Fall Decluttering Is The Best Time To Get Organized!

Photo byMarj Bates

It is a natural thing for me to declutter and get organized four times a year in accordance with the seasons. Maybe it is a New England thing because the seasonal change is a noticeable transitional period.

The end of summer has never been a sad time for me, I view Fall as an exciting time to start new projects! When I start something new I have to have a clean slate so I declutter a few things and make sure I am organized.

The fall season especially rejuvenates me and nothing says 'fresh start' to me like Fall. For me, it's the perfect time to start fresh and get down to business.

The leaves change color, the air becomes crisper, and our routines shift back to a more structured schedule after the more leisurely days of summer. This change in season provides a great time and a natural opportunity to declutter your home and bring order to your surroundings.

I like to start with the outdoor things first while the weather is still great!

All the Outdoor Stuff | Get Organized for Next Summer

Photo byMarj Bates

Shortly after Labor Day, I start preparing for the next summer. When summer rolls around again I will be ready! I do not want to waste a minute of the short summer season finding and cleaning all the summer toys, and furniture..

How to Clean and Store Seasonal Items

As I said as summer fades and the new season approaches, it's time to think about cleaning and storing your seasonal items before the cooler weather blows in.

Proper care ensures your outdoor gear and furniture will be ready to use when warm weather returns. Here's how to clean and store some common summer essentials:

Outdoor Furniture

• Clean Thoroughly: Start by brushing off loose dirt and debris. Use a mild soap and water solution to scrub surfaces. For stubborn stains, a mixture of vinegar and water works well.
• Protect Cushions: Remove and wash any cushion covers according to their care instructions. Let cushions dry completely before storing them in a dry, cool place to prevent mildew.
• Cover or Store: If possible, store furniture indoors or in a covered area. If storing outside, invest in waterproof covers to protect against moisture and UV rays.
• Proper Care will also prolong the life of things..

Kayaks and Paddleboards

• Rinse and Dry: Rinse your kayak or paddle board with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and dirt. Make sure they are completely dry before storing them to prevent mold and mildew.
• Protect from the Sun: Store your kayak or paddle board in a shaded area or use UV-protective covers. Sun exposure can weaken materials over time.
• Store Safely: Store kayaks and paddle boards horizontally on padded racks or hang them using straps. Avoid placing heavy objects on them to prevent warping.

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RVs

• Deep Clean: Give your RV a thorough cleaning when you declutter and organize, both inside and out. Wash the exterior and wax it to protect against the elements. Inside, clean and disinfect all surfaces, including the bathroom and kitchen areas.
• Empty Tanks: Drain all water tanks, including the fresh, gray, and black water tanks, to prevent freezing and odors.
• Protect Against Pests: Seal any gaps or openings where pests could enter. Store food in sealed containers or remove it altogether.
• Battery Care: Disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Check tire pressure and cover tires to protect them from sun damage.

Sunbrellas

• Clean the Fabric: Brush off loose dirt and wash the fabric with mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely to prevent mildew.
• Lubricate Mechanisms: If your umbrella has moving parts, such as a crank or tilt mechanism, lubricate them with silicone spray to ensure smooth operation next season.
• Store Properly: Store sun umbrellas in a dry, cool place. Use a protective cover to shield them from dust and moisture.

Beach Chairs and Toys Get Organized

• Rinse and Dry: Rinse beach chairs and toys with fresh water to remove sand, salt, and chlorine. Let them dry completely to prevent rust and mold.
• Check for Damage: Inspect chairs and toys for any damage. Repair or discard items that are broken or worn out.
• Store in Containers: Store smaller toys in mesh bags or storage bins to keep them organized. Stack chairs neatly in a dry, cool place or hang them on hooks to save space.
• Hanging Things: Bicycles can hang on garage or cellar walls. Kayaks can be stored suspended under a deck or from a ceiling.

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By taking the time to clean and properly store your summer items, you’ll not only prolong their lifespan but also make it easier to get ready for the next season of fun in the sun.

​Now that we have taken care of the outdoor things we can move indoors. As the weather cools, we spend more time indoors, making it essential to have a comfortable and organized living space.

Bonus tip! One other thing - I got into the habit, around Halloween, of replacing the batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Declutter Your Closet & Get Organized

The next natural place for me to declutter and organize is my closet because it is getting cooler as the summer season fades and I need a number of things for the cooler months.

This is why this is such a natural and perfect opportunity for me to head to my closet and look through my warmer clothes.

I favor decluttering clothing at the end of a season, you can do this at the end or the beginning of a season. it doesn't matter. What matters is you keep up with decluttering your clothes. Decluttering can be as simple as making new habits.

As you switch out your summer clothes wardrobe and transition to cold weather wear, take this opportunity to sort through your clothing.

