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:
- Consider reorganizing your storage strategy for better accessibility next year.
- Utilize vacuum-sealed bags for bulky items to save space, and label your boxes to make your next summer’s wardrobe transition smoother.
- 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.
School and Office Supplies
Fall might be a perfect time to switch if you still need to go digital. Digitize important documents to save physical space and ensure they’re easily accessible. This is also an opportunity to revisit your workspace ergonomics. Do you need a more comfortable chair or a better lighting setup? Now’s the time to make those upgrades. Also, consider decluttering your computer desktop and cloud storage. Just like physical clutter, digital clutter can impede productivity.
Health and Wellness Items
In health and wellness, think beyond just your medicine cabinet. This is an excellent time to declutter your workout gear, removing items that are worn out or that you never use. Update your playlist or download a new workout app to refresh your fitness routine. Don’t overlook your mental well-being; some commitments or habits need decluttering, too. Fall is an excellent time for introspection, so consider setting new wellness goals or starting a mindfulness practice as you head into the colder months.
Fall is more than just a season of beautiful foliage and cozy sweaters; it’s a time for renewal and reflection. By decluttering these six critical areas of your life, you’re making room for new possessions and mental space for fresh experiences and perspectives. A decluttered home is a more peaceful home, and who wouldn’t want that as they sip on their pumpkin spice latte?
