Why Fall is the Perfect Season to Declutter (and How to Actually Stick With It)
Spring may get all the credit for cleaning, but fall deserves a reset, too. As the days get shorter and cooler, we naturally spend more time indoors — and research shows clutter can spike stress and make it harder to focus. A little organizing now means a calmer, cozier season ahead.
1. Start small
Don’t overwhelm yourself. Begin with a single drawer, shelf, or corner. Pro tip: set a 20-minute timer and call it a micro-declutter. TikTok swears by it (#cleantok), and it really works.
2. Edit the everyday zones
Think about the spaces you touch daily:
Pantry: Clear out stale chips and half-empty snack bags, then stock up on soups, baking staples, and hot cocoa fixings.
Closet: Pack away swimsuits and sandals, and welcome in chunky knits and boots.
Linen closet: Swap lightweight sheets for duvets and ditch threadbare towels.
Entryway: Add bins for hats, gloves, and the inevitable “drop zone” clutter before it gets out of hand.
3. Matchy-matchy is a mood
Uniform baskets and hangers aren’t just pretty — they’re practical. Less visual clutter makes it easier to actually find what you need.
4. Get ahead of holiday chaos
The holidays bring an avalanche of stuff: gifts, coats, boxes, food, and all the extras. By clearing space now, you’ll avoid the December scramble of shoving coats into packed closets or digging for the roasting pan. Organizing in fall sets you up for a holiday season that feels cozy, not chaotic.
Not ready to take on these projects by yourself? NEAT Method Northern Virginia offers expert organizing services and a curated product collection to help you discover the luxury of living beautifully organized.
SEE ALSO: 6 Things You Should Be Storing in Drawers But Probably Aren’t
