With just a few weekends of focused effort, you can transform cluttered spaces into functional areas that work for your family and impress holiday visitors. This guide will walk you through practical, step-by-step strategies to reclaim your space, implement smart storage solutions, and create organization systems that actually stick—all before the holiday madness begins.
Why September Is Perfect for Home Organization
While spring cleaning gets all the glory, fall organization might be even more important. As we transition from outdoor summer activities to more time spent indoors, our homes need to function efficiently. September offers several unique advantages for tackling organization projects:
Mild Weather Benefits
The comfortable temperatures make it easier to work in spaces like garages, attics, and basements that might be too hot in summer or too cold in winter. You can open windows for ventilation while sorting through dusty storage areas without freezing or sweating.
Pre-Holiday Calm
The period before holiday commitments pile up gives you breathing room to thoughtfully organize rather than frantically stuffing things in closets before guests arrive. This strategic timing means you’ll enjoy the holidays without the added stress of a disorganized home.
Quick Tip: Dedicate just 30 minutes daily to organization tasks throughout September, and you’ll have invested over 15 hours in creating a more functional home before holiday preparations begin in earnest.
Section 1: Declutter First
Before purchasing a single storage bin, the essential first step is removing items you no longer need. Decluttering creates the foundation for effective organization and ensures you’re only storing things that truly deserve space in your home.
Sort & Purge Summer Items
As seasons change, so should your accessible belongings. Now’s the perfect time to evaluate summer items before storing them away until next year:
- Gather all summer clothing, beach toys, pool accessories, and outdoor gear in one location
- Evaluate each item honestly—did you use it this summer? Is it in good condition? Will you use it next year?
- Clean items thoroughly before storage to prevent mildew and pest problems
- Store beach towels and summer linens in weatherproof storage bins with clear labels
- Consider donating unused pool floats, beach toys, and summer sporting equipment
Perfect Storage for Seasonal Items
These weatherproof storage containers protect summer items from dust, moisture, and pests while keeping everything neatly contained until next season.
Donate or Sell Unused Items
Creating space in your home often means letting go of things that no longer serve you. The pre-holiday season is an excellent time to clear out unused items while potentially helping others:
Donation Options
- Goodwill and Salvation Army accept clothing, household goods, and furniture
- Local shelters often need seasonal clothing in good condition
- Schools and daycares may welcome art supplies and children’s books
- Animal shelters can use old towels and blankets
Selling Platforms
- Facebook Marketplace for furniture and larger items
- Poshmark or ThredUP for clothing and accessories
- eBay for collectibles or specialty items
- Neighborhood yard sales for multiple items
“For every item you bring into your home, try to remove at least one item. This simple habit prevents clutter from accumulating and makes holiday decorating much easier.”
Section 2: Storage Solutions for a Tidy Home
Once you’ve decluttered, the right storage solutions make all the difference between a temporarily tidy space and a consistently organized home. Strategic storage investments now will pay dividends throughout the holiday season and beyond.
Storage Bins for Seasonal Items
Quality storage containers are the foundation of good organization. They protect your belongings while making them easy to identify and access when needed:
Clear Plastic Bins
Perfect for items you need to identify quickly. Look for stackable options with secure lids that won’t crack in cold attics or garages.
Fabric Storage Cubes
Ideal for items you access regularly. These soft-sided containers work well in visible areas like living rooms and bedrooms.
Vacuum Storage Bags
Space-saving solution for bulky seasonal textiles like winter coats, holiday linens, and guest bedding.
Shelving Units for Extra Space
Vertical storage maximizes your available space and keeps items visible and accessible. The right shelving can transform cluttered areas into organized zones:
Adjustable Shelving
Versatile shelving units with adjustable heights allow you to customize storage for items of different sizes. Look for options that can bear significant weight for storing holiday decorations, extra kitchen appliances, and other seasonal items.
- Metal shelving works well in utility spaces like garages and basements
- Wood or laminate options blend better in living areas
- Consider depth carefully—deeper isn’t always better if items get lost in the back
Closet & Pantry Organizers
Specialized organizers transform chaotic closets and pantries into functional spaces that save time and reduce frustration:
Drawer Dividers
Create order in chaotic drawers by separating items into dedicated compartments. Adjustable options work in kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
Pantry Containers
Clear, airtight containers keep food fresh while creating a visually appealing, easy-to-navigate pantry. Perfect for holiday baking supplies.
Shelf Risers
Double your vertical storage space in cabinets and pantries with simple shelf risers that create an additional level.
