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.
September 2024 21 October 2025
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