Move over ‘Spring Cleaning’ and make way for the ‘Fall Edit’. Don’t get us wrong, spring cleaning has its place – and we’re big fans over here – but it’s time to get proactive.
Not to mention, we can’t think of a better way to set you up for the fall and winter months at home (hello, holidays and hibernation!). And, bonus, this makes spring cleaning less daunting.
Check out our Fall Edit Tips:
Seasonal Rotations
These spaces need seasonal love…
Kitchen Refresh
We talk about the pantry all the time but the kitchen drawers, cabinets and counters need a refresh, too.
Step 1: Remove all non-kitchen items and other small appliances (that are not used on a daily basis) from counters to make space for step two.
Step 2: Remove items from drawers, edit out mismatched, broken items, clean out the crumbs and replace only items you use. Same for cabinets. Not only do you get the benefit of a freshly organized kitchen but you’ll be ready for guests who want to “help” in the kitchen.
Linen Review
Whether it’s tablecloths and napkins or sheets and bedding, every home needs an occasional review of linens. The Fall Edit is the perfect time to edit out stained, worn or mismatched linens. Go crazy and edit out perfectly good items, too. Ask yourself when was the last time you used that set of sheets in the far back corner? If you can’t remember then let them go.
If you happen to need replacements the time to shop is September and October when all the retailers have inventory. Waiting until the last minute to find the perfect size tablecloth amongst all the picked over stock will create stress and anxiety. Which no one needs, right?
Bathroom Bonanza
House guests are the reason most of us do anything in our homes – just keeping it real. But seriously, a party or event does provide the impetus we need to get things done and bathrooms need some attention, too. A powder room refresh can mean restocking paper hand towels, adding a candle, and removing all the daily use items. Overnight guests will need access to a full bath and creating an oasis is easier than ever. And you know they will look in all those cabinets hunting for something they forgot. Clear out drawers, discarding old, partially-used, or unwanted items, clean and replace items. Consider adding a basket or tray with items for your guests with toothbrush, toothpaste, razors, shaving cream, etc.
Toy Clean Out
We can’t forget the playroom. The Fall Edit is the perfect time to reset your playroom. Working with your children, edit out broken toys and separate the unused/unloved items bagging them up for donation. Your kids will learn a valuable lesson about letting go and helping others who are less fortunate. New, unopened toys and games can be donated to local toy drives. Take this a step further and edit each child’s room by sorting out toys, books, and clothes that your children have outgrown. Set up a bin on a shelf labeled “too small” and you can add to this all year long making the clothing edit super easy!
Holiday Gift Bin or Shelf
Grab an empty tote and/or clear off a shelf in storage. Having a designated place to put all the gifts you’ll purchase over the coming months is helpful. I know I’m not the only one who has “found” a Christmas gift for one of my kids in April.
Better yet, create Santa’s workshop…dedicate a large walk-in closet or room for all the holiday gifts and wrapping. We’ve created more than one such space over the years and it has proved to be a life-saver. Set up a table for wrapping so you don’t have to break your back. Gather scissors, tape, ribbon, and bows so you aren’t constantly looking for supplies.
So that’s it – we hit all the hotspots for the Fall Edit.
Now that you’re prepared to take on this next season and have gained time back in your life by organizing and planning, make sure you plan ways to enjoy it!
Here’s a couple of our teams’ favorites:
Apples on Horseback – a savory way to enjoy an apple
Caramel Apple Cookies – these are delicious and so easy to make because it uses apple pie filling
Hot Chocolate (the homemade kind!)
Hot Buttered Rum – need we say more!
Christmas Cookies – Couldn’t pick just one cookie!