Seasonal Decluttering - The Autumn Edit

Nature gives us a great clue in the autumn: let go of what no longer serves you.

The trees know to drop their leaves. the days get shorter, nights get longer, and we stay home more. This is the perfect time to turn our attention inwards and get on with some autumn decluttering.

We clear out the old to make room for the new, just as leaves fall in autumn so new ones can bloom in spring. Use the change of seasons as your starting point and go through the following areas of your home that requires seasonal rotation.

• Bedrooms: Does your room flow well?

• Wardrobes: Out with summer clothes, in with warmer layers.

• Refresh the linen cupboard.

• Rotate toys: get rid of broken and out grown toys.

• Loft: Clear out belonging you’ve dumped up there and no longer serve a purpose.

Create a cozy nest

The cooler months often lead to wanting to cozy up in our home a lot more. Look at how your bedroom is laid out. Does it feel cluttered? Does all the furniture fit, or could it be moved around to create a better flow? Is there enough storage? I like to use thin velvet hangers and draw dividers to increase wardrobe space and maintain organisation. Storage baskets are great for higher shelves or storing hats, belts and other bits and bobs. Also get out your thicker duvet and blankets this season.

If you can’t totally empty the room, I like to start by decluttering all personal belongings so you can see exactly what you have. Start with one draw or cupboard at a time, giving it a good clean as you go. Next move the larger pieces of furniture into their desired place and see where you can add more/better storage solutions. Once you have all the bits you’re keeping they can be organised and put away leaving a pile to sell, donate or recycle.

Rotate Your Wardrobe

Whether you like to rotate your wardrobe or just need to refresh things, Allow 3-4 hours when you can swap your summer items for winter.

When you switch clothes for the seasons, get rid of clothes and shoes that:

• no longer fit,

• are stained or have holes,

• are old or faded,

• or you just don’t love.

Autumn and winter are a great time to donate coats and warm clothes to local shelters or charities.

Go through one space at a time, this will help keep you from getting overwhelmed or making a huge mess. Make piles for keep, sell, give away, throw/recycle. When you’re done with the space, put away what you’re keeping, whether it’s in your wardrobe or storage/vacuum pack bag so it’s ready to pull out at the next switch of seasons. Get the rest out of your house as quickly as possible.

Lastly don’t forget the entrance hall, swap out light jackets sandals and sun hats for winter coats, boots, scarves, woolly hats and gloves.

Linen cupboard

The linen or airing cupboard is an area which is often overlooked and can become a bit of a dumping ground for old bedding and tatty towels.

First off ask yourself how many bed sets and towels do I actually use? You only really need two linen sets per bed and 2 towel sets per person.

Organise your linen and towels in a way that makes sense to you and with the space you have. I like to roll towels and keep bed sets inside a pillowcase.

Lavender bags are also great to keep the space smelling fresh.

Kids zones

Whether you have a dedicated playroom, a corner of the living room, or a play space in your child’s room, maintaining order is essential.

Most children have an excess of toys and if the playroom is too packed, there will be no room to play, so inevitably the mess moves to other rooms.

A top tip is to rotate toys. Take half the toys and put them in the loft or garage. After 6 months rotate, it’s like getting new toys every 6 months!

Use Storage Boxes or draws and group their toys together. Have one for crafts, one for dolls, one for cars and so on.

The rule is you have to put back the toys into the correct box before you empty the next one. It works most of the time anyway!

Get rid of broken toys or toys they have grown out of. I find this is best done when the kids are not around as they never want to get rid of their toys.

If you can, I recommend getting the children involved and tidy up a little every day, this will help keep the playroom organised, tidy and in-still good habits.

Take Advantage of the Cooler Weather

Autumn is a fabulous time to go through lofts because they are not so hot. Also, they are probably where you have your festive decorations stored and winter sports equipment.

Get rid of decorations you never use and items you’ve stashed up there like toys, books and clothes over the past year (or more).

Autumn clearing makes for a much easier spring cleaning. Clear it out. Now’s the time!