Fall is the perfect time to declutter your home and make your living space more comfortable and functional. Here are seven fall weekend decluttering projects that will help to simplify your life over the next few months and beyond.  

1. Examine Your Wardrobe

Now that the weather is getting cooler, it’s time to switch out summer clothing for fall and winter clothing. As you remove warm weather clothing from your closet and drawers, take note of the things you never wore over the past season. Maybe there’s a bathing suit that no longer fits or a pair of sandals that hurt your feet. There’s no point putting them away – toss them into a donation bag instead.

Then, do the same with your fall and winter clothing. Before putting it away, have a close look at all those sweaters and pants that spent the entire season doing nothing but taking up valuable space. If you didn’t wear them last year, you’re not likely to wear them this year. You know what to do – toss them in your donation bag. Or, if they’re in good shape and still in style, take them to your local consignment shop or try selling them online.

2. Clean and Store Summer Linens

Bedding should be cleaned and changed out with the seasons. That pretty summer coverlet looks nice, but it won’t keep you warm on cold winter nights. It’s time to put it away. 

Before putting away your summer linens, look at them with a critical eye. You might have sheets that have holes, pillowcases with frayed ends or comforters with permanent stains. Fall items you’re bringing out should also be looked at. Maybe it’s time to replace that lumpy quilt or worn flannel sheets. Bag them up and donate to your local animal shelter for use as animal bedding. 

3. Declutter Your Attic (and/or Basement)

If you have an attic, chances are you didn’t spend a lot of time up there during the summer months. Head upstairs and have a look at it now. What’s up there – and why? 

If you’re storing things for a specific need in the future, great. But if the only reason they’re up there is because you didn’t know what else to do with them, maybe it’s time to move them out of your home. The same goes for things in your basement. 

4. Get After Your Garage

Over the summer, you’ve probably put lots of things in the garage. This is a good opportunity to think about what you really need and what you don’t, especially if there’s no room for your car! Start by removing all of those outdoor items that are broken or you no longer have use for. Here’s a step-by-step plan for cleaning out your garage in a weekend. 

5. Hold a Yard Sale

A yard sale is a good way to get rid of things that are still in good condition, but you don’t use anymore. Pick a nice weekend day with a good weather forecast. List your sale on Craigslist and also GarageSalesTracker. Put up lots of signs in advance leading from the nearest main road. Make sure you have lots of petty cash so you can make change when you’re selling. 

6. Donate Things to Charity

A charitable donation benefits you and others at the same time. Look through your things. Many of the items you have in your home that you don’t want are likely still in good condition. For example, if you have small children, they’ve probably outgrown their baby clothing while it was still in good condition. Others can make use of these items. Donate them to a good charity. Many charitable organizations, such as the Vietnam Veterans of America, will even come and pick up your donations for free. 

7. Don’t Forget to Clean Your Fridge

Over time, the fridge can get just as cluttered as the rest of your home. A cluttered fridge can make it hard to prepare meals and find room to store food. With the holidays coming, now’s a good time to clean out your refrigerator and freezer. 

Things that have been in there for weeks, months, or even years aren’t likely to wind up on your dinner plate any time soon. They’re just taking up space you need. Get rid of them and then give your refrigerator and freezer a good cleaning.  

Decluttering your home now can make a huge difference in how you feel every time you walk in the door over the long winter months. Plus, you never know what the future is holding in store for you. Maybe you’ll get a new job opportunity or decide to downsize in the spring. Paring down your belongings now will make a lot easier to make your next move, whenever that may be. 

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Mikayla St. Clair is a Public Relations Specialist for Allied Van Lines. She loves to write informative
articles and share her knowledge with readers.

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

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