Start the Fall Off Fresh: Top Things to Clean and Declutter
Top Things to Clean and Declutter
As the crisp autumn air settles in across Chicago’s North Shore, it’s the perfect time to refresh your home for the cozy months ahead. Fall cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about preparing your space for seasonal change, creating a more organized environment, and reducing stress as the holidays approach. From your garage to your closet, these tips will help you get ahead and start fall off fresh.
Declutter and Clean your Garage
Your garage can quickly become a catch-all for summer toys, lawn tools, and seasonal decorations. Before winter arrives, take time to declutter and organize this often-overlooked space.
Declutter: Sort through beach toys, gardening tools, and outdoor furniture. Store summer items in clearly labeled bins and discard broken or unused items.
Organize: Create zones—tools in one area, sporting equipment in another, and a dedicated section for holiday decorations. Use shelving, hooks, and pegboards to maximize space.
Clean: Sweep, dust, and pressure wash if needed. Check that your garage door is well-lubricated and functional.
Tip: Label bins for easy seasonal access, making holiday decorating and winter prep hassle-free.
Deep Clean and Declutter your Car
After summer adventures, your car likely needs some attention. Prepare your vehicle for fall and winter with a thorough cleanup.
Declutter: Remove trash, summer gear, and unnecessary items.
Vacuum: Clean seats, floors, and tight crevices where dirt and crumbs hide.
Exterior Care: Wash and wax your car, including the undercarriage, to protect against harsher winter conditions.
Organize: Keep essentials like tissues, hand sanitizer, and emergency supplies handy. Rotate in a winter survival kit with blankets, ice scrapers, and warm clothing.
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 ideal time to rotate your wardrobe, swap out summer clothes, and make room for cozy sweaters and boots.
Declutter: Separate summer clothes from fall and winter items. Store out-of-season clothing in bins or vacuum-sealed bags.
Organize: Arrange fall wardrobe by type—sweaters, jackets, pants, and shoes. Color-coding can simplify outfit choices.
Donate: If you didn’t wear an item all summer, consider donating it to local charities on the North Shore.
Tip: Invest in quality hangers, such as felt or velvet, to maximize space and protect garments.
Clean and Prepare Coats, Shoes, and Fall Accessories
Seasonal transition means updating daily essentials like footwear, outerwear, and bags.
Shoes: Clean and polish fall boots and sneakers; store summer sandals in bins until next year.
Coats: Wash or dry-clean jackets and outerwear. Repair buttons or zippers as needed.
Backpacks and Bags: Clean, organize, and restock with necessary fall items for school or work.
Tip: Keep a shoe and coat rack near the entryway to reduce clutter and make daily routines easier.
Take Inventory of Holiday Decor
Before stores tempt you with new holiday decorations, review what you already own. This prevents excess clutter and ensures you use what you have efficiently.
By addressing your garage, car, closet, accessories, and holiday decor now, you’ll set your home up for a stress-free and organized fall season. These simple decluttering and cleaning steps help your Chicago North Shore home feel refreshed, functional, and ready for seasonal celebrations.
Need help getting started? Contact SimplyOrganized today for professional home organizing services in Chicago’s North Shore. Let us help you create a tidy, welcoming home for fall and beyond.