With kids back to school and summer behind us, easing into a new routine can take a little time. You may be feeling like you’ve found your fall rhythm, or perhaps you’re still finding a groove. Wherever you may be in your autumn routine—organizing your home in a way that sets you up for success can make your life easier and more enjoyable. What better way to start a new season than with a fresh start? If you’re feeling inspired to organize your home, especially before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, here are a few ideas to get you started, room by room.
Entryway
An organized entryway can make getting out the door quicker and easier for everyone in your home. This month, take some time to check in on the efficiency of your entryway. Notice if you’ve accumulated clutter and toss any trash, then relocate any items that don’t belong. Create a designated space for shoes with a tiered bamboo shoe rack from Target or a mesh shoe rack from The Container Store if you don’t already have one. I swear by my shoe cabinet I got earlier this year. My husband and I have a puppy who likes to steal shoes, so keeping them hidden has been a lifesaver! Keep important mail right next to your keys with a simple entryway organizer and refresh your indoor door mat. Catch-all trays and bowls are also perfect for holding keys, wallets, and any other small items you need to have handy. And lastly, once everything is organized, add some decor, like framed pictures or a plant. It will make coming and going that much more enjoyable!
Kitchen + Pantry
Keeping the heart of the home organized and tidy will make packing lunches, preparing dinners, and meal-prepping for the week a breeze. Start with a thorough pantry declutter and toss expired food, assess what you have, and reorganize the essentials. Pantry canisters with lids are fantastic for dry goods. These canisters are built to be stacked as well to optimize space.
Next, clean the inside of your fridge. Wipe down each shelf and reorganize your groceries so you can see all that you have, making it easy to grab and go. This four-piece set is great for corralling items like fruit or packaged snacks either in your fridge or your pantry.
Finally, declutter your kitchen countertops. Are there items being displayed that don’t need to be there? Do appliances need to be rearranged to be more sufficient? I recently swapped my blender and espresso machine, and a reorganized kitchen makes all the difference!
Closets
A seasonal clothing swap is a must, especially now that it’s October. If you haven’t already, put away your summer clothes and break out your fall and winter apparel. If you have a pile of clothes that is ready to be donated, make your trip to the thrift now. There is nothing more satisfying than an organized closet, and there are a few ways to make it look especially chic. Invest in a collection of hangers so you create a uniform look. I prefer velvet hangers like these from The Container Store. Pant hangers can also save you space, and investing in fabric storage containers for your off-season clothing will keep everything organized. Since the fabric isn’t transparent like a plastic bin, it will also provide a sleek appearance, since you won’t be able to see the clothing inside.
Bathroom
Junk drawers don’t just exist in the kitchen. My bathroom drawers can also very easily get filled to the brim, and a bathroom declutter is perfect for fall. Check for skincare and makeup expiration dates as you declutter your medicine cabinet, underneath the sink, and in your bathroom drawers. Trays are fantastic for keeping drawers organized and keeping acrylic or bamboo organizers on your countertops can make your essentials easy to grab while getting ready. Slide-out organizers are also fantastic for hiding items underneath the bathroom sink.
Nightstands
A nightstand refresh is an easy and quick decluttering project. You shouldn’t have more than a few items on your nightstand, and they should be essential to your nighttime routine. Aim to have 3-5 items on the surface of your nightstand and relocate everything else. Nightstand essentials can include a small lamp, the book you’re reading, a spot for water, and an alarm clock if you use one. Other items could include a trinket dish for jewelry, a phone charger, and a sleep mask. Have your items within reach for easy access and sweet dreams.
