3 Things You Need To Do To Get Ready For Fall

Ah, fall. The season of pumpkin spice everything, crunchy leaves, and the bittersweet realization that you have to wear more than just shorts and flip-flops. Before you know it, the air will be crisp, the sweaters will come out of hiding, and you'll be faced with the existential crisis of whether to order your latte hot or iced. One good part about living in Florida though, is the fact that it really doesn't get too cold to the point where we have to change our wardrobe that much. But before all that happens, there are a few crucial things you must complete to ensure your transition into autumn is as smooth as your favorite fall soup. Here are the five things you absolutely must do before fall officially begins:

Everyone knows that pumpkin spice is fall’s official flavor, and the demand for anything pumpkin spice-flavored will skyrocket faster than you can say "basic." Stock up on every pumpkin spice product you can find—lattes, muffins, candles, dog treats, shampoo—whatever you can get your hands on. You might even consider a second freezer to store all the pumpkin spice ice cream you’ll buy in bulk. You never know when there might be a shortage, and you don’t want to be the only one sipping plain old vanilla coffee when everyone else is in pumpkin heaven.

Remember that ambitious summer bucket list you made back in June? You know, the one where you promised yourself you’d learn to surf, hike five new trails, and finally read that classic novel you’ve been putting off since high school? Well, now’s the time to scramble and check off as many of those things as possible. But let’s be real—you’ll probably only manage to have a beach day and half-finish a YouTube yoga video before giving up and binge-watching a Netflix series. It’s the thought that counts, right?

We all have grand dreams of carving the perfect pumpkin—a work of art that will wow your neighbors and earn you a thousand likes on Instagram. But let's be honest, your pumpkin will likely end up looking more like a sad, deflated balloon than the Pinterest-perfect masterpiece you envisioned. Before fall starts, take a moment to lower your expectations. Practice drawing crooked triangles and jagged smiles on paper to get in the right mindset. This way, when your pumpkin inevitably collapses in on itself like a failed soufflé, you’ll be ready with a self-deprecating laugh and an “I meant to do that” attitude.

So there you have it, the 3 things you simply must do before fall starts. Complete these tasks, and you’ll be more than ready to welcome autumn with open, flannel-clad arms. Or at least you’ll be prepared to face the season with a pumpkin spice latte in hand and a sense of humor about your lopsided jack-o’-lantern. Happy almost-fall!