10 Things to Declutter Before Fall (Simple Homemaker’s Guide)
Get your home ready for the cozy season with this simple decluttering guide. Here are 10 things to declutter before fall to create space, peace, and an inviting autumn home.
There’s something about the change of seasons that makes me want to clear out, tidy up, and prepare my home for cozy routines. Just like great-grandma used to do, I find it helpful to use the natural rhythms of the year as a guide for homemaking.
Fall is the season of gathering, friends, family, and cozy evenings at home. The more clutter you can let go of before the holidays, the more peace and space you’ll enjoy in the months ahead.
Here are 10 simple things you can declutter before fall begins.
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1. Summer Clothes & Worn-Out Shoes
Go through closets and put away what you’ll use again next year, then donate or toss items that are stained, worn out, or never worn. This clears space for sweaters, boots, and coats you’ll reach for daily.
If you’re ready to really reduce your closet, I’ve got you covered. Read how I dramatically reduced my wardrobe in 30 minutes: How To Minimize Your Wardrobe in 30 Minutes or Less!
2. Expired Pantry Items
Take an afternoon to sort through your pantry shelves. Toss expired items and donate unopened goods you know you won’t use. This makes room for fall staples like oats, apples, canned goods, and baking supplies.
A well stocked pantry is paramount to a from-scratch kitchen. You can read what I recommend to keep on hand here: Stocking a Vintage-Inspired Pantry: Simple Old-Fashioned Wisdom for Modern Homemakers
3. Half-Used Candles & Old Scents
Switching seasons is a great time to clear out old candles and scents that don’t inspire you anymore. Keep what feels cozy and autumnal, and let go of what you no longer enjoy.
4. Kids’ Toys & Games
With cooler days ahead, your kids may spend more time inside. Rotate out toys that aren’t used and donate extras to make playtime simpler and less overwhelming.
This is especially important before Christmas! If you want to learn how to tackle the toys, you can read more about that here: How to Declutter Kids’ Toys Fast (Even if you’re overwhelmed!)
5. Paper Clutter
School papers, old mail, catalogs, they pile up fast. Before the busy holiday season, recycle or file what you need and clear the rest.
6. Worn Dish Towels & Linens
Go through your stack of towels, rags, and dishcloths. Retire what’s too thin or raggedy, and keep a smaller set of sturdy, useful ones. Old-fashioned homemakers always knew the value of “making do,” but even they didn’t hang onto what no longer served.
7. Outdoor & Garden Tools
Check your porch, shed, or garage for broken garden tools, empty plant pots, and worn-out hoses. Decluttering before winter means you’ll start spring fresh and organized.
8. Summer Décor
If you’re like me, you collect little things for each season. Before you bring out cozy fall touches, pack away or donate summer décor you don’t truly love.
9. Extra Kitchen Gadgets
Fall cooking means lots of soups, casseroles, and baking. If you’ve got gadgets stuffed in drawers that you never use, let them go and make space for the tools you rely on daily.
10. Your Digital Spaces
Don’t forget your phone, computer, and email. Declutter old files, delete unused apps, and clear your inbox. A tidy digital space makes it easier to focus on what matters most in the busy season ahead. If you’re like me, your phone quickly fills up with photos. I love to use this memory stick to take the photos off my phone!
A Simpler Home for a Cozy Season
Decluttering before fall doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just a little time spent letting go now can make your home feel more spacious, peaceful, and ready for the cozy rhythms of autumn.
Like great-grandma, we can embrace the wisdom of preparing our homes with the seasons. Decluttering is just one way to create an inviting home that serves our families well. 🍂
you may also like…
- How to Declutter Holiday Decorations You Don’t Love
- How to Quickly and Easily Declutter Living Spaces in 6 Simple Steps
- Decluttering & Organizing
