The 5 things organizers never keep in their homes after summer to avoid clutter building up
These items have no place in pro organizer's homes over fall
The change of weather is a great time for a clear out in your home, especially as we head into a season of hosting and spending more time inside.
Our professional organizers shed light on the five specific summer items they never keep hold of come fall, including summer clothes they didn't wear, so their storage doesn't become crowded or lead to 'editing procrastination', where it becomes harder to clear things out.
Take a leaf out of our pros' book and declutter ahead of fall to optimize your storage.
1. Summer clothing that wasn’t used
Professional organizers never keep old, unused summer clothing in their closets after summer as doing so would clutter up their storage.
Expert home organizer Barbara Brock says, ‘Now is the time to look hard at your closet and prioritize what you like to wear, what you need, and what you haven’t worn in ages. Someone else can use clothing that you don’t need. So weed, weed, weed your closet. I always declutter my clothes. Even if there’s only one or two items that I don’t use or are stained, it’s out.'
If you didn't wear or use an item from your collection this summer just gone, it's unlikely you're going to magically like it next year so save yourself from hanging on to it for the next 12 months and get rid of it now.
Nothing escapes Barbara's clear out. She adds, 'I consider shoes, handbags, and scarves in this category too. I want my clothes to always be relevant,’ she adds. ‘When decluttering clothes after summer, remember to also give away any unworn bathing suits.’
2. Summer specific appliances
If you have spent the last few months trying to find the fastest way to cool a house, then you likely have a litany of summer-specific appliances that can be put in storage, or sold if they were not right for you.
Carolina Kazimierski, co-owner and president of Sophia’s Cleaning Service, says, ‘I tend to do a sweep through the house getting rid of hot-weather things like standing fans, pool toys, etc, once the weather starts getting cooler. This can also involve taking in things like window AC units for the winter since these can take up quite a bit of space in smaller rooms especially.
‘This time of year is great for going through and putting your summer home items into storage in preparation for cooler weather.’
3. Expired summer toiletries
From sun lotion to lightweight moisturizers, summer-specific toiletries are another item pro organizers clear out when the season comes to an end.
When decluttering a bathroom, make sure to check for any products that have expired, or will expire by the time next summer rolls around. Getting rid of them now reduces clutter over the colder seasons while helping you avoid using less-than-effective skincare products in a year's time.
Barbara Brock, professional home organizer, adds, ‘Over summer, cosmetic counters have many giveaways of sample products, and I usually toss them in a drawer thinking I will use them – which I hardly ever do. If I don’t edit and organize this space at the end of each season, my clutter keeps accumulating which leads to procrastination about editing.’
4. Summer dirt
As summer draws to an end and we look to close our windows and doors ahead of the cold weather, Amanda Schmitt, lifestyle blogger and founder of Life As Mama always makes sure to work through a fall cleaning checklist, never leaving summer dirt in the house.
‘I always do a deep clean of the entire home, opening windows while the weather isn’t too cold yet, and deep cleaning carpets to leave the space feeling fresh,’ she shares.
This is where a good clean of your entryway will come in handy, especially if you live near somewhere sandy, have enjoyed lots of summer hikes or done lots of wet activities.
Amazon's Choice
Laundry scent boosters are safe on all colors and fabrics, making them the perfect scent enhancer for everything from your crisp white towels to dark work pants
Cruelty free
Orchard-fresh Apple Cider cleaner has a sweet and crisp scent, with a little touch of spice. This cleaner is safe to use on many surfaces including hardwood floors.
Three pack
Acorn Spice hand soap blends the rich, nutty scent of acorn with cinnamon and spices for a perfect air of autumn comfort
5. Expired cleaning supplies
Before you start fall cleaning, it's worth editing your essential cleaning supplies, says Barbara Brock, professional home organizer. ‘Check your cleaning supplies, tools, batteries, and light bulbs. Have some of these rusted? Can duplicates be combined? You want to be able to grab an item when you need it instead of hunting for it. Sorting through this closet is a reminder of what you have.’
Getting rid of these five things at the end of summer is one of the best ways to create more space for fall editions to your home, from fall-scented cleaning supplies to cozy clothing hauls.
Of course, you will have to do the same all over again in six months to prepare for spring cleaning, but frequently decluttering your home will help you to stay on top of clutter and mess before you wind up decluttering when you feel overwhelmed.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Chiana has been at Homes & Gardens for two years. She spends most of her time producing content for the Solved section of the website, helping readers get the most out of their homes through clever decluttering, cleaning, and tidying tips. She was named one of Fixr's top home improvement journalists in 2024.
-
This Spanish-style home in Santa Fe expertly blends old and new – take a look inside
Interior designer Stephanie Parisi invites us inside her Spanish-style home in Santa Fe, where new and antique finds blend seamlessly
By Molly Malsom Published
-
'You know how exciting and beautiful this time of year can be': Martha Stewart's QVC collection is a unique tribute to fall
Stewart enjoys the best of the season from her Bedford farm, and she's made it possible to recreate her style – our favorite picks start at $24.00
By Megan Slack Published
-
7 things people with tidy homes never do – and which habits you should ditch
Banish mess by following in the footsteps of people with tidy homes and avoiding these things
By Punteha van Terheyden Published
-
How to use Feng Shui to sell your home at a great price – and speed up the sale
I'm an interiors therapist and Feng Shui consultant: here's how to boost your sale price
By Suzanne Roynon Published
-
How to declutter under the kitchen sink – expert tips for streamlining cleaning supplies
Get this vital storage sink in order for better functionality
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
What is clutter blindness and how can you fix it? 8 expert steps to help you stop ignoring the mess in your home
Expert tips to conquer clutter blindness and take back control
By Gabriella Dyson Published
-
The 4 alarming signs you may have taken maximalism too far in your home – and what to do to relieve the pressure
Professional organizers share four signs that people may have taken maximalism or the maximalism aesthetic too far in their home
By Ciéra Cree Published
-
What is the '1 in 10 Out' decluttering rule? Experts explain why 'nothing works better than this method' to transform a messy home
Get ahead of clutter with this brilliant trick from professional organizers
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
-
Explained: The underconsumption trend and how it can help declutter your home
This might be the best way to mindfully declutter your home, experts claim
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
7 signs you should hire a professional organizer – and some of these warnings might surprise you
Can’t get on top of clutter? You might benefit from expert help
By Chiana Dickson Published