The summer is officially over, and fall is practically here. Weekends at the beach are turning into days at the pumpkin patch, and swimsuits have been swapped for sweaters. And according to Shantae Duckworth, founder of Shantaeize Your Space and professional organizer, this also means it’s an ideal time to give your home a real reset.
“When I work with clients in the fall, I always remind them that this season is a natural reset point," Duckworth says. "Kids are back in school, routines shift, the weather changes, and all of that means the stuff we need in our homes changes too.” So, are you ready to get your home prepared for the new season? Not sure where to start? Here are the most useful fall decluttering tips according to organizing pros.
1. Do a Wardrobe Edit
Start your decluttering by doing a wardrobe edit. After all, it will be easier to sort through your seasonal clothes if there’s less to work with. Ashley Murphy, co-founder and CEO of NEAT Method and co-author ofThe NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book, recommends ditching anything that hasn’t been worn in the last year, since it likely won’t be worn again in the next, in addition to pieces that no longer fit or are damaged beyond repair.
2. Swap Out Seasonal Wardrobe Pieces
It’s hard to find your favorite sweaters if your drawers are stuffed with swimwear. So it’s crucial to get your seasonal pieces out of the way. “Avoid digging for fall layers and tuck away your sundresses and sandals," Murphy says. "If space is tight, consider removing all summer items and packing them away for the season."
It’s still possible to do this even if you’re limited on space. Murphy recommends placing a lidded bin under the bed, for example, which can be used to swap again in the spring. "Otherwise, adjust the layout of your wardrobe by moving sweaters, jackets, and coats to the front of your closet rod and boots and sneakers to those easiest-to-access shoe shelves," she adds.
3. Adjust Your Drop Zone
Whether you have kids in the house who will be leaving their backpacks in the front entryway or you simply don’t need to leave your beach chairs in the mudroom anymore, Murphy notes that fall is an ideal time to refresh your drop zone.
“Swap sun hats and bug spray for beanies and scarves, and make sure heavier coats are prioritized," she says. "This is also a good time to toss any empty sunscreen bottles and old mail and donate any well-loved shoes or outgrown jackets.”
4. Prep Outdoor Spaces
You’ve probably been using your outdoor spaces a lot this summer, so they likely need as much attention as your indoor spaces do. “Whether you have a patio, balcony, or garage, now is the time to give it a good sweep—literally and figuratively," Murphy says.
The pro organizer also advises assessing whether any items need to be stored indoors or covered for winter, including those things your kids have been playing with all summer. “Set aside toys and gear that have seen better days and corral them in a bag to be tossed or donated," Murphy suggests. "Contain any categories stored on the ground within a weatherproof deck box or lidded bin.”
5. Let Go of the Little Things
We all have little things we can’t use that no longer serve us and just take up space, and Duckworth says fall is a great time to declutter these items. “Let go of the little things that quietly clutter up your life: single gloves, chewed-up water bottles, expired pantry staples, linens no one uses," she recommends. "It doesn’t seem like much, but those items take up mental space every time you stumble on them.”
6. Prep for the Cold Weather Months
Duckworth says fall is also the perfect moment to prep for what’s coming, including hosting guests, the holidays, and all things winter gear. “I’ll help clients set up donation bins by the door, build a guest basket with spare chargers and toiletries, and create a car kit for cold weather," she says.
Sure, this might feel extreme, but having things done early can help you feel calmer before the chaos of the holidays hits. “Done this way, decluttering doesn’t feel like a marathon; it feels like getting your home ready to support you through the season ahead," Duckworth notes.
Source: Lauren, A. (2025h, September 18). We asked pro organizers for their best fall decluttering Tips—Here’s what they said. Real Simple. https://www.realsimple.com/best-fall-decluttering-tips-from-pro-organizers-11804026