The same way Spring feels refreshing every year, fall has that very same effect. As the leaves change so do we. We start to open up those windows, get excited for the holidays, and then we realize there are a few things we should declutter during fall…
As fall sets in, it’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of holiday preparations. Between work, social events, baking, shopping, and activities, stress can quickly build up. That’s why learning to declutter during this season is a game-changer for maintaining a stress-free holiday season. With the weather finally cooling down, you can take advantage of the crisp air to open up your home and let out any lingering summer vibes.
And with kids back in school, you’ll have more time on your hands to focus on tidying up and decluttering your space. A clutter-free home has a profound impact on our mental wellbeing too – less visual clutter means fewer worries about maintenance and upkeep. Who wouldn’t want to simplify their life and enjoy more memorable experiences with loved ones? This fall, take the first step towards achieving that by decluttering your home and creating a more peaceful living environment.
Our comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, providing valuable insights on what to prioritize and how to get started.
01 | FALL & WINTER CLOTHES
As the seasons transition, now’s the perfect opportunity to reassess your clothing collection. Take a moment to reflect on the past half-year – have you worn those long-sleeved shirts, scarves, and hats? If not, consider letting go of items that no longer bring you joy or serve a practical purpose. It’s easy to hold onto cold-weather clothing out of obligation, but this year, take control by paring down your wardrobe to only what you truly wear.
For some, this might mean embracing the concept of a capsule wardrobe – a curated selection of neutral, well-fitting pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits.
02 | HOME DECOR
When it comes to decluttering, home decor can be a challenging area to tackle, especially when sentimental items are involved. We’ve all had that one vase or painting that held special memories, but as we grow and evolve, our tastes in home decor can shift too. The key is to reframe your perspective and recognize that it’s okay to let go of certain pieces. In fact, embracing this change can make the decluttering process easier.
Consider the upcoming holiday season.
As you start to bring out festive decorations, your space may begin to feel cramped. And let’s not forget about potential gifts – they might add to the cluttered atmosphere as well. By taking proactive steps to declutter your home decor now, you’ll be better prepared for the chaos that comes with the holidays.
So, take a deep breath and start letting go of items that no longer bring you joy.
You’ll be amazed at how liberating it can feel to create space in your home – both physically and emotionally.
03 | HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
As Halloween, Fall, and Christmas decorations continue to pile up over the years, it’s natural that our tastes and decorating styles evolve. While some of us might use every single item we’ve accumulated, others might find themselves consistently leaving miscellaneous decorations at the bottom of the bin, never seeing the light of day. This fall is an opportune time to reassess our decoration collections and consider donating or recycling items that no longer bring joy or serve a purpose.
Perhaps we’re ready for a fresh new look this holiday season? If so, there’s no shame in letting go of old decorations and making room for new ones.
04 | YOUR KITCHEN
As the holiday season approaches, it’s essential to take control of your kitchen by decluttering thoroughly. With increased activity in this space, it’s crucial to ensure that essentials like measuring cups, cookie cutters, and brown sugar are easily accessible. A cluttered kitchen can lead to a stressful holiday season. Take this opportunity to re-prioritize your kitchen’s layout. If you’re an avid baker, take stock of your supplies, label and organize them for effortless use.
Similarly, if you frequently host parties or events, assess your serving trays and platters. Donate any unused or outdated items to declutter your space and make room for new traditions.
05 | SCHOOL & CRAFTS SUPPLIES
When it comes to decluttering school, office, and craft supplies, the unknown can be a major obstacle. We may hold onto items ‘just in case’ we need them someday, even if they’ve been gathering dust for years. However, with a little preparation and perspective, you can tackle this task with ease. As the kids head back to school in the fall, take advantage of the opportunity to sort through your supplies and identify what you really need versus what’s just taking up space.
And with the holiday season approaching, you may find yourself diving into crafty projects once again. When decluttering your craft supplies, remember that if you haven’t used something in two years, it’s likely you won’t be using it anytime soon. If you have zero time for crafts currently, consider letting go of items that don’t spark joy and revisit the hobby when life becomes less busy.
And if you can’t envision a project that incorporates a particular supply, it might not be worth holding onto. The good news is that most craft supplies are relatively inexpensive and easily accessible if needed. If you find yourself in need of something specific, a quick trip to a craft store like Michaels or Joanns will likely solve the problem.
