Spring cleaning gets all the attention, but I’ve always loved fall cleaning and organizing, too. The cooler months offer the perfect opportunity to refresh your living space and prepare for winter. This year organizing has taken on a new urgency for me, as it coincides with packing for a move to a new city. After 20 years in our current home, there’s a lot to do in a short amount of time.
I love decluttering and often help friends organize their homes and offices, but I must admit, I’m having a tough time staying focused on the task at hand. I’ll start off strong by organizing clothes by season before packing them, but then I think about books I need to sort and get distracted with that. Then, I might decide I need to clean my oven (this happened last week).
To get back on track, I pulled out my old copy of “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo. I skimmed through it and landed on a key phrase: one category at a time. Words to live by right now. Then I put the book in the library donation box.
I also researched best practices for fall cleaning and organizing. These five tips are already helping me, and I know they’ll be useful in our new home. I don’t want to make the same mistakes I’ve made in this house, such as buying a label maker two years ago but never unboxing it. Or ordering dividers to corral food storage container lids but never installing them in drawers and cabinets. I’m determined to use those label maker and cabinet dividers to stay organized in my new home!
1. Declutter and donate
Go through your belongings and decide what you no longer need. Consider donating gently used items to local charities. This not only helps you reduce clutter but also supports your community. I have a collection of business clothes I never wear; some will go to my niece and others to a charity that helps women prepare for job interviews.
2. Deep clean your home
Take advantage of the cooler weather to thoroughly clean your home. Dust and vacuum all rooms, clean windows, and wash or dry clean curtains. Pay special attention to areas that may have been neglected during the summer, such as baseboards and ceiling fans where dust can settle. Don’t forget about the oven!
3. Organize your kitchen
As you prepare for fall cooking and baking, organize your kitchen to make meal prep easier. Clean out your pantry, discard expired items (I recently did this in preparation for the move), and restock with fall staples like canned pumpkin, spices and baking supplies.
4. Get creative with storage solutions
Maximize your storage space with practical solutions. Use under-bed storage bins, over-the-door organizers, and shelving units to keep your belongings organized. Label boxes and bins to make it easy to find items when you need them. Maybe even buy a label maker!
5. Create a cozy atmosphere
I love this one. Embrace the change of season and enjoy the process of creating an inviting, comfortable and organized living space. Now is the time for warm throws, scented candles and fall decorations.