September always feels like a month of transition. The summer heat is still lingering, but fall is just around the corner with pumpkins, cozy nights, and all the autumn vibes. For me, September isn’t just about waiting for October—it’s about making the most of every day before it sneaks up. Here are 10 things I want to check off my list before October arrives.
1. Take Our Vacation to South Padre Island
The very first thing at the top of my list? Our vacation. We’re heading to South Padre Island this weekend, and I can’t wait. There’s something about salty air, sandy toes, and sunsets over the Gulf that makes life feel a little lighter. Vacations are like a reset button, and this one is long overdue.
2. Finish Up Summer Reads
I’ve been stacking up books all summer, but haven’t finished them yet. Before fall officially takes over with cozy mysteries and darker reads, I want to close out my summer list. There’s just something satisfying about starting October with a fresh book stack.
3. Declutter and Clean the House
Call it “fall cleaning” if you want, but September feels like the right time to purge the closets, organize drawers, and give the house a refresh. A clean home makes the arrival of fall—and Halloween—a whole lot cozier.
4. Try a New Fall Recipe
Before the month is over, I want to get into the kitchen and test out a recipe that screams autumn—maybe pumpkin bread, apple cider donuts, or even a savory soup. It’s the perfect way to ease into fall flavors.
5. Take a Long Evening Walk
The weather in September finally starts to cool off (a little). Evening walks are one of my favorite ways to soak in the last of summer and welcome fall. It’s also a good way to reset the mind after long workdays.
6. Decorate for Halloween
Forget pumpkins and harvest vibes—those can wait until November 1st. September is my time to start planning and pulling out the spooky décor. Skeletons, bats, witches, and maybe a few cobwebs (the fake kind, not the ones I’ve ignored all summer). I love when the house takes on that playful, haunted energy.
7. Spend a Weekend Offline
With vacations, work, and everything in between, it’s easy to stay glued to screens. But I want to dedicate one weekend before October to going offline—no scrolling, no constant checking, just being present.
8. Plan a Cozy Movie Night
A movie marathon with blankets, popcorn, and maybe some cider is definitely on my September list. I want to sneak in a mix of summer classics and early fall favorites before Halloween movies take over.
9. Take More Photos
Life moves fast, and September is one of those months where everything changes quickly—the light, the weather, the mood. I want to capture more of these little everyday moments before the month slips away.
10. Reflect and Set Intentions for Fall
Before October officially arrives, I want to sit down and reflect on the past few months and set some intentions for the rest of the year. Fall always feels like a second new year, and taking a little time to refocus is a must.
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.