Although Fall officially began 3 weeks ago, the weather here at home is my official signal that Autumn has begun. And when mornings start out at just under 50° and afternoons can reach the high 70’s, that’s my cue to take care of these 3 basic fundamentals!

And as always, feel free to watch the video by clicking on the photo (when it finally uploads!)

Otherwise, let’s get into it!

Wardrobe Overhaul

If you’ve been around here a while, you’ve read about my wardrobe overhaul fundamental before. It’s as simple as:

• Go through and donate anything that hasn’t been worn in the last 6-8 months. (If you don’t have a system to help you decide what items these are, keep reading.)
• Pull out cold weather clothes (if you’re the type who cycles through spring/summer and fall/winter clothes.)
• Create a system to keep track of what’s worn and not worn over the next 6-8 months. (I tie a piece of twine around each hanger and take it off once that item is worn. That’s also what helps me decide what to donate come spring.)

Home Inspection

I say ‘home’ inspection, because there is something you can to do help your living space whether you’re apartment-savvy or have property. For apartments:

• Put away any items that aren’t weather-proof and make sure your storage is covered. (When I lived in an apartment, we were allowed to use under the stairs as a storage space and shared with neighbors.)
• Check your AC/heater filters and get them replaced them if need be. (This not only helps heaters run more efficiently saving money, but it also keeps the air quality in the living space cleaner and better.)
• Create a makeshift ‘mudroom’ in your entryway to avoid messes all over the house. (When I lived in an apartment, we used the small linoleum area in the entryway to add a heavy-duty rug, shoe rack, and coat rack. Any time someone would come through the door, all outside layers would be stripped there before moving on to the main home.)

Related: Ways To Minimize & Simplify Life

If you have property, your list might be a little more extensive, but it’s all worth it! And depending on how you look at it, you’re saving time, energy, and money in the long run too. For houses:

• Put away any items that aren’t weather-proof and make sure your storage is covered. (A garage, shed, or even spare room in the home should work just fine.)
• Check your AC/heater filters and replace them if need be. (This not only helps heaters run more efficiently saving money, but it also keeps the air quality in the living space cleaner and better.)
• Check the integrity of your roofing and replace what’s not intact.
• Clear out debris from your gutter system and make sure groundwater has a place to flow away from the house.
• Check your propane level (if it applies to you) and get it filled if necessary.
• Any other specifics that are important to you.

End Of Year Resolution

Resolutions at the end of the year are a great way to finish strong! Have you heard of the 90-day challenge? It’s a little bit more intense but the fundamental is simple. End this year on a great note and you’ll be in a better position to start next year off right! Here’s how to create one:

• Think of something you’ve either been putting off or wanting to accomplish for a while.
• Create a goal – ‘resolution’ – to stick to from now until New Year.
• *The key here is not to pick something that takes a long time to do or that is a serious challenge for you. Accomplishing the resolution is the main priority. (I personally have decided to clear my notifications each and every day. Reply to messages and emails. Take care of my to-dos. Check in on social media – even if it’s brief. And by doing this, I’ll feel so much more ready to tackle the new year and create another resolution!)

Gotta Have It All

I know I always say to take just one idea I’ve listed and try it out. But not this time! These 3 fundamentals are meant to be paired together. They’re easy, simple, and attainable. Plus, beneficial! When it comes to a wardrobe overhaul, what I can say is it gets easier with practice. The first time I tried, I had a really hard time letting go of anything. Now that I have a system in place, it helps keep me accountable when I otherwise might not be.

When it comes to home inspections, all I can say is if it seems like a challenge, you’re going about it with the wrong mindset. This should be a way for you to add value to your home and your life. The first time I attempted an inspection, it was overwhelming. I didn’t know where to start and thought it would cost more money to do than it would to skip. But I was wrong and I’ll admit it. Now it not only makes me feel safer, but less overwhelmed!

And as for resolutions, if that’s not your thing, it’s not your thing. It’s not something that can be forced. But if I could recommend it on a scale of 1-10, I’d give it a 10! Not only is that how my journaling adventure started, but it’s also what I give credit to for my 3 straight years of working out consistently. Plus, it’s a way for me to prove that I’m doing it for myself and myself only – which helps me mentally stick to a NY resolution.

As always, thank you so very much for being a part of ETM’s community! I encourage you to join discussions, interact with Mommas and others alike, and be unapologetically yourself! Until next time, I hope I’m able to help make your life as simple as could be. (:

With all my love, Brandolyn – Earth To Momma