Transitioning to Autumn & Getting Organized for Cooler Weather

Now that the autumn weather has arrived in most of the United States, it is a good time to start thinking about seasonal transitions and organizing your belongings for cooler weather.  Summer is officially over, and to stay better organized in the fall and winter, consider the tackling the following tasks to be prepared:

Create a Basic Disaster Kit

September is National Preparedness Month, and hurricanes, snowstorms, and other bad weather may arrive soon. This is a great time to prepare a disaster and emergency supply kit. Visit https://www.ready.gov/kit for a checklist of items to keep you prepared.

Put Away Summer Items

Make sure that you’ve cleaned and stored away all items from the summer. For example, beach and pool toys, rafts, chairs, umbrellas, towels, decorative items for summer holidays, etc.  Gather anything that you use only during the summer months, and put it away. 

Prepare your Vehicle and Garage for Cold Weather

Make sure you have an ice scraper and blanket in your car for the winter. Have snow shovels and ice melt in your garage or shed to help clear a driveway or parking spots.

Declutter and Store Summer Clothing

Look through your summer clothes and shoes to see if there’s anything that you didn’t wear this year that can be decluttered by selling, donating, or giving it away to a friend or family member. If you have children, declutter anything that no longer fits them. Store any hand-me-downs in a container labeled with the size of the clothes. If you prefer to swap out the clothes in your closet as the seasons change, now is the time to store away the summer clothing, and bring out the cooler weather clothes.

Prepare Clothing and Gear for Winter Activities

If you live in an area where it gets snowy or icy, or if you participate in winter sports such as skiing, now is the time to take inventory of the winter gear in your home. If you have growing children, have them try on winter outerwear now, such as boots and jackets, so you can get something in advance, rather than discovering that something doesn’t fit on the day of the first snowstorm.  Arrange a coat closet, mud room, or other space in your home so that you can easily access cold weather gear.

Start Getting Ready for the Holidays Now

Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and other holidays are quickly arriving. Assess your current fall and winter holiday costumes, decorations, etc. Declutter, sell, or donate anything you no longer want or use. Make a list of the things you need to buy or order for the holidays, including gifts to give to others, and the clothing you want wear to upcoming parties and events. Assess what you own first, and then start shopping now for necessities, so you’re not rushing through stores low in stock during the busy holiday season, or you end up needing to pay for expedited shipping when shopping online.