6 Must-Declutter Areas Before Fall Arrives

The arrival of fall signals a shift in lifestyle—cooler temperatures, cozier interiors, and the anticipation of the holidays. This seasonal change provides the perfect opportunity to declutter your home and make space for new energy. While spring cleaning garners attention, decluttering before fall can be equally refreshing. Below are six areas to consider tidying up before the leaves begin to turn.

Summer Wardrobe

Before you put your summer clothing away:

1. Consider reorganizing your storage strategy for better accessibility next year.
2. Utilize vacuum-sealed bags for bulky items to save space, and label your boxes to make your next summer’s wardrobe transition smoother.
3. Take this opportunity to inspect your fall and winter clothing for any repairs or alterations they might need.

This way, your wardrobe will be in tip-top shape, all set for the cold months ahead. The practice of switching out seasonal clothing can serve as a natural reminder to keep your wardrobe curated and functional.

Outdoor and Garden Supplies

Consider planning for the next growing season when tidying up your outdoor space. Store seeds, bulbs, and other gardening essentials in a cool, dry place. It’s also a good idea to clean, sharpen, and oil your gardening tools before you store them to extend their lifespan. If you have any outdoor toys or sporting equipment that’s seen better days, consider repairing or replacing those as well. Creating an inventory of your gardening and outdoor supplies can be incredibly helpful for future planning and prevent unnecessary purchases next season.

Pantry and Fridge

While cleaning out your pantry and fridge, take note of items you frequently use and those that take up space. This will help you make smarter shopping choices moving forward. Also, consider implementing an organizational system with clear containers and labels to help you locate your food items quickly. Perhaps introduce a “first in, first out” system, where older items get moved to the front for quicker use. You can even allocate specific areas for kids’ snacks, baking ingredients, and quick meal options to streamline your cooking process and reduce time spent on meal prep.

Holiday Decor

Once you’ve simplified your holiday decor, it’s a good idea to store them in a way that maintains their quality and makes it easy to access for the next holiday season. Use sturdy storage boxes with dividers for fragile items, and label each box according to the holiday or theme. This is also an excellent time to take stock of what decorations you may need or want to replace for the coming holidays. Create a list and keep it with your stored decorations as a reminder for next year’s holiday shopping.