Here’s a Savvy Auntie Guide to Fall Organizing
Fall is definitely in the air. The weather is cooler, leaves are changing color, and the winter clothes are coming out. This is a great time of year for Savvy Aunties to “fall” into organizing before the rush of the holiday season hits.
Clear the Decks
Most people think about “spring cleaning,” but you can do “fall cleaning,” too. As you pack away summer clothes and unpack winter clothes, go through them and toss things that are stained, torn beyond repair or worn out. Donate the items that you didn’t wear over the summer or don’t want to wear this fall. And pack away the special things you no longer wear, but a niece will like to grow into one day.
Anytime you straighten up or clean, take the opportunity to go through your stuff and clear out the things you no longer want. Some easy things to toss: magazines, catalogs, outdated coupons, old beauty items, and holey socks.
On the digital side, delete apps you don’t use, old documents, and unflattering photos.
Encourage your littles to clear out their rooms to make room for holiday gifts. Ask them if there are any toys or clothes they no longer want and want to donate to another child.
Express Gratitude, not Guilt
Too many times, I’ve seen clients feeling guilty over the excess items they have. The guilt represents how much money, time and space “wasted” on something hanging in the closet, sitting on a shelf or gathering dust in the garage.
Marie Kondo in her best-selling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up writes about thanking the objects leaving your possession. Instead of wallowing in guilt, express gratitude for the lessons you’ve learned and let it go guilt-free.
Donate items to people and causes that will use them, and let your heart soar about the good you’ve put on in the world.
Freshen up Your Space
You don’t have to completely redecorate your home to freshen up your space. You can make tiny changes to add a little punch.
Adding new candles, hand towels, and sofa pillows are easy and quick changes to make. If you like fresh flowers, pick out some fall colors and leaves to display. For bonus points, get help from your nieces and nephews. Every Savvy Auntie can use a turkey or pumpkin drawing for fall décor.
Update displayed photos of your family and friends. After all, the kids grow up so fast.
If you haven’t done so in a while, replace your bed pillows with new ones, change batteries in your smoke detectors, fluff blankets and throws in the dryer, change your toothbrush, wipe down your refrigerator shelves, and clean your make-up brushes.
Enjoy the autumn months even more by falling into a little organization.
Photo: NejroN Photo
Published: November 10, 2015