By Janice M. Simon, The Clutter Princess

The temperatures are cooling, the leaves are changing, and the holidays are coming. Are you ready to fall into organizing, Aunties?

1. Declutter for the holidays.

Give yourself a clean slate by doing a quick decluttering for the holidays. Recycle magazines, catalogs, receipts, expired coupons, and mail. Donate clothes, jewelry, shoes, and other accessories you no longer wear and no longer like. Encourage your nieces and nephews to purge toys, games, and clothes they no longer use.

2. Make a list.

Although it’s October, it’s a good idea to start thinking about Hanukkah and Christmas gifts for the nieces and nephews. Jot down ideas from their parents, and scour older teens’ Social Media accounts to see what they’re talking about and interested in.

With hurricanes and wildfires having affected so many people this year, talk to family and friends about donating to a charity as a group instead of buying gifts for each other.

3. Spend time with the kids in your life.

Celebrate the fall and the upcoming holidays with your nieces and nephews. One place to glean new ideas is 100 Days Until Christmas, an e-book that provides daily tips and inspiration for the days leading up to the end of the year. A multitude of holidays and occasions are covered in the book.

4. Plan ahead.

Make appointments now for haircuts, facials, and other self-care before the holiday rush makes it more difficult.

5. Take care of yourself.

With the rush of the holidays, it can be stressful. Take walks, write in a journal, spend time with your friends, spend time with yourself, and take breaks as needed. It’s okay to say no.

Get out the sweaters, Aunties, and enjoy the fall.

Photo: Julia Sudnitskaya