Five Fall Home Organizing Ideas: Embracing Downsizing for a Cozier Season
Simple, elegant fall dining table decor
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, fall is the perfect time for us to embark on a home-organizing project. While decluttering and downsizing might seem like a daunting task, consider the benefits. As we simplify, we clear our minds and homes of the clutter to make room and time for things we enjoy!
Benefits of Downsizing- Simplified Living, Enhanced Safety
Downsizing reduces the physical and mental clutter in your home, creating a simpler, more organized living environment. We can enjoy a stress-free space that promotes relaxation and peace of mind. Research supports that downsizing and decluttering support improved well-being and reduced stress levels. Also, a clutter-free home is a safer home, especially as we age. Downsizing can reduce tripping hazards and make it easier to navigate through our living space safely. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends decluttering as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of falls among seniors.
Start Small
Begin the organizing process one room at a time, or perhaps one drawer at a time!
Five Fall Home Organizing Ideas
1. Start Small: Start organizing by tackling one room at a time. If you have much to do—begin with one drawer at a time. Starting small prevents being overwhelmed and allows for gradual progress and satisfaction. Begin with that one space that needs your attention.
2. Kitchen Simplification: As we spend more time indoors, and the holiday season approaches, we may find ourselves doing more cooking or entertaining. Let’s take a look at our kitchen. Streamline your kitchen by eliminating duplicate or rarely used items. Organize cabinets for easy access to essential cookware and utensils. Take a peek into the pantry and discard any items which may be expired.
3. Daily Declutter with Purpose: As you engage in your normal home cleaning and straightening routine, ask yourself if each item you encounter serves a purpose or holds sentimental value. If not, consider donating, selling, or gifting it to someone who could benefit. Tis the season for giving, right?
4. Digital Declutter: Don't forget to declutter your digital life. Organize digital files, delete unnecessary emails, and update passwords for online accounts. This can seem daunting-just begin! As you sit and watch TV or a football game, scroll through your emails or photos and delete duplicates. Ten minutes of digital decluttering a day, adds up!
5. Create a Cozy Corner: Embrace the fall season by creating a cozy reading or nook with comfortable chairs, soft blankets, and shelves for your favorite books. While creating this space, look through your books to see if there are titles you are willing to donate. Reward yourself for making progress in simplifying your home!
Fall is the perfect time to reorganize and simplify
Fall is the ideal season for us to take some time to reorganize. Downsizing not only simplifies our living space but also enhances safety and overall well-being. Consider these five fall home organizing ideas. Embrace daily downsizing and create a cozy, more manageable home that will bring comfort and joy throughout the season and beyond. So, grab a pumpkin spice latte and join me on my simple fall home-organizing, downsizing adventure!
Sources:
Krauss, Susan. “5 Reasons Why Clutter Disrupts Mental Health.” Psychology Today, 13 May 2017, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201705/5-reasons-why-clutter-disrupts-mental-health. Accessed 19 September 2023.
“Older Adult Falls | Fall Prevention | Injury Center.” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/falls/index.html. Accessed 19 September 2023
