Reduce Stress This Fall With This 6 Step Declutter Plan
The beginning of fall is like a brand new year, for many of us, it’s a fresh start.
For parents, kids are back in school which brings a change in routine. Weather-wise, there’s a transition from lazy days to chillier, more structured ones. This means a shift of clothes, toys/hobbies/sports equipment, and the way we use our home and yard as well. Plus, the holidays are just around the corner so it’s time to get ready for guests, an influx of seasonal decor, and all the new things that Santa brings.”
Fall is the perfect time to declutter these 6 spaces that need attention as the seasons change to make room for what we love about fall and winter: making it clean and cozy indoors, shifting towards sweaters and boots in our closets, and making room in the garage for cars instead of pool floats and beach toys.
The 6 Spaces to declutter and Organize in the Fall
Start with your outdoor space and Garage. Bring in your summer toys, Get the yard tidied so you can start the Fall yard work. Start by purging the things that have broken over the summer, donate toys your kids have outgrown or things you didn’t use at all this summer. The next step is making room in your garage. Take everything out, give it a sweep and add in some shelving if you don't already have it. It's important to use vertical space so add bike racks and command hooks for brooms and rakes etc. Use a pegboard and bins for tools. Group similar items and put them into storage boxes make sure to label the boxes so you know exactly what's inside.
2. As you change over your closets, declutter your summer (and winter) clothes. Something you didn’t wear all year- donate it, kids have grown out of things, donate them. For The summer items, you’re keeping wash and store away. As you bring out your fall clothes, do the same. Donate things that don’t fit, or that no longer work for your lifestyle.
3. Get the Pantry Back to school ready. Now is the perfect time to get your pantry or cupboards organized. Take everything out and check expiration dates. Group similar items. Dinner, snacks, lunch foods so that packing lunches and after school snacks are accessible and easy.
4. Home office, back to school, and craft supplies. Now’s the time to go through your pens, markers, pencils, crayons, paper, and everything in between. Go through what you have before buying new sets. Test every marker, and pen and only keep what works. If you have full sets that are gently used consider donating if you know you don’t need them
5. Toys and games- As the kids go back to school evaluate what they’re playing with, donate things they’ve outgrown or no longer play with. Make room for the influx that they will receive during the holiday. Engage your kids in the decision making, you’d be surprised at what they’re willing to let go of.
6. The Car. This is a big one, take everything out, go through and get rid of anything you don't need in the car. Group into categories: either: Snacks, hair elastics, first aid, wipes, tissues, etc. Get containers and put them away based on the groups you create.
As you begin the decluttering process it’s important to remember to take everything out and group things into categories and subcategories so that the task becomes more manageable. Start with one area and finish it completely before moving on to the next space.
Are you ready to dive deeper into your decluttering journey? Get my newest guide Create Space
Happy Decluttering!
-Jocelyn