We're not perfect either
When people hear that I'm a professional organizer, they often ask me if my home is "super-organized." My answer is usually uuuuuummmmmm, kind of. People get the impression that organized means PERFECT. But none of us live in a model home. Our homes are lived in and should be there to serve us, not the other way around. To be honest, kind of is actually a pretty accurate answer. The truth is, I know where everything in my home is located. Everything. Is there possibly something in a bin that might be a better fit in another bin? Sure, but nothing is far from where it's supposed to be, and this is the key to long-term organization.
While most organizers do strive for efficiency with effective systems in place, we’re not immune to the occasional clutter. Just like anyone else, we sometimes find ourselves needing a reset. And this is usually best done when the seasons are about to change, since things like your wardrobe and holiday decorations will require a refresh anyway. Seasonal changes offer the perfect opportunity to reassess your space. With temperatures finally tapering off in the Southwest (Hallelujah!), it’s a great time to start preparing for the holidays—Christmas is just 82 days away! Ready to get a jump on your seasonal reset? Here are some tips to help you get started:
Refreshing Your Wardrobe
We all love sweater weather, but bulky sweaters can take up precious closet space. Review your summer wardrobe and consider moving out-of-season items to make room for fall and winter gear. Store summer clothes in bins or move them under the bed or on a higher shelf so your cold-weather outfits are easily accessible. Don’t forget your drawers—swap out summer tees for long-sleeve shirts and thermal wear. This is also a good time to declutter your summer wardrobe. If you have t-shirts you didn’t wear, consider donating them. Footwear is another area to address. Cold-weather boots and shoes can take up more space than summer sandals. Before packing away your flip-flops and sandals, assess their condition. If they’re worn out or no longer your style, it's time to donate them. Organize your winter footwear in a convenient location, such as a mudroom or closet, so that the pairs you’re currently wearing are front and center. If you're going to embrace the growing capsule wardrobe trend, this is a great time to make the tough decision of what stays and what goes.
Updating Home Decor
Switching out seasonal decorations is a great way to refresh your space. As you pack away summer decor, check that everything is still in good condition. Edit your collection as you go—keeping only the items you truly enjoy will prevent your space from feeling overcrowded. Mosty likely your garage is where your Holiday decorations are organized and stored.
Use the opportunity to re-evaluate how your storage system of all your holiday decorations is working for you. People don't think enough about safety when storing things in the garage or attic. I can attest to feeling the stab of more than one Christmas tree star or Santa sculpture coming down on my head when organizing a garage. You wouldn't bury kitchen knives on a high shelf on top of plates and and bowls. The same care should be taken with everything that is stored up high in the garage. Properly storing outgoing decorations and minimizing excess items helps maintain a well-organized home.
Preparing Linens
If you’re hosting guests during the holiday season, now is the time to check your linens. Make sure towels, sheets, blankets, and pillowcases are in good condition. Nothing is more stressful than realizing your guest linens are worn out when company arrives. And don't forget to pull out your tablecloths and fabric napkins to verify that they have survived another year in storage. Replace any worn or damaged items and donate old linens to animal shelters; they often appreciate flat sheets and towels. Getting this task done now will make your holiday hosting much smoother.
Plan Ahead
If a particular space in your home is bothering you, tackle it now rather than waiting until the holidays are upon you. The principles of organization apply to every area, whether it’s under the kitchen sink or in your pantry. Don’t let the approaching holiday season catch you off guard.
For more detailed guidance, consider picking up our book, Love Your Home Again, or subscribing to our course. Both resources are packed with tips and advice to help you get your home in top shape.
Happy organizing!
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