Three Things to Declutter in October🎃👻
Here in Columbus, Ohio the weather has finally given in to some cooler temps! It’s actually strange seeing leaves change color and fall, needing a coat in the morning and evening, and kind of enjoying the earlier darkness (maybe the kids will actually go to sleep on time tonight 🤞🏻). Are you also spending a bit more time indoors? Since I’m seeing my walls more I’m motivated to make my space better- like reverse spring cleaning? It’s time to declutter in October!
Of course you can declutter any month out of the year. Duh Hanna. But there are three specific areas of my home that I’ll be decluttering before the cold really sets in, and I think you should too! If you can check these off your list now, I promise your future self will be so happy! Plus, stay tuned for a related (though not decluttering-specific) tip at the end!
October Decluttering Tip #1: Coats and Winter Gear
Alright y’all, you know the frost is coming. We just had to more our fiddle leaf fig inside because there’s a frost advisory for tonight here in Worthington! It’s wild! I also had to open our baby/kids’ coat closet this week for the first time so my babies could stay cozy at the Zoo. All of that to say- it’s time to assess your jackets, coats, hats, gloves, mitten, etc. inventory for the coming cold season.
Here’s what you need to do. Find and pull out all of you and your family’s gear. Separate items by person. Does everyone in your fam have coats, gloves, scarves, etc. that will fit them? If not, make a note of who still needs what so you can tackle that later, like that same evening (so you don’t forget). There may be items your family has outgrown, look shaggy, have holes, or you simply don’t want anymore- put those is a trash bags (one for donation and another for textile recycling). Do you have a local textile recycling spot near you? I highly suggest getting a Trashie bag and sending that in! They will take care of the recycling for you!
Once you have only the items left that your family will wear this season you can either run them through the wash if you’re like me and forgot to at the end of last winter 😬 or place them back in your designated winter coat spot. Our ONLY coat closet is actually in our lower level #splitlevelhomeugh so we have to keep a basket by our door for all the gloves and hats. If you’re also team No Coat Closet I suggest you give it a try!
October Decluttering Tip #2: Craft Supplies
If you want to declutter in October AND you have kids like me (or you’re super crafty) now is the best time to declutter that craft drawer/closet/basket/mishmash area. Chances are your family will be spending more time indoors and a beneficial way to pass indoor time is by creating! I honestly cannot remember the last time I really decluttered my craft bin so this is something I’m slightly terrified yet looking forward to doing this month.
To begin decluttering craft supplies, gather anything you consider part of your craft zone into a common area. It’s going to look a little scary! But trust the process. Now I suggest separating your giant pile 🙃 into groups based on items. So, put all the crayons together, all the coloring books together, etc.. Once that’s done you can look at each pile and determine if there’s anything you want to get rid of OR consolidate. Sometimes we find that we can like 5,000 markers and only need 20. If you have a surplus of craft supplies that are in good condition I encourage you to donate them to a local school! They will definitely use them and appreciate it so much. This is speaking from direct experience as a public school teacher!
Now that you know exactly what you’ll be keeping, assess if there’s anything you’d like to add to your crafting collection. Make a list of those items for future purchase and then put your craft items back. Now you’re all ready for a winter full of crafting with your loved ones. Just make sure you’ve got a good drop cloth if you have toddlers!
If you’re finding you’re not really feeling your current craft supply organizing system I would love to help! These are one of my favorite spaces to organize!
October Organizing Tip #3: Bedding and Blankets
Another staple of how to declutter in October is with your bedding. As you switch to warmer bedding this fall, assess your current inventory. Declutter unused or unwanted sheets, comforters, and blankets. Make sure your family has all the warmth they need at night by then making note of what still needs to be purchased for the upcoming winter season!
Consider donating bedding to human AND pet shelters. They are always in need!! Please make sure to wash them first, before donating. 💚
Non Declutter-in-October-Related Pro Tip
Right after Halloween is the time to go holiday decorating shopping for next year! If you happen to declutter your holiday decorations and then spruce up your inventory, that’s the time to do it. In addition, think about if there’s anything you’d like for upcoming birthdays or parties that you could purchase on sale after the holiday to save money!
Share your handiwork with me!
You can totally do this! Just declutter these three areas and you’ll be so happy you did this winter. I’ll be working on them as well. Tag me on Instagram with #wrangleoctober if you get into a spooky decluttering mood this month and want to show me your hard work!
Do you want to do all of this but seriously can’t find the time? That’s what I’m here for! I would seriously love to help you get organized. Reach out today for a complimentary consultation. 😊
