Saying goodbye to summer is never easy in my household. Alas, there is nothing we can do to press pause on the season. What I do find comforting is that September is my January! A time to make a new schedule and test out creative ways to keep my home and life organized, a home resest. Routines can offer some much needed order and as an organizing geek, I find that kind of fun. Before you roll your eyes, let me give you some ideas to help jumpstart your fall routines and create the structure that will allow your household to run more smoothly.
Clean out your Pantry and Refrigerator:
This is a great time to toss those popsicles that no one liked and the watermelon slices in the back of the fridge. Give your refrigerator and freezer shelves a wash with mild soap and water. Take some time to sort through your pantry and make sure you have everything you need for school lunches, snacks and quick dinners. Bonus: If you are looking for help with meal planning, you’ll love next month’s exclusive download!
Spend 15 Minutes with Clothing
Now might not be the time for a major closet overhaul but even 15 minutes per family member is beneficial. First set a timer for 15 minutes and go through your own closet. Pull out anything that is stained or damaged and turn them into cleaning rags. Remove clothing items that were continually passed over this summer and sell or donate them. Continue this for each member of your family, with their input when possible. You’ll likely end up with at least one donation bag and a bit more space.
Sort Through Summer
Spend a Saturday morning with your family gathering up all of the summer stuff. This could be beach toys in the car, pool towels on the back deck, flip flops that are broken or a used up citronella candle. Throw out the items that can’t be used again. Bag up items that can be donated and consider purchasing a large storage tote to house the items that you intend to use next year. Label that bin summer and find a place for it in your garage or basement.
Deep Clean
Most of us don’t find cleaning to be enjoyable but we all love the end result. There is undoubtedly beach sand sprinkled in your carpets and perhaps the shower hasn’t been cleaned all summer (no judgment here). Try to enlist the help of your family members with these tasks and break them up into one room per day. If funds allow, hire a cleaning service for a one-time deep house clean. If you are feeling extra motivated, clean the inside of your car too!
Taking a bit of time during the transitional month of September to get your home reorganized will remove some of the stress and allow for down time in your schedule. If you need help decluttering, organizing or putting some systems in place for your household, reach out to us! Remember that investing in home organizing is really an investment in your home and self care.
Happy Fall!
Comments