Why is now the best time for a reset?

When your surroundings are tidy, your mind can relax. Mess and excess often creep in like ghosts—quietly, until they overwhelm you. By tackling a few targeted projects before the holidays, you’ll eliminate that background stress and enjoy a sense of control. Moreover, a well-organized home makes it easier to find what you need, entertain guests, and savor the cozy parts of the season rather than getting lost in the mess.

Tricks that deliver year-round treats

Each of these projects can be done in a few hours and offers immediate payoff. Think of them as the five rooms most likely to be haunted by clutter—and how to set them free.

Tame the Entryway Before it turns into a Graveyard

This space can become scary fast and can be a quick project to tame the clutter.  Start by taking everything and sorting your items into categories, keep, relocate, donate or toss.  Use bins or baskets to create a home for each category that is staying by the front door. Use a tray or hooks for keys and emptying pockets. Install a hook for each family member’s jacket or coat and a slim shoe cabinet or shoe rack to have a place to put the shoes instead of just on the floor. This really sets the tone for the rest of the house.

Refresh your closet and say goodbye to skeletons of the past

Going through your seasonal outerwear is a perfect way to start the fall season.  Remove any summer items like beach bags, pool towels and camping gear. Store out-of-season pieces in vacuum-seal bags or labeled bins.  Try on your items and donate things that no longer fit or your style has changed. There are plenty of places to donate coats for those in need. Using slim velvet hangers helps in small spaces with bulky coats.

Cast a Spell on Your Pantry

Doing a quick refresh won’t take you long and you can make room for the seasonal foods used for the fall.  Empty your shelves, that’s right take it all out because it’s the easiest way to do a full reset.  Check expiration dates and look for duplicates (this happens a lot with spices). Then you’ll group like items and create categories like breakfast, quick meals, baking. Using clear bins that are labeled are a great  way to keep things organized.

Excorcise Paper Clutter in your Home Office

Don’t let all your papers bury you! Create piles and go through them one by one until you’re done.  Recylce the outdated paperwork and shred what’s sensitive. Seperate the remaining papers into daily, weekly and long-term categories. Use a file cabinet or file box to keep your important documents organized. To keep from tripping over tangled cords use a cable box or cord clips for a clutter free floor.

Bring Hidden Storage Zones Back from the Dead

Do a quick sweep of the house by checking for storage spaces that aren’t being utilized or need a bit of a detox.  Check under beds and closets or the garage. Pull things out that may have gotten shoved in there and gather the items together. Sorth everything by purpose or category and then put them away. Now you have just opened up new possibilities throughout your home.

Keep the Magic Going

Now that you’ve cleared the clutter and your haunted house has become a calm oasis you can sit back and relax before the busiest part of the year takes over. If you just spend 5 minutes a day restoring the order you can keep the cobwebs away.