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As the crisp air of fall sets in and the leaves begin to change, it's the perfect time to take a step back and declutter our homes and minds. Physical clutter is more than just a pile of things you don’t know what to do with. It’s a constant reminder of disorganization and can weigh heavily on your mental state, contributing to feelings of frustration and overwhelm. Visual reminders of disorganization actually affect the brain, making it harder to focus and leaving us feeling drained.
In this blog:
Fall Decluttering Tips and Tricks
With fall comes a great opportunity to shed the excess in your home and embrace a fresh start before the busy holiday season. Let’s explore some effective tips and best practices for fall decluttering, and how you can reclaim your space and mental clarity. Plus, I’ll share a checklist of 25 simple things you can declutter in just a minute each to get you started.
1. Start with Small, Manageable Areas:
When tackling decluttering, avoid starting with large or emotionally charged spaces. Instead, focus on smaller, manageable areas like a drawer, a shelf, or a specific corner of a room. This way, you’ll experience quick wins and build momentum.
Begin with something simple, like your nightstand or the kitchen junk drawer.
Set a timer for 10-15 minutes to keep from feeling overwhelmed.
Celebrate each small victory!
2. Embrace Seasonal Changes:
Fall is the ideal time to switch out seasonal items. As you bring out your cozy sweaters and fall décor, take the opportunity to declutter items from the summer that you no longer need.
Store seasonal clothing and accessories that you want to keep, but let go of anything that’s worn out or no longer fits.
Review holiday décor from previous years. If it’s broken, outdated, or no longer suits your style, it’s time to let it go.
3. Adopt the "One In, One Out" Rule:
One of the simplest ways to maintain an organized home is by adopting the "one in, one out" rule. For every new item that comes into your home, an old one should go. This helps keep the balance of possessions and prevents clutter from creeping back in.
Apply this rule when buying new clothes, books, or home décor.
It works especially well during fall sales, where the temptation to accumulate more is high!
4. Focus on Functionality:
When decluttering, always keep functionality in mind. Ask yourself if an item is truly useful or brings joy into your life. If it’s just taking up space or causing frustration, it’s probably time to let it go.
Review kitchen gadgets and appliances – if you haven’t used them in the past year, consider donating them.
Organize your closets and only keep clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
5. Let Go of Sentimental Items Mindfully:
One of the biggest hurdles in decluttering is letting go of sentimental items, especially those passed down to us. While it’s okay to keep a few treasured pieces, holding onto everything can lead to unnecessary clutter.
Take photos of items you love but don’t have space for.
Consider keeping one or two meaningful items rather than holding onto everything.
Fall Decluttering Checklist: 25 Easy Things to Declutter in a Minute
To help you get started, here’s a checklist of 25 simple items that take less than a minute to declutter. By removing these items, you’ll immediately create more space and peace in your home.
Expired medications
Old takeout menus
Worn-out dish towels
Socks with holes
Expired pantry items
Dried-up pens
Old magazines or newspapers
Broken jewelry
Outdated receipts
Plastic bags under the sink
Empty or near-empty cleaning supplies
Old beauty samples
Expired makeup
Excess coffee mugs
Expired coupons
Stretched-out hair ties
Unused spices
Outdated tech cables or chargers
Old phone cases
Duplicate kitchen utensils
Worn-out shoes
Outgrown kids' clothes
Broken holiday décor
Worn-out pillows
Old toothbrushes
6. Make Decluttering a Routine:
Rather than waiting for clutter to accumulate, make decluttering a regular practice. Whether it’s 5 minutes a day or a weekend project every season, consistent maintenance is key to keeping your home organized and clutter-free.
Set a recurring reminder on your phone to tackle small areas.
Regularly revisit areas that tend to accumulate clutter, like entryways, closets, and desks.
Conclusion:
Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By taking it one step at a time, embracing seasonal changes, and adopting simple practices like the "one in, one out" rule, you can create a home that feels calm, organized, and welcoming. Remember, your home should be a reflection of the life you want to lead – one of peace and simplicity.
So, take a deep breath, roll up your sleeves, and start this fall season by clearing both physical and mental clutter. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter and clearer you’ll feel!
Do you prefer a printable checklist? Download your fall checklist here.
Michaele is the founder of Michaele's Precise Planning, a Professional Home Organizing Business based in Michigan. Servicing areas including Grosse Pointe, Birmingham, Troy, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester, Macomb, Farmington Hills, and the broader Metro Detroit region, Michaele takes pride in her talent for bringing order and practical systems to spaces. Known for her ability to enhance both the aesthetic and functionality of any area, she enjoys creating organized and beautiful living spaces for her clients.
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