Here’s the ultimate fall cleaning checklist that will make sure you don’t miss anything during your autumn reset. Cozy vibes included!
Spring lovers, please don’t sue me for saying this, but I think fall cleaning deserves even more attention than the annual spring cleaning.
While spring and summer are for frolicking outdoors, fall and winter are mostly for nesting in your home.
So, to me, it makes sense to prioritize fall cleaning above any other seasonal cleaning.
Also, after months of summer heat, it’s good to give your home a refresh and make everything feel cozy.
At the time of writing this post, fall is still a few days away, but I am getting started with my cleaning routine ahead of time.
Partly to get a head start, and partly because I want to pretend fall is here already. So, this guide is as much for your benefit as it is mine.
This checklist will help you close out summer, freshen up the things you’ll use most during the cooler months, and make your home feel ready for a new season.
So, whenever you are ready, put on a fall playlist, open the windows while you still can, and start working your way through this checklist!
Fall Cleaning Checklist
Start With a Quick Whole-House Reset
- Open the windows and air out the house
- Walk through each room and collect obvious clutter
- Put away summer-specific items you won’t need anymore
- Dust shelves, tables, frames, lamps, and other surfaces
- Vacuum or sweep the floors
- Mop hard floors
- Wipe down frequently touched spots like switches and door handles
- Empty trash cans and give them a quick wipe
Freshen Up the Living Room
This is about to become one of the most-used rooms in the house, so we’re going to give it extra attention.
- Vacuum underneath the sofa and other easy-to-move furniture
- Vacuum between sofa cushions
- Wash removable cushion covers if needed
- Wash throw blankets
- Dust the TV, console, shelves, and decor
- Wipe down coffee and side tables
- Swap lightweight summer throws for warmer blankets
Reset the Bedrooms for Cooler Nights
- Wash all bedding
- Vacuum the mattress
- Flip or rotate the mattress if needed
- Dust the headboard, nightstands, and lamps
- Vacuum underneath the bed
- Wash any throw blankets that have been sitting unused
- Bring out your warmer duvet or comforter
- Put away summer bedding you won’t use again this year
Do a Small Fall Closet Switch
You don’t need to reorganize your full wardrobe yet, because the weather can be confusing in fall.
We’re just going to make your fall clothes easier to reach.
- Put away clothes you only wear in hot weather
- Bring sweaters, cardigans, jackets, and other fall pieces forward
- Set aside anything you know you won’t wear again
- Wash or freshen up coats and jackets that have been stored away
- Check fall shoes and boots for cleaning or repairs
- Vacuum or wipe the bottom of the closet
- Organize scarves, hats, and other cold-weather accessories
Give the Kitchen a Fall Refresh
- Clear expired food from the fridge
- Wipe down refrigerator shelves and drawers
- Go through the pantry and discard expired food
- Wipe down pantry shelves
- Clean the microwave and stovetop
- Wipe cabinet fronts and handles
- Clean the sink and faucet
- Wash reusable kitchen towels and oven mitts
- Check your fall baking staples and restock anything you use often
Freshen Up the Bathroom
- Wash your bath mats and shower curtain (if needed)
- Clean the tiles, toilet, and mirror
- Throw away empty or expired products
- Wash your makeup brushes and frequently used beauty tools
- Replace worn-out towels
Tackle the Forgotten Dusty Spots
- Dust ceiling fans
- Dust vents and air-conditioner grilles
- Wipe baseboards in the main living areas
- Dust the tops of tall furniture
- Clean window tracks
- Vacuum underneath frequently used furniture
- Remove cobwebs from ceiling corners
- Dust lampshades and light fixtures
Get the Entryway Ready for Fall
Rainy days, muddy shoes, jackets, and colder weather can make this little area work overtime during fall.
So, let’s spend time sprucing it up.
- Sweep or vacuum the entryway
- Shake out or clean the doormat
- Wipe down the front door
- Clean the shoe rack or shoe storage area
- Put away summer footwear you no longer need
- Make space for boots and closed-toe shoes
- Create an easy spot for jackets, umbrellas, or scarves
Finish With the Cozy Stuff
And now for the part that makes all that cleaning feel worth it.
- Put fresh sheets on the bed
- Fold clean blankets over the sofa or chairs
- Bring out a few favorite fall decorations
- Set out your favorite fall candle
- Create a little tea, coffee, or hot chocolate corner
- Add a basket for cozy blankets
- Put a fall simmer pot on the stove or use your favorite seasonal home scent
- Make yourself something warm to drink and enjoy your freshly cleaned home
You definitely don’t have to finish this entire checklist in one day.
Do one or two sections whenever you have time (and skip what you need to).
By the end of it, your home will feel cleaner, calmer, and a whole lot cozier than when you started.
Happy fall cleaning!
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