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Identify items you no longer wear or need and set them aside for donation or recycling. Organizing your closet by season will not only make it easier to find what you need but also free up space for your fall and winter essentials.

With a well-organized closet you will know where everything is and spend less time getting dressed and less frustrated because you are organized.

Out-of-Season Clothes

I am the opposite of the person who has so many clothes they can't all fit in the closet. My winter and summer clothing all fit in my regular-size closet except boots and outerwear. I have no spring and fall wear, just clothes that keep me warm or cool.

Full disclosure - I only own black tops, black pants, and jeans bottoms because I learned 100 or so years ago it is easier to start my day with a limited wardrobe. Some folks call this type of wardrobe as a Capsule Wardrobe.

I can get away with this because I designed and crafted one-of-a-kind cool jewelry statement pieces and scarves and vests for 30 years so I can accessorize anything.

Storing Clothing

If you need to store out-of-season clothing, like winter coats and boots, designating a clear storage bin is best for keeping track of and creating your organized storage space.

Check out Top Tips To Declutter Your Clothes Closet Now for some more Pro tips!

Donating

Photo byMarj Bates

A good rule of thumb before starting your decluttering and organizing tasks is to get 3 large trash bags and label each one - trash, donate, sell. By being prepared you simply have to open a bag and put your unwanted goods in the appropriate bag.

If you have gently used and new unused items and don't know how to donate these things download my free Resource Guide, where I have listed a solution for donating almost any household items for free or very little cost.

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Decluttering and Organizing Each Season

Does it tire you to think about decluttering and organizing your entire home? If you are like many the answer is 'yes'. This is why most people procrastinate decluttering.

Of course the more you kick the can down the road the more stuff you collect and the harder the task will be. Plus it is much more difficult and time consuming to keep a cluttered space clean.

By maintaining a clean organized space you will come to appreciate the life-changing magic of tidying up!

To Declutter & Get Organized Start Small!

This is the beauty of seasonal decluttering. When I am transitioning from summer to fall I am not thinking at all about decluttering books and sentimental items. For me, I am only thinking about battening down the hatches and digging out my winter wear.

I realize people who live in paradise all year long have different transitional needs. By taking a few minutes and thinking about breaking up your household duties according to the different seasons you will get a firmer grip on seasonal decluttering.

If you need decluttering practice find a junk drawer to start. Cleaning a kitchen junk drawer is relatively easy because we are seldom emotionally attached to the junk in it, unlike sentimental things passed down through the generations.

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An important thought to remember is breaking your task into manageable pieces, by doing so you'll find it easier to stay focused and motivated. Every little bit you do adds up!

Create a System for Decluttering and Organizing

As you go through your belongings, create a system that works for you. Designate specific places for frequently used items, and make sure everything has a home. Use storage solutions like bins, baskets, and shelves to keep things organized.

Some folks find labeling to be incredibly helpful in maintaining order and ensuring that everyone in the household knows where things belong.

Refresh Your Home

Decluttering is not just about getting rid of things; it can also be about refreshing your living space. Some folks like to change their home decor from season to season. Frankly, I am not one of those people.

If you are in the habit of swapping out your home decorations according to the seasons take a few minutes to clean and reorganize each area before you make your changes.

Dust surfaces, vacuum floors, and wash windows. A clean home feels more inviting and can have a positive impact on your mood and productivity.

Enjoy the Benefits

For me, the biggest benefit of decluttering and organizing in the fall is the peace of mind that comes from knowing everything is clean, stored, and ready for next summer.

It is far easier for me to tend to these things than leaving things lying around outdoors and having to go on a scavenger hunt in the spring to find where in the neighborhood my stuff either floated or blew to by a Nor'easters! Plus I am a neatnik.

By decluttering and organizing your home this fall and seasonally, you'll create a more peaceful and efficient environment. You'll save time searching for items, reduce stress, and make your home a more pleasant place to be.

With the holiday season around the corner, you'll be ahead of the game, because a few seasons ago you decluttered and organized all your Christmas and holiday decorations.

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When the weather changes

When the weather changes is a great opportunity to plan a little act of decluttering. Each season take a few minutes to look at letting go of things you no longer use or wear and make sure you are organized.

Fall is the perfect time to declutter and organize your life. This autumn, make the most of the season by decluttering and organizing your life for a fresh start and a more enjoyable time ahead.

Roll up your sleeves, and get started on your fall decluttering journey today!

Photo byMarj Bates

Marj Bates is a life long ridiculously organized declutter-er and artist. Less is more are words Marj lives by in everything she does except collecting dogs. “Dogs are like potato chips! Can’t have just one.” says Marj. Marj wonders if growing up with a fanatically clean Jewish mom means her decluttering and organizational skills are in her blood.

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