06 | YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE
As the warmth of summer begins to fade, it’s the perfect opportunity to revitalize your outdoor oasis. The sweltering heat may have caused a buildup of clutter, with pool toys floating aimlessly in the water, bikes strewn about the lawn, and overgrown gardens begging for attention. Take advantage of this transitional period before winter sets in to give your outdoor space a thorough decluttering, cleaning, and organizing.
Start by deflating and storing away any toys, then move on to sweeping and hosing down the front porch. Don’t forget to tidy up your garden and tools, getting them ready for the holiday season ahead.
07 | GIFT WRAP
Spend just 30 minutes tidying up your holiday supplies and make this season less stressful! If you’re like many people, your gift wrap, bows, and bags are probably stashed away in a garage box or closet, collecting dust. But why hold onto things that no longer serve you? Take the opportunity to declutter and put your wrapping essentials to good use. Vow to actually use them this year, or consider donating or recycling items that are broken, outdated, or simply not your style.
By clearing out the clutter, you’ll gain a clear understanding of what you have on hand, making it easier to restock as needed. No more unnecessary purchases or storage woes!
08 | TOYS
As the fall season approaches, it’s an excellent opportunity to declutter toys from your kids’ collection. With children heading back to school, they’ll likely be influenced by their peers and shed their attachment to last year’s must-have toys, making way for the next big thing. Furthermore, with the holiday season looming, a tidy playroom is not only a sanity-saver but also sets the stage for new toy arrivals without feeling overwhelmed.
By taking this proactive approach, you’ll be creating a more organized and peaceful environment for your kids to enjoy their favorite playthings.
09 | HOME ENTRYWAYS & CLOSETS
As the seasons transition, it’s essential to reorganize our often-overwhelmed entryways, coat closets, and mudrooms to maintain a clutter-free home. The time has come to bid farewell to bathing suits and sandals, making way for cozy scarves and coats. Take the initiative to thoroughly declutter these areas, implementing functional solutions that will help you keep your space organized throughout the season.
This means storing away summer-related items like flip flops, beach bags, towels, and toys, freeing up valuable space to accommodate boots, coats, and guests’ belongings. If you’re unsure where to begin, start by identifying the most cluttered areas and work your way through them, creating a more streamlined and functional home.
10 | BEAUTY PRODUCTS
As the seasons transition from summer to fall, it’s an opportune moment to conduct a thorough beauty product purge. A chance to declutter your collection of old makeup, worn-out brushes, and unused beach hair sprays that have been collecting dust for months.
Our daily routines naturally evolve with the changing weather, as we swap tanning lotions for rich moisturizers to combat dry skin. This shift often leaves us with a surplus of products that never quite made it out of their packaging.
Take this opportunity to reexamine your stash and adopt a new mindset: commit to using only one product per category until it’s fully depleted, eliminating the need for duplicates and expired items in the process.
11 | BLANKETS & THROWS
When it comes to blankets, people often find themselves in one of two scenarios: having an abundance or falling short. Regardless of where you stand, this presents a prime opportunity to declutter. The process is surprisingly quick and effortless!
If your blanket collection includes items that are no longer serving their purpose – think small sizes, itchy textures, visible signs of wear like pilling, fraying, or holes – it’s time to consider donating or recycling them.
On the other hand, if you’re in the market for new blankets, this is an excellent chance to seek out ones that harmonize with your home’s aesthetic, meet your specific size needs, and boast the softness you crave.
12 | THE GARAGE
While garages often become a repository for miscellaneous items, the sweltering heat of summer months can make tackling this space an unappealing task. However, fall presents an ideal opportunity to transform your cluttered garage into a tidy haven. By dedicating time to declutter and organize, you’ll not only create a sense of calm but also ensure that your holiday decorations are easily accessible when the season arrives.
Start by opening up those doors, preparing your vehicle for donations, and embarking on a mission to clear out your garage once and for all.
13 | SUMMER STUFF
As the warmth of summer fades away, it’s essential to take stock of all the seasonal items that have accumulated over the months. From towels and bathing suits to toys and pool floats, these items can quickly clutter up your home. To make next summer more enjoyable and stress-free, start by sorting through your summer belongings and setting aside anything that’s no longer needed or wanted.
Donate or recycle these items so someone else can enjoy them, and you’ll be left with a more organized and tidy space. This simple act of decluttering will also help reduce holiday stress during the fall season, allowing you to have a clean, organized home that’s ready for your next Spring Cleaning session.
Happy Decluttering!
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