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With the changing of the leaves and the cooling temperatures in Georgia, I'm ready to embrace the beauty of fall and enjoy some pumpkin spice lattes! September is the perfect time to refresh my home aesthetic in preparation for the upcoming holiday season.
Fall cleaning and decluttering helps set the stage for cozy memory making and clears the way for getting creative with holiday decor. Taking time to freshen up now, reduces some of the stress that inevitably comes with holiday to-do lists. Here are some helpful tips for making room for festive decorations and tidying up after summer.
Declutter and Deep Clean
Living Areas:
Start by removing items that don't have a permanent place. Dust off surfaces, lighting and decor and give your upholstery a good cleaning. Now is a great time to store away some every day accessories that won't be missed to accommodate your holiday themed decor. Embracing a minimalist approach will clear up visual space for better focus now and will open up room to decorate in the months ahead.
Kitchen: Fall Cleaning and Organization
Deep clean your appliances, declutter your counter tops, and throw out any outdated baking supplies. Consider what infrequently used items can be stored away for the season and not be missed. Whether you use that open space for holiday decor or simply to leave an area for your eyes to rest, it will be valuable.
Organize your fridge and clear out any spent condiments and jellies. Create designated space in your pantry for frequently used items like spices, vanilla flavoring, salt, baking powder, sweeteners and baking soda. Use a small tray to make accessing it and putting it up easier. Keeping all these items together until January will streamline your food prep.
Bedrooms:
This is a great time to declutter your closets and send things that you no longer use to a thrift store. Take a moment to dust your room and check out your wall decor. Are there any pieces you're ready to part with? Maybe there are some new art styles that you'd love to receive as gifts that you could clear a spot for. As the holiday season approaches, consider adding frames to your wish list – they're both practical and stylish. Sprucing them up before the new year will give your bedroom a fresh look and be the gift that keeps on giving!
For guest bedrooms, consider swapping out your wall art for seasonal pieces with autumn hues to instantly add some holiday charm. If you have family photos in here then update them. They make great conversation starters with guests. Adding in a new scented will also make your guests feel welcomed.
Bathrooms:
Scrub fixtures, organize toiletries, and restock essentials. A clean bathroom is a must for hosting guests. This is a great time to recycle worn towels into garage rags and replace them with some cozy fluffy ones to enhance the relaxation of bath routines. A fragrant bar soap will add a welcoming aroma to this tight space. A convenient hand lotion is a nice guest luxury and will also keep the room fresh with the lingering scent after handwashing. Keep a basket of travel varieties as a nice gift for visitors.
Outdoor Spaces:
As autumn approaches, it's time to transition your outdoor space for the upcoming holidays. Start by trimming overgrown shrubs and cleaning outdoor furniture to maintain a tidy appearance. Store away summer toys and equipment that won't be used during the colder months, creating a clutter-free environment.
Remove any fading flowers and clear unused pots, replacing them with vibrant fall plants and decorative pumpkins that will last through Thanksgiving. Refresh your front door wreath by removing sun-damaged elements and incorporating a color scheme of yellow, gold, and green to extend its seasonal appeal. These simple steps will create a welcoming exterior that seamlessly transitions from autumn to the holiday season.
How To Simplify Holiday Decor for Easy Transitions
Interchangeable Wreaths: Use neutral wreaths coupled with removable decorations to easily switch themes for each holiday. Decorative picks are inexpensive and make transitioning a natural wreath a breeze. Store picks for each season the in one container to make the process even less complicated.
Seasonal Table Decor: Opt for a tiered cake stand for table centerpieces that can be updated with seasonal elements like flowers, ornaments or fruit.
Colorful Pillows: Use neutral pillows and swap out one or two accent colored throw for each holiday to refresh your space.
Decorative Baskets: Fill baskets with seasonal items like pumpkins for fall, ornaments for Christmas, or spooky decor for Halloween.
By implementing these tips for decluttering, deep cleaning, and simplifying holiday decor, you'll create a welcoming space that seamlessly transitions from autumn to winter festivities. Remember, a well-organized home sets the stage for joyful celebrations and allows you to fully embrace the magic of the season. Start your fall refresh today and enjoy a more relaxed, festive holiday season to come. Happy Fall Y'all!