Curb Clutter Early: Summer Stow-Away Tips for Chicago North Shore Homes

Written By Irene Lo

As the school year begins and Labor Day approaches, now is the perfect time to get ahead on your seasonal rotation. By starting your summer stow-away now, you’ll curb future clutter and transition your Chicago North Shore home seamlessly into fall.

Step 1: Walk Through Your Home’s Drop Zones

Start with a tour of your home’s most clutter-prone areas, like the entryway, kitchen, and living room. Grab a basket or bin and collect items that are quickly becoming “out of season,” including:

  • Summer toys: beach balls, pool floaties, sandcastle gear

  • Seasonal accessories: sunscreen, summer hats, bright totes

  • Decorations: items that scream summer but may not blend with your fall décor

Next, move to the garage, often a hotspot for seasonal clutter. Wipe down and store summer gear properly to keep it ready for next year.

Step 2: Refresh the Playroom

Playroom with teal and blush hanging lights, a wood chair with a pink fluffy pillow and yellow knot pillow. A teal and blush short table with a yellow toy phone on it. A house shaped bookshelf with a plant & bins.

Assess your kids’ toys and rotate out items that haven’t been played with recently. By storing these toys for a few weeks or months, they’ll feel like new when reintroduced, keeping playtime fun and clutter minimal.

Step 3: Plan for a Clothing and Shoe Swap

Sort through closets and drawers for overt summer clothing, including bathing suits, tank tops, and shorts. Set these items aside for next year. Don’t forget shoes! Trading sandals for fall-friendly boots and sneakers ahead of time ensures a smooth seasonal transition.

Step 4: Prepare for Fall Decor

Brownish couch with orange checked and white "Happy Fall" pillows behind a round coffee table with pumkins as decor

Declutter now to make pulling out fall décor—like cozy throws, pumpkin-scented candles, and apple cider mugs—effortless. Your Chicago North Shore home will be ready to welcome the new season in style and without stress.

Need a Hand?

 If seasonal rotation feels overwhelming, contact SimplyOrganized today. Based in Glenview, Illinois, our professional home organizers serve Chicago’s North Shore, providing personalized decluttering, organizing, and seasonal home management solutions. Let us help you keep your home tidy, functional, and ready for every season.

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Irene Lo
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