As the warm days of summer fade into fall, it’s the perfect time to reset your home and routines. A fresh season often inspires fresh energy, making September an ideal month to declutter. Tackling accumulated items now not only frees up space but also sets you up for a calmer, more organized autumn. With a little intentional effort, you can clear out the unnecessary, donate what’s still useful, and start the new season lighter and more focused.
1. Summer Clothing and Accessories
Warmer weather often leaves us holding onto swimsuits, sandals, and lightweight clothing that may no longer serve us. Go through your summer wardrobe and ask:
- Did I wear this? If a swimsuit never made it out of the drawer, it might be time to let it go.
- Is it still in good condition? Toss overly worn flip-flops or sun-faded hats.
- Would someone else use it? Donate gently used clothes that no longer fit your style or size.
Storing only what you truly love ensures you’ll look forward to unpacking next summer.
2. Outdoor and Sports Gear
End-of-summer is the right moment to evaluate items like beach chairs, coolers, inflatables, and sporting equipment.
- Broken or damaged items (like rusted folding chairs or leaky coolers) should be discarded.
- Duplicates — do you really need five pool noodles or three frisbees? Keep your favorites, donate the rest.
- Outgrown gear such as children’s bikes, baseball gloves, or swim goggles can be passed along to others who will use them.
Cleaning and sorting now means next summer you’ll be ready without surprises.
3. Seasonal Décor
From string lights to picnic tablecloths, summer décor can pile up quickly.
- Toss broken lanterns, burnt-out string lights, or chipped serving ware.
- Donate extra vases, trays, or decorative pieces you didn’t use.
- Store thoughtfully the items you know you’ll enjoy again next year, ensuring they’re clean and packed safely.
Taking inventory helps you avoid rebuying items when the season rolls around again.
4. Pantry and Refrigerator Clean-Out
Summer often brings an influx of barbecue condiments, picnic snacks, and drinks. Before cooler weather staples take over:
- Check expiration dates on condiments, marinades, and salad dressings.
- Donate unopened, shelf-stable items that you won’t consume.
- Toss half-used, questionable jars that have lingered since June.
Clearing your pantry makes space for cozy fall staples like soups, teas, and baking ingredients.
5. Beauty and Sunscreen Products
Sunscreen, bug spray, and summer skincare products all have a shelf life.
- Check expiration dates on sunscreens and toss any that are past due — expired formulas lose effectiveness.
- Review beauty products like tinted moisturizers or lightweight lotions you didn’t use. Donate unopened items to shelters or community organizations.
- Recycle empty bottles wherever possible to reduce waste.
This small step clears bathroom clutter and keeps your routines fresh.
6. Paper and Travel Clutter
Summer often means vacations, road trips, and events — and with them come piles of brochures, tickets, and receipts.
- Recycle paper clutter such as outdated maps or travel guides.
- Shred unnecessary receipts and file only what’s important.
- Create a memory box for a few special mementos, like postcards or photographs, to cherish without drowning in paper piles.
Organizing these keeps your desk or countertops from becoming a dumping ground.
7. Toys and Kids’ Items
Children often outgrow summer toys quickly. Now is a great time to sort:
- Toss broken or unsafe toys (especially plastic items that cracked from sun exposure).
- Donate gently used toys kids no longer play with — from sand buckets to board games.
- Pass along clothing kids grew out of during the season.
Decluttering kids’ spaces before the school year is in full swing creates calm and makes room for fall essentials.
8. Household Linens
Summer means heavy use of towels, picnic blankets, and outdoor table linens.
- Toss worn or stained items that can’t be salvaged.
- Donate extras — many animal shelters gladly accept old towels and blankets.
- Store only what’s fresh and useful for next year.
This quick refresh leaves your linen closet neat and functional.
9. Tech and Entertainment
Think about the gadgets, games, or outdoor entertainment you used (or didn’t) this summer.
- Recycle broken electronics responsibly through e-waste programs.
- Donate working but unused items like portable speakers, DVD players, or yard games.
- Organize cords and chargers so you’re not hunting when you need them.
Streamlining tech reduces clutter and frustration in the long run.
Final Tips for Successful Decluttering
When you’re tackling a new room, start by creating three categories: keep, toss, donate. Be honest with yourself when sorting. If you didn’t use it this summer, chances are you won’t next year.
While it can be tempting to let the donation pile grow as life gets busy, schedule donation drop-offs right away so items don’t linger.
Decluttering at the end of summer clears both physical and mental space. You’ll head into fall lighter, more organized, and ready to embrace new routines without the burden of excess.