Even though the first day of autumn is not until September 22, by the last week of August, I’m ready to make some changes to my wardrobe, my home and me. Yes it’s still sweltering hot, but, for me, something hard to articulate has begun to happen. The air feels different, the sunlight has somewhat shifted, and clothing that seemed perfect in May like white linen pants, and my powder pink blazer – seem “off” to me now.

Maybe it’s hearing the beginning of football talk, or knowing most schools have begun, but for me, the time has come to say goodbye to fun-loving, free-spirited summer, and get serious about routines, start new habits, and prepare for autumn. This is my checklist for Transitioning to Fall:

Organize and Pack Away Summer Gear. I’m beginning to clean and cull all that is summer in my home. Now is a good time to wash all summer clothing and determine what to hold on to for another season and what can be donated. (Hint: if it was never worn this summer, it probably needs to go.) Do the same with outdoor supplies like tents, tablecloths, grilling supplies, and pool toys. Don’t forget to check coolers, giving the interiors a good wipe down and dry. Box everything up and store for next year. Summer decor is packed up too. For me, this is a melancholy task, but the alternative is to wait too long and then run out of time to do this properly. Next summer, I will be glad I took the time to do this now.

Rework Your Clothing Strategy. Figuring out what to wear until it is cool enough for the fall wardrobe is always a challenge when you live in the southeast. This is compounded by the fact, as mentioned above, that there are summer items that seem past the season to wear. I find myself moving away from turquoise, aqua and even my beloved magenta, and am drawn more to orange, reds, and darker prints. Even so,  fabrics must still be light weight, because the temperature will not drop here for a while.  These dresses are the perfect way to transition to a fall palette while still dealing with very warm weather. And here are some inventive ways to incorporate a fall look while still wearing lightweight summer separates. Speaking of fall influences, it may be too hot for your favorite brown cardigan, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear a little fall on your fingers.  I’m loving the nail shades featured here.

Find Your New Flow. Fall is the perfect time to begin or re-establish routines. A good starting point is establishing and sticking to regular meal and bed times. Our bodies do best when in rhythm, and actually crave routine; having such a routine can go a long way in creating balance and in helping one feel grounded. If you want to make several changes this fall, but are not sure how to begin, consider your responsibilities, health, and wellness, then make a list of goals that are important to you and your family. Your list might include exercise, sleep, proper nutrition, scheduling down time, meditation/prayer, making time for fun and leisure, and establishing a new hobby.  Things I’m focusing on this fall are re-establishing a weekly workout plan, sleeping 8 hours daily, eating more vegetables/eating clean, planning a Halloween-themed Supper Club, and planning mini family getaways.  Now that I have my goals, I’m updating my current routine to incorporate the steps required to accomplish my goals. My hands are very full!!

Update Your Meal Plan. Fall means new seasonal fruits and vegetables will hit store shelves and local farmers’ markets, and is an ideal time to update eating habits. While we may enjoy light salads and cold drink in the summer, autumn begs for more substantial dishes of foods such as pumpkin, broccoli and onions. Eating seasonally is something I really enjoy doing because the food is always at its peak flavor, and if you’re able to buy local, you also know there’s nothing fresher. Eating seasonally is also less expensive and therefore easier on your budget.

Enjoy the Weather. My mood and overall well-being is greatly affected by sunlight. While most of August is too hot to do so, September often has gorgeous days that while not cool, are mild enough to head outside for lunch. And on milder days as we head into October, I plan to take walks on my lunch break too.  It is a great way to soak up sun — and to fit in some exercise.

What are your favorite ways of transitioning to fall?