Seasonal Declutter: Get Your Home Cozy and Organized for Fall
There’s an official chill in the air—at least if you’re up and at ‘em before the sun wakes up! Still, though, it’s time for a fall clean-up and organizing. As the seasons change, don’t be afraid to change it up, now is the time to get yourself and your home ready for one of the busiest times of the year!
1. Start with Seasonal Swaps
Fall is all about layering up and staying warm, which means it’s time to swap out your summer clothes for some warmer options. Start by packing away lightweight clothes, sandals, and summer accessories. Consider using vacuum-sealed bags or under-the-bed storage containers to maximize space. As you store summer items, take note of any pieces you didn’t wear. If an item went unworn all summer, it might be time to donate or recycle it.
Once your fall wardrobe is in place, do a similar swap with home décor. Replace bright, airy summer accents with warmer tones and textures like throw blankets, pillows, and fall-themed decorations. Don’t forget about your entryway — swapping out lightweight summer shoes and adding a basket for scarves and hats can help keep your home organized as temperatures drop. This also helps you keep track of where all your warm accessories are!
2. Declutter Common Areas
Fall often means more time spent indoors, making decluttering common areas such as your living room, kitchen, and dining space essential. Start by assessing the surfaces in these areas. Do you have stacks of mail, magazines, or random items gathering dust? Clear them off and find a designated spot for everything.
In the kitchen, evaluate your pantry and refrigerator. As we transition to fall cooking, you might want to get rid of expired items and make space for hearty soups, stews, and baking essentials. Consider organizing your pantry by categories, such as snacks, baking goods, and canned items, to make meal prep easier.
3. Prepare for Holiday Hosting
With fall comes the holiday season, and with that, the likelihood of hosting guests. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or just having friends over for a cozy evening, it’s worth preparing your home for entertaining. This might be the time to get those puzzles and board games you’ve always said you wanted to do, but never had time!
If you have a guest room, this can be the time to freshen it up. Remove any clutter or items that don’t belong in the space. Freshen up bedding, and towels, and stock the room with essentials like extra blankets and toiletries. Next, consider decluttering your dining area to ensure you have ample space for guests. This might mean clearing out unused tableware or creating a buffet-style serving station in your kitchen to keep the dining table clear.
4. Tackle Storage Spaces
Garages, attics, and basements are often overlooked when it comes to decluttering, but fall is the perfect time to give these spaces some attention. As the weather cools, you’ll have more motivation to tidy up these areas before winter sets in.
Begin by clearing out anything broken, unused, or unnecessary. Organize items by category, such as sports equipment, seasonal décor, and tools, and invest in shelving or storage bins to keep everything neatly contained. Labeling bins can make it easier to find what you need when the time comes to retrieve your winter holiday decorations.
5. Refresh Your Home’s Air
As you declutter and reorganize your home, it’s important to also refresh the air quality inside. With windows closed more frequently in fall, indoor air can become stagnant. Consider changing your HVAC filters and cleaning out vents. You can also bring in a few air-purifying plants or diffusers with fall-inspired essential oils like cinnamon, clove, or cedarwood for a natural boost in both air quality and ambiance. Or use this time to test out some pie or cinnamon roll recipes and add that lovely fragrance to your home!
A well-organized and decluttered home can help you feel more comfortable and ready to embrace all that fall has to offer. By taking the time to swap out seasonal items, prepare for holiday hosting, and tidy up common areas, you’ll create a space that feels inviting, functional, and perfectly aligned with the cozy vibe of fall. Happy Organizing!