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Section 3: Prepping for Holiday Guests
The holidays often mean welcoming friends and family into your home. Creating organized, functional spaces now will make hosting less stressful and more enjoyable when the season arrives.
Streamline Entryways & Living Areas
The entryway creates guests’ first impression and sets the tone for their visit. A well-organized entry point helps manage the influx of coats, shoes, and bags that accompany holiday gatherings:
Entryway Solutions
- Install sturdy hooks at different heights to accommodate adults and children
- Add a bench with hidden storage for shoes and winter accessories
- Place decorative baskets for gloves, scarves, and small items
- Create a designated spot for wet umbrellas and boots
- Add a small tray or dish for keys and pocket items
Living Room Organization
- Use decorative baskets to corral throw blankets and pillows
- Add ottomans with storage for extra seating and hiding clutter
- Create conversation areas with clear pathways between furniture
- Designate a cabinet or drawer for board games and entertainment
- Install floating shelves for decorative items to free up surface space
Organize Guest Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Creating comfortable, organized spaces for overnight guests shows thoughtfulness and makes their stay more enjoyable:
Guest Bedroom Checklist
- Clear at least one drawer and some closet space for guests’ belongings
- Provide a luggage rack or designated spot for suitcases
- Place a small basket with essentials like tissues and water
- Ensure nightstands have space for guests’ personal items
- Add a power strip for charging multiple devices
Guest Bathroom Organization
- Clear counter space for guests’ toiletries
- Stock a basket with travel-sized essentials
- Provide clearly visible fresh towels and washcloths
- Add a small container for used items that need washing
- Ensure adequate storage for toilet paper and tissues
Guest-Ready Tip: Create a “guest essentials” bin that stays packed with clean sheets, towels, and toiletries. When visitors announce their arrival, you’ll be ready in minutes rather than scrambling to prepare.
Section 4: Create Stress-Free Routines
The difference between temporary tidiness and lasting organization lies in establishing sustainable routines. Creating simple systems now will help maintain order throughout the busy holiday season.
Weekly Declutter Habit
Preventing clutter buildup is far easier than tackling overwhelming piles. Implement these quick routines to maintain your newly organized spaces:
15-Minute Evening Reset
A quick daily reset prevents small messes from becoming overwhelming projects:
- Set a timer for 15 minutes after dinner
- Assign each family member a zone or task
- Return items to designated homes
- Wipe down frequently used surfaces
- Prepare essential items for the next day
Sunday System Check
A weekly review helps catch organization issues before they grow:
- Spend 30 minutes evaluating problem areas
- Return misplaced items to proper locations
- Process any paper piles that accumulated
- Check calendar for upcoming events requiring preparation
- Adjust systems that aren’t functioning effectively
“The secret to maintaining organization isn’t perfection—it’s consistency. Small daily actions prevent the need for massive organizational overhauls.”
Holiday Storage Strategy
Planning your holiday decoration storage before the season begins makes both decorating and post-holiday cleanup much simpler:
Decoration Storage
Specialized containers protect fragile holiday items and make decorating efficient:
- Use divided ornament boxes for fragile items
- Store lights on spools or wrapped around cardboard
- Keep artificial trees in wheeled bags for easy movement
Gift Wrapping Station
Create a dedicated area for wrapping presents to avoid last-minute scrambles:
- Use vertical organizers for wrapping paper rolls
- Store ribbons on a dowel or in divided containers
- Keep scissors, tape, and tags in a portable caddy
Labeling System
Clear labeling saves time and frustration when retrieving specific items:
- Use waterproof, durable labels on all containers
- Include detailed contents and location information
- Consider color-coding by holiday or category
Complete Holiday Organization Kit
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Start Small, Finish Strong: Your Path to Holiday Readiness
Home organization doesn’t happen overnight, but taking small, consistent steps now will transform your space before the holiday season arrives. Remember that perfection isn’t the goal—creating functional systems that work for your family is what matters most.
Begin with just one area this weekend—perhaps your entryway or a single kitchen cabinet. Experience the satisfaction of completing that small project, then build momentum by tackling another space next week. By breaking the process into manageable chunks, you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed while steadily creating a more organized home.
As you implement these home organization strategies, you’ll discover benefits beyond just a tidy space. You’ll save time searching for items, reduce stress during busy holiday preparations, and create a more welcoming environment for both your family and guests. Most importantly, you’ll be able to focus on what truly matters during the holidays—creating meaningful moments with loved ones—rather than worrying about clutter and disorganization.
Ready to Get Started?
Grab the essential supplies you need to begin your organization journey this weekend. Small steps now lead to a stress-free holiday season!
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