linen closet’ is the space under our RV bed which lifts up to reveal a much-appreciated storage compartment.  I’ve gotten cold weather blankets out and aired them outside in the sun before putting them on my bed.

Clean out entry closet- Be sure to make room for guests’ coats and store summer paraphernalia.  No entry closet now, but next year I will.

Clean out the garage- Store summer equipment. Clean gardening tools and store safely.

Prepare entry – Prepare a place for wet shoes/boots and coats.  Prepare a place for gloves and hats.

Get cold weather recipes ready- I’m making a notebook of soups and stews, hot sandwiches, crockpot and roast recipes, warming drinks, healthy baked goodies (breads and nutritious cookies), and recipes using seasonal vegetables and fruits.  I print out internet recipes and place them in plastic sleeves.  When I cook, I can take one out of the notebook for easy reference.  When finished, I wipe it off and return it to the notebook.  Having a separate smaller notebook just for the cold months simplifies looking for appropriate recipes.  May I mention that sitting down and eating together regularly is worth the effort?  Time around the table bonds family members like nothing else.

Allow myself time to decompress.  Seasonal changes affect everyone psychologically and physiologically.  I need to allow for this by cutting myself and others some slack.  I try to stop outdoors to notice the changes in nature and stop indoors to rest or do something I enjoy.  Luxury can come in small things.  I savor a warm cup of cocoa, a beautiful flower, the feel of clean sheets and warm blankets, the cool breeze, the smell of a good soap.  If children are in your household, start a nighttime routine of reading to them in a comfortable place, talking and tucking them in with prayer.  This helps you wind down as well as them.

Helpful articles for further reading:

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50970522/list/to-dos-your-september-home-checklist

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/71943343?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u3652&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery4