Kelly & Carl Robinson - Home Sweet Home

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courtesy of: Kelly & Carl Robinson

Dear Homeowners, Autumn’s crisp air and golden light invite us to slow down, savor comfort, and prepare our homes for the months ahead. In this issue, you’ll find ideas for making the most of the season—inside and out. We’ll explore how a little fall planting and prep now can set the stage for a vibrant spring garden. For those planning to stay in their homes well into the future, we share smart aging-in-place design strategies—like wider doorways, curbless showers, and layered lighting—that keep spaces safe, functional, and beautiful. You’ll also find cozy, pumpkin-inspired recipes—both sweet and savory—to bring comfort to your table. And before winter arrives, we share practical decluttering strategies to clear space, reduce stress, and help you welcome the holidays with ease.

If I can help with any real estate needs this fall—whether you’re buying, selling, or simply curious about your home’s value— we ’d be happy to assist.

Kelly & Carl Robinson

973-500-3253 info@CarellyRealty.com carellyrealty.com/digital _ magazine www.CarellyRealty.com

Table of Contents

The Autumn Garden Revival: HOW TO PLANT NOW FOR AN EARLY SPRING BLOOM

Cozy Autumn Comfort

SAVORY & SWEET PUMPKIN DREAMS

Don’t let cooler days fool you, fall is prime time to set your garden up for spring glory. These seasonal steps will give your plants a powerful head start. You’ll also find smart tips on labeling, mulching, and storing tools so your spring prep is a breeze. Put in the work now, and you’ll be greeted by a burst of blooms and healthier harvests when winter finally gives way to warmer days.

• Pumpkin Ricotta • Rustic Pumpkin

Chiffon Tart

Designing a Home for the Years Ahead COMFORT, SAFETY, AND STYLE FOR AGING IN PLACE

Seasonal Decluttering WHY FALL IS THE BEST TIME TO SIMPLIFY YOUR HOME Fall isn’t just for pumpkins and cozy sweaters—it’s also the perfect season to clear out clutter and reset your home before winter settles in. With cooler weather, holiday preparations ahead, and nature’s own cycle of letting go as inspiration, this is your chance to create space, reduce stress, and make room for what truly matters.

Thoughtful aging-in-place design goes far beyond shower bars or chair lifts. Discover how features like wider doorways, curbless showers, layered lighting, and slip-resistant flooring can keep your home safe, stylish, accessible, and comfortable for decades— especially if you start planning sooner rather than later.

October 2025

Autumn Garden Revival HOW TO PLANT NOW FOR AN EARLY SPRING BLOOM

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Plants can become overgrown and compacted in a single area. Help your plants out and expand your flowerbeds by dividing well-established plants in the fall. Plants such as daylilies and hostas have clusters of underground roots. To divide them, simply drive a sharp-edged spade into the grouping and work a clump away. Alternatively, dig out the entire group and cut away sections, making sure to leave a good root system for each division. Then replant, feed, and water each grouping. As with deadheading, if temperatures are quickly dropping, you can divide plants once things warm up in the spring. However, if you get to it during the mild part of fall, your plants will be established and ready to thrive when spring rolls around. STEP 2: DIVIDE PLANTS

Fall may feel like the end of the gardening season, but it’s actually the perfect time to plan for spring success. While you preserve the final harvest and clean up flowerbeds for winter, consider adding a few additional chores to your list. Tasks like soil enrichment and plantings pair nicely with mild autumn weather and will lighten your workload in the spring. By doing them now, you can give your plants a head start and reward yourself with a vibrant display of early blooms.

STEPS TO TAKE NOW FOR SPRING BLOOMS

Before the first freeze sets in, enjoy the pleasant autumn conditions. With increasing rainfall and cooler temperatures, it’s the perfect time of year to haul landscaping materials like dirt and bark. Additionally, the ground is still workable enough to amend and plant.

STEP 1: DEADHEAD

Start by removing any spent plants from the garden and flowerbeds. While single-season plants can be pulled and added to the compost pile, perennials and even hardy annuals should be deadheaded a final time. Cut away dead or diseased branches and trim away faded buds. Try to deadhead several weeks before the first frost, but if the season gets away from you before you get around to deadheading, hold off until spring. Plants, like humans, are sensitive to the cold, so if you make major cuts during the cold or just before it hits, plants have a difficult time protecting themselves. In this case, leaving them intact over winter will make the plants stronger and, as a bonus, provide food for foraging animals.

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Healthy plants start with healthy soil, making fall the ideal time to amend your flower beds. Loosen the soil and mix in compost, leaf mold, or aged manure. This helps stabilize the soil and improve drainage. Then add a dose of your favorite plant food. Fertilizer gives soil an extra boost of nutrients that will promote strong roots. This is especially important before they face the challenges of bitter winter weather. In short, the healthier roots are before they hunker down for winter, the more efficiently they will perform in the spring. Time your feeding close to the first frost. Unlike spring feeding, the goal here is not to promote new blooms. You don’t want to encourage young shoots that a sudden cold snap will damage. Instead, you want to support the plant as it naturally transitions from focusing on blooms to preparing for winter dormancy with strong root growth. STEP 3: GIVE THE SOIL EXTRA TLC

STEP 4: PLANT FOR SPRING BLOOMS

Now’s the time to tuck in the seeds and bulbs that will deliver color and crops months down the road. To know when to plant in your area, look up your Planting Zone at https://planthardiness. ars.usda.gov/. For example, Zones 4-7 can be planted when the nighttime temperatures are consistently down to 40 or 50 degrees, about six weeks before the first freeze. You want the ground to be workable, but cool. This could land anytime between September and December. For warmer regions in Planting Zones 8-10, it will likely be December or January before the conditions are right for planting. Tip : If you have your bulbs but it’s not yet time to plant them, store them in an aerated bag in the refrigerator. Be sure to avoid storing them alongside fruits, like apples, that release a gas that is toxic to bulbs.

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Planting vegetable seeds now means getting a jump on your spring garden. Check guides for your planting region when you consider seeds for fall planting. Try spinach, lettuce, kale, carrots, beets, radishes, peas, cabbage, cauliflower, and turnips. Many flowers will do well following a period of cold stratification, too. In most zones, this includes sunflowers, poppies, coneflowers, foxgloves, snapdragons, pansies, hollyhocks, and many others. When it comes to bulbs, look online and at your local nurseries. In most areas, you’ll find options such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, crocus, and allium. If you haven’t planted bulbs before, read the package for planting directions. Create a hole two or three times as deep as the height of the bulb. For example, a four-inch bulb will typically be planted eight to twelve inches deep. Be sure to face the pointed end up and add a bit of bone meal or bulb food to the hole before covering it up with nutrient-rich soil. Space your bulbs as per the directions. Tip : You can stack bulbs in a compact space to increase blooms. Start with the largest on the bottom, such as daffodils. Add a few inches of dirt to get to the planting depth for the next type of bulb. Tulips work well here. Then repeat the process, planting grape hyacinth, crocus, or other smaller bulbs. Many perennials, trees, and shrubs can also be planted in the fall. Plant while the soil is still warm and water them frequently so they are well- established before winter frost sets in. Many perennials, trees, and shrubs can also be planted in the fall. Plant while the soil is still warm and water them frequently so they are well-established before winter frost sets in. While you’re at it, consider mixing in pollinator- friendly options such as echinacea, rudbeckia, or lavender. This will not only bring blooms, but also the bonus of attracting bees and butterflies next season.

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STEP 6: MULCH With your soil amended and next season’s seeds and bulbs in the ground, it’s time to add a winter blanket to the mix. Add a layer of bark, newspaper, mulch, or shredded leaves to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and keep soil temperatures stable. Apply mulch to a depth of three to five inches for proper insulation. For new or tender plants, consider the climate where you live and offer protection from the elements if needed. Place potted plants into a greenhouse or acclimate them to the house. For perennials in the ground, provide a light plastic cover in addition to the mulch. Some plants even prefer to be wrapped in a frame made of chicken wire and stuffed with leaves or straw. Burlap is another helpful material to protect plants, such as evergreens, from harsh winter winds. STEP 5: LABEL YOUR PLANTINGS Spring is an exciting time as buds push through the surface and blooms begin to open. But it can be frustrating to spend your time trying to figure out what you planted in the fall. Save yourself some hassle—and prevent placing one plant over another—by clearly labeling your plantings. Get as fancy as you want with your plant labels. You can hit up Pinterest for endless ideas of fun and creative plant markers. Or grab some Popsicle sticks and a marker to do the job. Place markers precisely and ensure they are stable in the soil. Otherwise, they may shift or fall over.

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ADDITIONAL FALL CHORES TO MAXIMIZE SPRING BENEFITS While you prep your beds for spring blooms, also make your gardening life easier next season by doing a bit of maintenance now. 1. Clean and sharpen your tools. This includes hand tools, shovels, rakes, and hoes. Wipe them down with a bit of oil to protect them against cold, wet winter conditions. Also, drain the gasoline out of the mower and clean the blade before storing. 2. Organize supplies. There’s no reason to store expired seeds and garden products. Toss them now. Then label all empty seed packets with the date they were planted and their location. Organize seeds you will plant in the spring, and keep them in a dry, cool location. 3. Store hoses and pots. Drain hoses, clean pots, and put them in a protected area to avoid cracking during freezing conditions.

CREATE A MOWING BORDER One additional task that is much easier to complete in the fall is creating a mowing border around your lawn. This will help eliminate the need for edging and keep grass from spreading to everything within reach. Narrow concrete pavers, some even shaped as arrows, easily fit together to create a division along the edge of the grass. To install them, dig a trench around the lawn. Compact the soil and add a layer of sand for drainage and stability. Lay the pavers together on the sand, leveling each one as you work. The top of the pavers should sit just below your preferred height for the grass. ENJOY THE OUTDOOR FALL CHORES Soon, winter weather will drive you inside. Before that happens, dig in, enjoy the crisp air, and give your garden the autumn revival it deserves. The effort will repay you later—with lush blooms, a healthier harvest, and far less frantic spring prep.

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Designing a Home for the Years Ahead COMFORT, SAFETY, AND STYLE FOR AGING IN PLACE

For many homeowners, the decision eventually comes: stay in the home you love —or sell and downsize to something easier to manage. Some imagine moving into a retirement community with built-in conveniences. Others picture welcoming grandchildren into the same sunny kitchen for decades to come. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is a growing movement that makes staying put far more practical—and beautiful—than ever before: aging in place design. When approached thoughtfully, it blends timeless style with smart, discreet modifications that keep you safe, independent, and comfortable for years to come.

Real estate agents help clients navigate this exact decision, guiding them toward resources and experts who can either prepare their current home for the years ahead or find a new property that already meets those needs. Bonnie J. Lewis, founder of her Scottsdale- based interior design firm and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), is one of those trusted experts. She believes the key is planning ahead—well before you think you need to—so changes feel like natural upgrades rather than urgent compromises.

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Precision and Planning

When it comes to remodeling or building for aging in place, Bonnie knows that safety hinges on exact measurements, proper installation, and a deep understanding of how design supports mobility and health. While she’s seen some improvement among contractors, she says many still underestimate the skill involved. They might know a little—enough to attempt a modification—but not enough to ensure it’s safe. “I'm very careful with whom I work because... they may have just a clue enough to be dangerous,” she explains. A grab bar mounted at the wrong height, a shower threshold that’s slightly too high, or lighting placed where it casts shadows can all turn well-meant upgrades into new hazards. That’s why she only partners with contractors willing to follow her lead. “A lot of people think that aging in place design is just a simple [thing], like adding a grab bar, removing rugs, or something. They want a simple one- and-done answer, and that's not what it is. It's way more involved and truly takes planning... it's very precise.”

“Everything I design is meant to be beautiful first,” she explains. “Safety features should feel like part of the home, not reminders of limitations.” With expertise that combines interior design, accessibility standards, and an understanding of how our needs change over time, she helps homeowners create spaces that are both elegant and ready for the future. Bonnie’s path to aging-in-place design began after a career in corporate communications was cut short by a company buyout. Encouraged by friends to pursue her long-standing talent for interiors, she returned to school for design. A chance role with a senior living designer introduced her to the principles of creating spaces that support safety, comfort, and independence as we age. The work became personal when her father’s health needs required assisted living; Bonnie redesigned his apartment to meet his specific challenges, earning an award and igniting a passion that led her to open her own Scottsdale firm in 2013. Today, she blends beauty and function to help homeowners prepare their spaces for the future without sacrificing style.

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Her process draws on the fundamentals of interior design and hours of detailed planning to ensure every element is both beautiful and functional. With the popularity of home design TV shows, she notes, “...everybody calls themselves a designer when they're not, maybe they have no training at all, or they may be a decorator, but there's a difference.” For Bonnie, that difference is rooted in expertise. “Not just art,” she says, “but an understanding and application of art and science. And, then the whole aging in place or senior living design... that's a whole other next level, and it's really healthcare design.”

or sixties and preparing for it, because it doesn't have to be ugly. That's the number one thing. Everything I try to do is very beautiful.” The key is to treat these upgrades as proactive investments, not reactive fixes. “It’s actually a preventative measure,” she explains. “If you plan ahead, you’re not scrambling after an accident or injury. You’ve already set yourself up for safety, comfort, and independence.” Falls, Bonnie stresses, are one of the most preventable causes of serious injury among older adults. By addressing potential hazards early, homeowners reduce the risk of that “spiral downward type thing” that often follows an accident. She’s seen firsthand how quickly a single incident can change someone’s living situation. “If people wait till they think they need it, it’s too late because they've had an accident or a fall or something, or even surgery,” and now need a home that’s ready for recovery and mobility support. listening— understanding the homeowner’s preferences, daily routines, and vision for their space. “I do a lot of remodels, and when I do them, I'm working with the homeowner to find out their likes and dislikes—things like that,” she says. Once she’s gathered that information, Bonnie takes careful measurements and translates her ideas into CAD (computer-aided drafting) plans. Every detail—accessibility, safety, lighting, electrical placement—is considered. The result is a design that meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards without sacrificing beauty, creating a clear blueprint for trusted contractors to follow. Her process begins with

Design for Aging in Place Before You Need It Bonnie’s number one piece of advice for anyone considering a remodel or new construction with the future in mind? Don’t wait until you need it. “Ideally, somebody would have their home completely set up for aging in place if that's where they're truly going to be for a long time,” she says. “I even recommend doing it, not when you need it, but more when you're in your fifties

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Seven Factors To Consider

3. Bathroom Safety

“The bathroom is the number one area where most household injuries occur,” Bonnie notes. She sources fixtures from top manufacturers that merge safety and style—think ADA- approved grab bars in matte black or brushed gold, paired with coordinating faucets and hardware. “Grab bars are just one piece of the puzzle,” she warns. “They must be installed by a trained professional who understands the need for precise measurements and angling so that the bars adequately prevent falls.” An incorrectly mounted bar can be worse than no bar at all. When possible, she swaps in curbless showers— like those found in luxury hotels—so there’s no lip to step over. “If you do need a mobility device or are prone to falling, you do not have to worry about navigating a curb,” she explains. “Instead, you can get in and out with ease.”

1. Space

Bonnie wishes more builders would incorporate ADA specifications from the start. “In the perfect world, I would want builders to build everything [according to ADA specifications] right from the get-go,” she says. “But they don't because it takes a little bit more space. And to them, that's money.” She calls that mindset shortsighted. “That’s why I love doing it—I know I'm helping people, and they're making the investment to remodel their home, and it's going to be right all the way till the end.”

2. Subtle Design

The best aging-in-place upgrades often disappear into the background. Wider doorways, additional clearance around plumbing fixtures, and open pathways make a home wheelchair- or walker-friendly without calling attention to themselves. “You might not notice the difference unless you are in a wheelchair, and it wasn't designed that way,” she says—at which point, mobility can suddenly feel restrictive.

4. Proper Lighting

Lighting is one of Bonnie’s most powerful design tools. As eyesight changes with age, she creates layered lighting plans to maintain clarity and reduce strain. “I put in lots of lighting and dimmers on because there are different times of the night or day that you don't want it as bright,” she says. Under-cabinet strips serve as nightlights; recessed shower lighting ensures visibility while bathing; and sconces or pendants at the vanity eliminate shadows during grooming. “The most critical area,” she says, “is the vanity where people are grooming.”

5. Organization & Decluttering

Creating a safe home often begins with removing what’s in the way. Bonnie frequently partners with professional organizers who can help clients “shed layers” efficiently and respectfully. “They can come in and get things cleared out quickly,” she says, “while working with the homeowner in a way that respects them and their feelings.”

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Multi-story homes pose a unique challenge for aging in place. In some cases, a stair lift— installed by trained technicians—provides a safe and reliable solution. Other times, Bonnie recommends reimagining a downstairs room into a ground-floor master suite. “I’m very good spatially, and when I come into somebody's home, I can look and envision things, and then I go back and just design it, and we build it, and it works out great for them.” 6. Making the Master Suite Accessible

incorporates low-profile ramps at doorways to create smooth transitions between rooms without visual disruption.

Aging-in-place interior design means your home remains truly yours—warm, inviting, and suited to the life you want to live. With the right planning, it’s possible to entertain guests, welcome family, and maintain your independence well into the future. Working with a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) like Bonnie ensures every choice balances beauty, safety, and compliance with the latest accessibility standards. “It doesn’t have to look like a hospital,” she says. “It can be stunning. And it can be ready for whatever comes next.” Planning Ahead for Style and Safety

7. Slip-Resistant Flooring

While there’s no single “right” material, Bonnie insists the surface must be “flat, even, and not slippery.” Luxury vinyl tile is a favorite—both for its durability and its range of stylish finishes, from marble to wide-plank wood looks. She also

October 2025

Cozy Autumn Comfort Recipes

Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Sage Brown Butter Sauce

FOR TOPPING:

z Extra Parmesan for serving z Cracked black pepper

Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. 2. Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine pumpkin purée, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and well-blended. 3. Stuff the shells: Fill each cooked shell with about 1–2 tbsp of the pumpkin ricotta mixture. Place in a single layer in your baking dish. 4. Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, just to warm through and let the flavors meld. 5. Make the brown butter sauce: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sage leaves and cook until butter foams and turns golden brown (3–5 minutes). Remove from heat. Optionally, stir in chili flakes for a kick. Drizzle sage brown butter generously over the stuffed shells. Top with Parmesan and freshly cracked pepper. Serve warm!

Ingredients FOR THE FILLING:

z 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée z 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese z 1/2 cup grated Parmesan z 1 egg z 1/4 tsp nutmeg z Salt & pepper to taste

FOR THE PASTA: z 16 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente z For the sauce: z 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter z 8–10 fresh sage leaves z Optional: pinch of chili flakes

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Rustic Pumpkin Chiffon Tart with Maple Whipped Cream

Instructions 1.

Make the crust: In a bowl or food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, until dough holds together. Shape into a disk, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes. Roll out the dough and press into a 9-inch tart pan. Trim edges. Prick base with fork and chill for 10 minutes. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden. Let cool completely. 2. Prepare the filling: In a saucepan, combine pumpkin, brown sugar, spices, salt, egg yolks, and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick and bubbling — about 5–7 minutes. Meanwhile, sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let bloom for 5 minutes. Stir into the hot pumpkin mixture until fully dissolved. Cool to room temp, stirring occasionally. 3. Make the meringue base: Beat egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Fold cooled pumpkin mixture into egg whites in three additions until fluffy and smooth. Pour filling into a tart shell and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight. 4. Whip the cream: Beat cream with maple syrup and vanilla until soft peaks form. Chill until ready to use. 5. Serve: Top with dollops or swirls of maple whipped cream. Garnish with shaved dark chocolate, a dusting of cinnamon, or candied pecans.

Ingredients FOR THE CRUST:

z 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour z 1 tbsp granulated sugar z 1/4 tsp salt z 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed z 3–4 tbsp ice water FOR THE PUMPKIN CHIFFON FILLING: z 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée z 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed z 3/4 tsp cinnamon z 1/4 tsp each ground ginger, nutmeg, and cloves z 1/4 tsp salt z 3 large egg yolks z 1/2 cup whole milk z 1 envelope (1 tbsp) unflavored gelatin

z 1/4 cup cold water z 3 large egg whites z 1/4 cup granulated sugar

FOR THE MAPLE WHIPPED CREAM: z 1 cup heavy cream z 2 tbsp pure maple syrup z 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Perhaps more than any other season, fall is a time of transitions. Across the country, households are swapping out shorts for sweaters and swimsuits for school supplies. Porch decor changes from beach themes to pumpkins and cornstalks, and people begin to move away from thoughts of boating and camping and towards Halloween and Thanksgiving festivities. During this time of deflating pool floaties and covering the outdoor faucets before the first freeze, consider taking a few extra steps to declutter the house, yard, and storage sheds. Although most people associate these activities with spring cleaning, there are several reasons why tackling them in the fall is a better game plan. Seasonal Decluttering: Why Fall Is the Best Time to Simplify Your Home

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1. Shifting Indoors As temperatures drop, activities shift from the patio to the living room. As we spend more time indoors, it’s the perfect opportunity to focus on the type of environment you want to surround yourself with in the coming months. Whether you want to delve into Hygge, embrace minimalism, or swap out your existing country decor for something more contemporary, this is your opportunity. Whether you realize it or not, your home is already in transition, so as you pack up outdoor cushions and stow away the seasonal drinkware, also remove the clutter from the indoor area. Tackling organizational projects now means you’ll have a relaxing and personalized space to enjoy throughout the winter. 2. Holiday Preparation Shorter days and dropping temperatures serve as a reminder that the holiday season is right around the corner. By decluttering now, you’ll remove some of the stress of making room for guests, prepping for entertaining, and bringing in the decorations. Cleaning out closets and drawers also opens up space to store gifts you plan to give, and happy homes for gifts you’ll receive. 3. Space for Cold Weather Supplies Cold weather comes with gear. It won’t be long before the summer flip-flops are swapped out for boots, and coats begin to fill the entryway. Gear up for the onslaught of gloves, scarves, and hats by packing away the warm-weather clothing. Empty the coat rack and move the shoes you won’t wear for several months. If you use sleds or a snowblower, purging the garage and sheds makes these tools more accessible, too.

4. Aligns With Nature’s Cycle of Letting Go Use nature as inspiration for decluttering during the changing seasons. Everywhere around you, trees are shedding their leaves, and animals are bustling around, preparing their homes for winter. The garden is winding down, and plants are preparing to go dormant. You can mirror this activity in your home by shedding anything that no longer serves you and working to create a cozy abode. The effort will reward you with better mental clarity, improved focus, and less anxiety as the school year and holidays rush in.

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5. Donations are Happily Accepted Since most people donate items following a Christmas cleanout or during spring declutter, charities are often flooded with goods during those times. If you live in a college town, donation centers also receive copious deliveries as students move out of dorms at the beginning of summer. However, as charities gear up for the holiday season, fall is the time when they most need quality household goods and clothing to disperse within the community. Completing your purge now benefits everyone. 6. Perfect Weather for Outdoor Sorting Many people say fall is their favorite season, simply because of the moderate climate. It’s not too hot or too cold, which makes it ideal for organizing a garage sale, tackling a messy shed, and hauling items to donation centers or the dump. Commit to making decisions about seasonal items now, rather than waiting until next season. There’s no reason to store items for another year if they won’t be used in the future. Instead, find

7. The Back-to-School Transition If you have students in the house, fall is already a time of transition. While you’re clearing space in the pantry and sorting through school clothes, take the extra steps to organize those spaces. You’ll be grateful you did as school supplies and new clothing start invading the space. 8. Saves Money By clearing clutter, you take inventory of what you already have. Think school supplies and clothing, pantry items, and holiday decor. With this information at hand, you can stay organized with your shopping and avoid unnecessary purchases. Not only will you save money, but you could also make a few bucks by selling unwanted items on Facebook Marketplace, community pages, or through resale Apps such as Depop, Mercari, Poshmark, and eBay. new homes, donate, or toss them to give yourself more breathing room now, and a fresh start when spring rolls around.

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3. Kitchen & Pantry Summer snacking and outdoor grilling bring a different set of requirements than school lunchboxes and fall dinners quickly prepared in between activities. Plan for this shift by clearing out expired foods, cleaning out the fridge, and creating spaces for grab-and-go foods. If you’ve put the cover on the grill for the season, move grilling supplies to the back of your storage area, and move the Instant Pot and slow cooker to the front. Again, let go of seasonal items you didn’t use this year. Look at your cold-weather clothes with a fresh eye and ask whether they still fit your style, lifestyle, and needs. Have your children try on clothes before you head out for back-to-school shopping. Also, take an inventory of coats and shoes. Swap out your summer wardrobe and donate anything you didn’t wear. You can take nicer items to a consignment shop, especially if they are fall and winter related. Box up off-season clothing to give yourself more space. 1. Address the Entryway or Mudroom We all have that initial landing spot for coats, boots, backpacks, and umbrellas. These items will inevitably pile up quickly if they don’t have a proper space. Before the stacking begins, set out a bucket or crock to hold umbrellas. Place a coat rack in the space or mount one to the wall. Consider whether a bench works for your needs. It can provide additional storage or create space for shoes on a lower rack and below the seat. If possible, provide cubbies, lockers, hooks, or bins to help each child keep items organized. 2. Closets Where to Start Your Fall Declutter Don’t let the process overwhelm you. Instead, implement a plan to tackle one space, or one section of a room, at a time.

4. Living Room Since you’ll probably be spending more time in the main living area of your house, take the time to declutter bookcases and other surfaces. Go through the unread magazines and part with those you don’t want. Remove any knick-knacks you don’t love or that don’t serve a purpose. Prepare the fireplace or woodstove by restocking firestarters, lighters, matches, and firewood. Also, bring in the cozy blankets. Move plants away from drafty windows and compost seasonal plants. These small touches go a long way towards making the space more organized and inviting. 5. Garage and Sheds Before it’s too cold to work outside, tackle tools, gardening supplies, and sports gear. Store summer items and prepare snow or storm gear if needed. Use this time to reorganize spaces that didn’t work well this season, such as workbenches and potting stations. Since it’s the end of the season, you’re likely to find good deals on needed lawn and garden supplies, so purchase and set them up now for a welcoming space in the spring.

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Tips for Successful Fall Decluttering

Try the “One Drawer a Day” Rule: Tackle one cupboard, drawer, bin, or box per day to avoid overwhelm. You don’t have to get it all done in a weekend. Start with the most frequently used spaces and move down the list as time allows. Use the Three-Box Method: Label boxes “Keep”, “Donate or Sell”, and “Toss”. Be decisive. Leave the boxes in plain sight to remind you of your task as you begin stashing away summer items and transitioning to fall activities. Ask Seasonal Questions: As you pack up, evaluate whether there are items you didn’t use this year that you don’t want to keep another year. Similarly, when you drag out decor and clothing for the fall, ask yourself whether you used items last fall or winter. If not, donate them now. Get the Family Involved: Pick a date, outline tasks, and get everyone on board. Make sure your goal is achievable. You can make it fun with a parents versus kids competition or have rewards for a job well done.

Letting Go to Welcome More Decluttering isn’t just about making space—it’s about making room. For clarity, calm, creativity, and even connection. As you lighten your home this fall, you may just find you’ve lightened your mind, too. So before the snow falls and the holiday season sweeps you away, take this opportunity to simplify your space and start fresh. Because a well-loved, well-edited home is the coziest place to be when the seasons change.

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Is Now The Right Time to Sell?

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This is all 100% free with no obligation. After you submit the online questionnaire, you will receive our free report with information that will help you determine your home's value. We recommend printing it out and taking a drive to see the homes we've identified as comparable to yours. See how your home measures up. This will help you get an even more accurate idea of what your home is worth.

An appraiser would charge hundreds for this service, but we will provide one at no cost.

If you would like our free, professional opinion on the value of your home, we'd be glad to help. We can talk on the phone, or we can meet in person. We look forward to helping you!

Kelly & Carl Robinson 973-500-3253 info@CarellyRealty.com carellyrealty.com/digital_magazine www.CarellyRealty.com

Rarely does a home of this caliber come to market. Tucked away on a private road atop one of the highest points in Clinton Township, 1 Rossi Drive offers an unmatched blend of private country living, modern luxury, and breathtaking year-round views. This recently renovated custom raised ranch spans nearly 4,000 sq. ft. of refined living space on 1.5 lush acres, featuring 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and an open floor plan highlighted by bamboo wood floors and abundant natural light. The main level is designed for both comfort and entertaining, boasting a gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, an oversized waterfall quartz island, and seamless flow into a sunken living room and great room. Expansive windows and sliders invite sweeping views, while the deck provides the perfect perch for sunsets. The primary suite offers a spa- like ensuite and walk-in closet, joined by three additional bedrooms and a convenient laundry room. The walk-out lower level is ideal for entertaining or a possible in-law suite, with a spacious recreational room, kitchenette/wet bar, fitness area, full bath, storage, and private entrance. Outdoors, a resort-style oasis awaits with an in-ground gunite pool, firepit, and abundant entertaining space. An oversized two-car garage completes the home. Perfectly located minutes from top schools, dining, and shops and under an hour to NYC this rare offering combines luxury, privacy, and convenience in one of Clinton Townships most sought-after settings.

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