Start the Fall off Fresh: The Top Things to Clean
As the crisp autumn air starts rolling in and summer fades away, it’s the perfect time to reset your home for the cozy months ahead. Fall cleaning is about more than just tidying up—it’s about refreshing your space to embrace the new season. From the garage to your closet, getting your home and personal items in order now will make your life more organized and stress-free as the holidays approach.
Here are the top four things to clean for Fall that will help you declutter and prepare for the change in seasons.
Declutter and Clean your Garage
Your garage can quickly become a dumping ground for summer toys, lawn care tools, and seasonal decorations. Before winter arrives, take the time to declutter and clean this often-overlooked space.
Declutter: Sort through items like beach toys, gardening tools, and outdoor furniture. Store summer items in labeled bins, and toss anything broken or unused.
Organize: Create zones in your garage — tools in one section, sporting goods in another, and a dedicated space for holiday decorations. Use shelving, hooks, or pegboards to keep items off the floor.
Clean: Sweep out any dirt, dust, and debris. If needed, pressure wash the floor to remove grease and grime. It’s also a great time to check that your garage door is well-lubricated.
Tip: Label bins clearly so you can easily find what you need when it’s time to pull out those holiday lights or snow shovels!
Deep Clean and Declutter your Car
Your car deserves some TLC after all those summer road trips and beach days. Give it a thorough cleaning to prepare for the cooler months ahead.
Declutter: Start by removing all trash, summer gear, and unnecessary items that may have piled up over the summer.
Vacuum: Clean your car's interior thoroughly, focusing on the seats, floors, and hard-to-reach crevices where dirt and crumbs tend to accumulate.
Clean the Exterior: Wash your car’s exterior and make sure to clean the undercarriage to remove any buildup from road trips. Waxing the car will help protect it from harsh winter conditions.
Organize: Keep your car functional by adding organizers for essentials like tissues, hand sanitizer, and emergency supplies.
Tip: Now is a great time to rotate in a winter survival kit, including an ice scraper, blanket, and extra warm clothes.
Declutter and Refresh Your Closet
Fall is the perfect time to reassess your wardrobe and swap out those summer dresses and shorts for cozy sweaters and boots. Decluttering your closet will not only create space but also help you rediscover some of your favorite fall pieces. You might even be inspired to “shop your closet” and create some fashionable fall outfits!
Declutter: Go through each item in your closet and separate summer clothes from fall and winter items. Store out-of-season clothes in bins or vacuum-sealed bags to save space.
Organize: As you bring in your fall wardrobe, organize items by type—sweaters, jackets, pants, and shoes. Consider color-coding your wardrobe to make getting dressed easier.
Donate: If you come across clothing you didn’t wear all summer, consider donating it to free up space for your fall favorites. Fall is a great time to give to those in need!
Tip: Invest in quality hangers, such as felt hangers, to help keep your clothes in good condition and maximize closet space.
Clean and Prepare your Coats, Shoes, and Fall Bags
As the seasons change, so do our daily accessories. Fall means back-to-school, cooler weather, and new routines, so it’s time to refresh the shoes, coats, handbags, and backpacks that might have been neglected.
Shoes: Clean and polish your fall and winter shoes, such as boots and sneakers, before putting them back into regular rotation. Clean off and store summer sandals and flip-flops in bins until next year.
Coats: Launder or dry clean your coats, jackets, and outerwear so they’re fresh and ready for chilly days ahead. Check for any repairs that might need to be made, like buttons or zippers.
Backpacks: Clean out backpacks from any summer activities or back-to-school chaos. Wash them, if possible, and get them organized with fresh supplies for fall.
Tip: Keep a shoe and coat rack by the front door to prevent clutter from piling up in your entryway and make it easier for everyone to grab what they need when heading out.
Take a Quick Inventory of your Holiday Decor
With the holidays quickly approaching and stores bringing out holiday decor earlier and eariler, take a moment to review what you already have before you’re tempted in store to bring home something new. If your anything like me, you probably already own enough holiday decor.
By tackling these four areas — your garage, car, closet, and everyday accessories — you’ll be setting yourself up for an organized and stress-free fall season. These simple decluttering and cleaning tasks will help you embrace the change in seasons and make your home feel refreshed and ready for whatever fall brings.And by taking a quick stock of your holiday decor, you’ll be setting yourself up for success by not being tempted to bring home more items.
Need a hand with decluttering or organizing? Contact SimplyOrganized today for expert home organizing services in Chicago's North Shore. We’re here to help you transform your space for the new season!
