Falling Into Order: A Family Guide to Embracing Fall Clutter Free
As a working mom of three lively little ones, I often found myself wondering why all the emphasis on spring cleaning? Let’s face it, mopping floors, wiping walls, routine vacuuming, along with endless kitchen and bath cleanup are pretty much a daily part of raising a family. In our house, spring was a time to get outdoors after the long, cold winter. The days were longer, the air was fresh, the promise of summer was on the horizon. This resulted in a bit less indoor mess to contend with in comparison to tripping over every toy in the house while the snow piled up during the winter months. By baby number two, I found myself establishing a firm, fall decluttering/deep cleaning practice.
Fall meant the start of school, which also meant back to school shopping x 3. It meant winter coats, boots, and bulkier clothing. It was the time of year when we started dragging boxes out from the attic in preparation for the upcoming holidays. Fall meant stashing toys and other gifts for Christmas. For me, it meant no better time to donate, organize and prepare for shorter days and a bustling home. A clutter-free home can reduce stress and promote a better state of mind for all. As such, this is a practice I still implement today. The kids are grown, the northeast is 1400 miles away from sunny southwest Florida, and I continue to find this a meaningful habit.
In my home, the best way to tackle clean up detail was to slate a weekend and just get it done! Throw in some take out. Get a sitter. Add in date night on the couch. Make it as palatable and pain free as possible. You might even find it enjoyable! Whether you’re single, married, or a family of five like us, you certainly won’t miss the mess!
Parents start with the kids’ clothes. Work small to large. The youngest isn’t passing hand-me-downs to their siblings, so list them online or donate them. As you work in order, be realistic, not sentimental. Sure, some items are special. Most of it can be put to better use elsewhere. A few extra bucks, friends, relatives, and the local goodwill are all great options! Once you’ve repurposed and eliminated the unsalvageable, comprise a shopping list for each child to keep you on purpose and budget. Many of us don’t need half of what we keep. Take this opportunity to simplify your life. From here, head on over to your own closets. If you haven’t put it on in six months, pack it up! Ladies, listen up!! Forget the “skinny” wardrobe, the “I’ll probably wear these on vacation” clothes. If you haven’t worn it, bring it to a women’s shelter. Do you really want those toxic “skinny” jeans judging you? Make room in your life for something better. Pack it up!!
As you work through each room, complete what you’ve started. Leaving a project undone is a sure-fire way to stress yourself out! Tackle your rooms from the ceiling down. Clean the light fixtures. Change the batteries in the smoke alarms. Dust, vacuum, wash that dreaded woodwork (or hire someone else to later). Bulk up the bedding and maybe the window treatments for the change of season. Make it cozy and make it special for your little ones! Pile up some toys for donation and allow them to help with this when you’re ready. Teach them to establish these good habits now. It’s one of the many valuable life skills that school doesn’t teach. Starting a new season in nature or life with an organized environment can provide a positive mindset and boost productivity. What better way to set that example heading into a new school year!
If you enjoyed this, head on over to my, September Splendor: A Stylish Entryway Guide for Autumn blog post. You may also find my Clean Green article useful if you’re interested in eco-friendly cleaning products.
