Fall is such a magical and fleeting time of year. The air is crisp, the colors are bright, and the pumpkin spice is plentiful. It’s my favorite time of year. With each falling leaf comes the reality of shorter and colder days. A reminder that the dark days of winter are around the corner. Instead of being dragged down by darkness of the season, we can choose to slow down and lean into the coziness. A great way to do this is to find simple ways to appeal to our five senses daily. Making small changes or additions we can make the ordinary moments a bit more special! Check out these 5 ways to engage your senses for a cozy fall.

Sight

Adding seasonal touches to your home is a great way to make it feel cozier, but you don’t have to go overboard! Some love to go all out for each holiday, but adding a few seasonal accents to your space can make a big difference. 5 ways to engage your senses includes incorporating simple décor. And better yet, a lot of these accents can be very low cost or even free. Nature is a great source of free décor. Bring in some branches with fall foliage or dried flowers and grasses to add to a vase. Use pumpkins, gourds, or even pears to add some natural touches to your home. I like to keep my seasonal décor neutral and timeless, which keeps me from feeling like I need to change every few years. Another great way to add coziness to your home during these long dark days is to bring in all the soft lighting! 

This lamp was $7.99 and give a faux cement treatment!

This one is a must for me. Adding twinkle lights, candles (pro-tip – you can get battery operated ones with timers!) and lamps around your home will add warmth. Do NOT underestimate the power of a small lamp in the kitchen – it’s the ultimate dose of cozy!

Taste

Let’s be honest, this time of year food can play a huge role in our self-care. They don’t call it comfort food for nothing! What is more satisfying on a cold night than a freshly baked loaf of sourdough and a pot of hot soup? You’re not going to be grabbing a fresh loaf of bread at your Goodwill, but as the expression goes, we taste with our eyes before we ever taste with our mouth. Incorporating a few seasonal items like hearty soup bowls or a new fall mug is a great way to make ordinary moments and foods seem a little sweeter. Why save the “good dishes” for special occasions when we can have an extra bit of special every day? And for that matter, can we bring back candy dishes? Nothing says “welcome home” like a pretty little bowl filled with your family’s favorite sweet treats! 

This is one of my very favorite symphonies, I had to grab this one!

Sound

This sense may not be one we normally think of when it comes to coziness, and it’s very easy to overlook. But to me, there is nothing cozier on a dark night than pulling out a vintage record, a board game or a book, and sitting down with a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider. There’s something about vinyl that creates nostalgia in a way that the playlist on your phone just can’t. Goodwill NCW has a huge selection of records, you’re sure to find something that will suit any musical taste or mood!

Smell

Did you know that scent is one of the biggest triggers of memory? A quick whiff can conjure up memories of a favorite holiday tradition, a loved one who may be far away or no longer with us or splashing in puddles during a hot summer rain. Scent has the power to mentally transport us in ways that the other senses can’t quite do. Candles are an easy and obvious way to bring your favorite scent into your home, and Goodwill NCW has many to choose from. But for a full experience, try making your own! Candle making is fun and easy, and you can turn so many of your unique Goodwill NCW finds into a one of a kind candle vessel. Get the whole family involved and you won’t just smell those memories, you’ll be making them.

I have two duvets for extra coziness and visual interest. As it gets cooler, I’ll add a faux fur blanket and flannel sheets as well!

Touch

Touch may be the most practical sense to focus on this time of year, because let’s face it, it’s getting cold! But adding warmth around your home can be as luxurious as it is practical. Give your feet a hug the moment you step into your home by placing a pair of fuzzy slippers by the door. Add texture and warmth to your home by incorporating faux fur, cable knit blankets and pillows, or flannel. Your local Goodwill NCW has an awesome variety of donated and new textiles for your home at great prices. And don’t neglect your bed! A layered bed adds visual interest and warmth to your bedroom, and there is nothing that feels better than getting into a soft and cozy bed at night.