Fall is creeping in and, as I have shared previously, I sort of go into a nesting mode with the oncoming of each new season. WIth a household of seven people, and not to mention a love for inviting each season into our home through decor, I thought I would share how I prepare and organize my home seasonally. Or at least the few steps I take just to have a little bit more sanity. Remember, house of seven people.

I don’t know if you do this, but I think it started when we had more than one or two cubs. I remember being caught off guard and someone not having mittens or something we needed for colder weather. And I could not find anything anywhere in the stores. Or when I thought someone had boots for a weekend getaway, but come to find they were too small and I spent a day last-minute shopping for the right pair of shoes. I don’t care for the frazzled feeling and I definitely don’t like my attitude when I feel frazzled (can you relate?). So I just came up with a very simple and easy process I walk through each time a new season is coming up. Just so I can feel better prepared, but also enjoy it more.

For each season, there are two areas I tackle: wardrobes and decor. Of course at certain times of the year there are bigger seasonal to-do’s (like spring cleaning), but I am simply sharing what I do in the last few weeks of August as fall approaches.

Seasonal Closet Cleanout & Organization

Step 01: Clean out what doesn’t fit anymore

It’s amazing how fast these cubs grow and I was finding that doing closet cleanouts once or twice a year was just enough. I got so behind with keeping up with wardrobes! So, I go to each person’s closet with them and go through everything. If we aren’t sure about a pair of jeans, they try them on right then and there. Shoes? Same thing. 

Step 02: Pull all fall and winter wear and make accessible

Next, I pull everything that can and should be worn in the fall and winter and place it towards the front of the closet or at the top of drawers for easy access. Beanies, mittens, longer wool socks – it all gets taken out and put in easy reach.

Step 03: Gather clothes that can’t be handed down and donate

Whatever can be handed down, gets handed down. If it can’t? We simply make two piles: one for trash if the clothing is too worn and another for us to take and donate.

Step 04: Make a list of needs if there are any

If someone is needing rain boots for the season or needs a jacket replaced, I make a list in the notes app on my phone. This way, when I am out and running errands, taking a day to shop and browse, or a good sale pops up that I want to take advantage of, I know exactly what is a need and a want should I happen to come across anything. In a home with as many people as we have, needs come first and once those are taken care of, then we can shop wants. This has really helped to not overspend while also ensuring each person has what they need when they go their closet every day. 

I go through these four same steps in mine and the Bearded Gent’s closet as well.

Seasonal Decor + Organization

Next up is tackling the decor for the house. If you are like me, this is the thing you look forward to most. I love freshening things up for each season. But I especially love infusing the extra comfort, warmth, and cozy for the fall and winter months. 

Step 01: Pull seasonal decor from storage 

Before I ever set foot in a store or purchase anything online, I first pull what I have in storage. If it is something that is still my style and in good condition, I put it in the first pile. If I have outgrown it, or it is damaged, or too worn I place it in the second pile.

Step 02: I shop my home and decide what is going to be used

Then I spend a weekend going around the house and decorating. I add in the fall decor, switch around the existing, and play around with different ideas. My goal is to shop my home first and get a good feel of where I might want to add something. Because I am a firm believer that we don’t need to buy new every season. I just happen to be in rebuilding mode still and replacing a lot so it’s on my mind this year.

That second pile I made gets donated along with the clothes that we gathered earlier. 

And then, of course, there are the smaller seasonal to-do’s. Ones that I just love and that put a smile on my face. One is pulling out our fall and winter books to make them more accessible for little hands (you can read more about my approach to this as well as get our list of fall favorites right here). I will also pull forward any seasonal linens and entertaining pieces that we use more in the upcoming months.

So, that’s about it. That’s how I prepare and organize my home seasonally. It’s an extremely simple system, nothing too exciting. However, I have found that doing this every season makes things feel less cluttered and makes me feel less behind. Doing it every season helps to keep on top of things so it doesn’t become a bigger chore or cleanout. 

Is there anything you do seasonally that you find helps your home run smoother with each season? 

And this usually spills into Labor Day weekend as I am finishing things up, so be sure and come hang out with me on Instagram where I am sharing more peeks into the process!

P.S. I also shared the awesome finds and the things I have my eye on for this season. Catch it here if you missed it!