Ultimate Guide to Autumn Decluttering
Brought to you by Surrey Decluttering & StorageX
As the crisp autumn air sets in and the days grow shorter, many of us feel the need to make our homes cosy and clutter-free for the colder months ahead. Autumn is a natural transitional season that encourages reflection and organisation, making it the perfect time to declutter.
The change in seasons brings a fresh start, allowing us to let go of items we no longer need and create a warm, inviting space for the winter. Decluttering before winter sets in also brings mental and physical benefits, helping reduce stress and anxiety while enhancing your home’s functionality.
Why Clutter Builds Up After Summer
As summer comes to an end, many of us find that our homes have accumulated unnecessary items. Summer clothes, garden tools, and sports equipment often pile up, taking up valuable space.
This seasonal transition creates the perfect opportunity for a decluttering reset. Autumn is a great time to declutter your home, allowing you to put away summer items and make space for winter essentials.
The clutter that builds up after summer can feel overwhelming, but with a well-thought-out plan, you can tackle it step by step. From sorting through summer clothes to organising festive decorations, autumn presents the perfect time to declutter.
Step-by-Step Autumn Decluttering Plan
Step 1: Start Small – 30-Minute Declutter Sessions
Decluttering can feel like a monumental task, but the key is to start small. Break the process down into manageable chunks by setting aside 30-minute sessions. Focus on one area at a time—whether it’s a wardrobe, a kitchen drawer, or a bathroom cabinet.
Quick decluttering sessions prevent overwhelm and allow you to make progress without dedicating an entire day to the task.
Top tip: Set a timer for 30 minutes and see how much you can accomplish in that short span. You’ll be surprised at how much tidier your home feels after a few focused sessions.
Step 2: Seasonal Sorting – What to Store, What to Keep
As the seasons change, it’s essential to rotate your items to suit the weather. Start by sorting your summer clothes, garden furniture, and outdoor gear. Pack away items you won’t need until next year, such as swimwear and beach towels, and bring out warmer clothes, blankets, and autumn decorations.
If you’re struggling with space, consider using professional storage solutions, like those provided by StorageX. Their flexible storage options are perfect for those who need extra room for seasonal items!
Step 3: Declutter High-Traffic Areas in Your Home
Autumn is a time when we tend to spend more time indoors, which makes it crucial to declutter the high-traffic areas of your home. Focus on the living room, hallway, and kitchen—spaces where clutter tends to accumulate quickly. A clutter-free home not only makes daily life more pleasant but also prepares your space for winter gatherings and celebrations.
Tip: Keep a basket or box near high-use areas to quickly gather items that belong elsewhere. This simple habit can help maintain a tidy space throughout the season.
Sustainable Decluttering: Donate, Recycle, or Store
One of the biggest challenges when decluttering is deciding what to do with unwanted items. Rather than throwing everything away, consider more sustainable options like donating to a charity shop or recycling. Many items can find a second life elsewhere, reducing waste and helping others at the same time.
For items you want to keep but don’t need right now, clever storage solutions can make all the difference. Using boxes, shelving, and storage units can help you declutter your home while keeping essential items accessible when needed.
Getting Your Home Ready For Winter
As autumn progresses and the colder months approach, it’s essential to prepare your home for winter. Decluttering now will free up space for Christmas decorations, family gatherings, and cosy nights indoors. Focus on organising your living space so that it feels warm and inviting for the upcoming season.
This is also a great time to sort through and organise your Christmas decorations. Make sure everything is in order for the festivities, and don’t forget to declutter any old or unused items to keep things manageable.
Embrace the Autumn Declutter for a Fresh Start
Decluttering in autumn sets the stage for a more organised and serene home environment throughout the colder months. By following this guide, you’ll not only create a clutter-free space but also enjoy the mental and physical benefits that come with it.
Take advantage of this transitional season to prepare your home for winter and create a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.
If you’re ready to tackle your clutter but need a helping hand, Surrey Decluttering and Storage X offer valuable resources to support your decluttering journey.
Storage X is a storage company based in London. They make it easy, quick and affordable to put things into storage, whether you’re a household or a business. They pick up, store and return your belongings, so there’s no need to hire a van. Their storage units are highly secure with 24/7 CCTV and offer short- and long-term storage options.
Victoria Fearnley is the CDO (Chief Decluttering Officer) at Surrey Decluttering and loves helping clients all over Surrey and beyond with all their decluttering and organisational needs. From busy mums to individuals with special needs and everyone inbetween, she helps them remove clutter, restore order & create well-functioning homes.
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