Transitioning from Summer to Fall in an Organized Way
Labor Day is coming up, and as a “tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers” (I do love history.com), many of us are able to take the day off, celebrate and relax. Holidays are important to our health and wellness. They also give us an opportunity to reflect and plan. Here are some considerations for transitioning between seasons in an organized way.
How have the summer months gone for you? What went smoothly, what felt chaotic, what changes might you want to consider for next summer? And, what do you envision for the fall season? Whether you are hoping summer lasts longer or you cannot wait for “pumpkin spice season”, a little decluttering of the mind and calendar can serve you well.
Did your summer goals include more free time, an easier daily routine with kids at home, or to get out of town? Being organized makes those goals easier to attain. I like to take time over Labor Day weekend to observe, declutter, and organize so next summer goes even better. Being organized also helps me approach the next season (autumn in Kentucky - glorious!) in a clutter-free, proactive way.
Step one is rounding up all the summer supplies - beach towels, pool toys, swimsuits, barbecue tools, summer clothes, patio decor, summer reading, etc. Are there items that are broken, used up, grown out of? What can we pass on to another family or a local charity? What needs to be recycled or discarded? Do we need and want to replace something (if so, end of season clearances abound).
After editing our collection of summer items, I like to store it and label it so it can be easily found. If it is packed in closed boxes, a list on the exterior of the box is helpful, and if a digital file or 3 ring binder helps you with home management, now is the time to update those documents.
Once items no longer needed are stored away, I like a bit of a break before pulling out the fall decor and supplies. Letting the space breathe, giving it a deep clean and thinking about what your life will be like in the upcoming season is helpful. Will your schedule and traditions be the same as last year? Will you be busier or away from home more? Do you have new family members or more celebrations planned? Part of decluttering and organizing is considering how the items you own and the time commitments you make fit into your current as well as upcoming lifestyle, resources and space. Do you want to spend the same amount of time you did last year? Do you want to display or use the same amount of seasonal items/decor? Will expanding or contracting best serve your family, lifestyle and schedule better?
Having that awareness when you begin unpacking and decorating for each season can help you determine whether you want to use, keep, or let go of anything. If you are not up to full-on decorating or entertaining this year, or you will not have as many outdoor activities to equip your family for, you may want to leave some items where they are stored. If you think you will not ever be using certain items again, this is a nice time to pass them on.
And, if you just cannot wait to deck out your home with orange, gold, brown, do that! You deserve to be happy.
Pinky Jackson is a decluttering and organizing expert based in Louisville, Kentucky. She loves celebrating all four seasons and helping her clients prepare their homes for organized, beautiful celebrations with their families and friends. For a complimentary consultation, go to pinkyjackson.com or call her at 502.523.3671.
