I’ll admit, starting this post is hard. I’m never one to wish the summer away but a new season also brings new beginnings and new routines. A change of pace that is often much needed. And, as New Englanders, we know there will still be quieter fall beach days to enjoy.
If any of you reading this are like me, you’ve put off a lot of cleaning, organizing and decluttering tasks to enjoy the summer. As we wrap up the month of August and kids return to school, it’s the perfect time to revisit these chores and get ready for fall.
A recent Real Simple article, 10 Things to Declutter Before September, covers this topic and provides the perfect list to get you (and me!) started. They suggest having four boxes or bins, labeled Keep, Trash, Recycle and Donate. Their list is just a starting point, you obviously don’t need to tackle all these items or you may have other areas you want to focus on, so feel free to edit.
Real Simple’s author suggests the following:
- Outdoor and Water Toys
- Summer Shoes and Clothes
- School Supplies
- Papers, Books and Magazines
- Garden Tools and Supplies
- Towels and Linens
- Skin Care Products
- Grilling Tools
- Canned Goods and Spices
- First Aid Products
When you finish an area, don’t just put the boxes aside. Put things away you plan to keep, drop them off at a donation spot, or put them in the trash or recycling. You’ll feel like you’ve accomplished something this summer, and you’ll have more time to enjoy the fall.
