Feel like you’re stuck inside with the blustery #fall weather? You don’t have to go it alone, says Real Simple. Invite friends to brave the cooler temperatures with you at a tailgate party, hayride, ghost tour or backyard bonfire. If you’re feeling more indoorsy, invite them to go antiquing, visit a local microbrewery or join a potluck dinner. Many areas of the country are having their final farmers markets of the year, but you can still spotlight healthy fall produce such as squash, root vegetables, spinach, pears and apples. You can even pick your own! #FallActivities
Author: Jordank
Editorial Coordinator
Peak Fall Colors Are Happening Now
Summer may be over, but #autumn offers plenty of things to do for young and old. Perhaps the most iconic is to take a hike or drive to see the leaves change color from lush greens to bright yellows, oranges and reds. “Leaves can change their color from as early as mid-September all the way through early November,” says Almanac.com. “Typically, the second and third weeks of October are the peak times, but prime foliage schedules will shift depending on where you live and your local weather conditions.” Weather plays a role in how vibrant your foliage looks, favoring cool nights, sunny days and moderate rainfall. #FallActivities
Are You Really Going to Wear That Again?
As the seasons shift, you probably turned first to a few core #clothing staples to deal with the cooler temperatures: long sleeves, hoodies, jackets and other transitional garments. Big stacks of cold-weather #garments lie in wait, however, for even harsher weather ahead.
The challenge at this point of the year is to decide which garments are going to be useful in the months ahead and have them ready to wear to holiday parties, treks in the snow and any other occasions #winter might present.
You can put away the shorts and swimwear — for now. But as you make the seasonal transition and take inventory of your clothing, there’s a critical question to ask yourself: Are you really going to wear that again?
Some of the #summer clothing you were planning on storing may be too worn to wear again in 2026. A few garments might have been kicking around your closets and drawers, never really fitting into your scheme — or perhaps not fitting your physique in a flattering way.
Similarly, many of the #fall and #winter garments coming out of storage may no longer suit you. Some may have shrunk (flannels are notorious for this); others might have holes and stains; still others will fail to fit your current style or lifestyle.
Make an honest assessment of what hasn’t made the cut so far this year and what you can and will wear in the months ahead. If you’re on the fence with certain garments, try them on; you will probably find that something is just “a little bit off” fit- or style-wise on more than a few.
That “little bit off” represents the difference between you feeling confident at home, work and play and uncertain or self-conscious. And any garment that doesn’t support positive feelings doesn’t deserve to return to your shelves or into #storage for next summer.
Use drawers, shelves and #closets only for items you know you’ll wear again. Collect and #donate lightly used items that fail the “Are you really going to wear that again?” test to ClothingDonations.org, and trash the ones that are too worn to be of any use other than rags.
You’ll reclaim your personal style, look great and be ready for whatever winter throws at you!
Stock Up on Winter Essentials
While less is more when it comes to #stuff, there are a few things you might want to have at the ready before #winter if you want to be #prepared for the worst. You might need a good snow shovel, de-icer, flashlights and batteries, a weather radio, an emergency car kit, food that doesn’t require preparation, and extra pet food. Even if you aren’t completely snowed-in, you might like to stock up on #winter staples such as flour and sugar for #holiday baking. In many areas, you’ll need a good winter coat and waterproof boots — and you can find a lot of lightly used winter gear at the #thrift stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org.
Store Outdoor Goods for Next Year
If you enjoy #outdoor living when the temperatures are warm (we at The Organizing Blog certainly do), you’ll want to protect your #garden, deck, furniture and other equipment. Start by preparing your garden, says HGTV. #Winterize irrigation systems and mulch the flower beds. Protect outdoor furniture by covering it or storing it in the garage or basement. Likewise with metal outdoor amenities such as barbecue grills and firepits — store them inside or cover them with a waterproof tarp. You may also wish to water-seal wood fences and decks to make them last longer against the snow and sleet. #HomeWinterization