With back-to-school season in full swing and holiday gatherings on the horizon, we tapped experts for September home organization tips to help you transition smoothly.
"September is the perfect time to swap and prep," says Shaniece Jones, a professional organizer. "It’s like a second 'New Year' and it’s the best time to focus on the closet, both your personal wardrobe and your holiday storage. This is your chance to end the year with a bang, whether that means editing your closet, reinventing your style before the New Year, or simply swapping out sleeveless tops for lightweight sweaters and jackets."
Getting your home organized can add some serenity and order to what can be a busy season. The transition to a new school year can introduce new rhythms, so keeping a tidy home is one way to reduce stress. And when it’s time for Halloween parties and Thanksgiving gatherings, you won’t be frantically trying to get the pantry in order or wondering where the heck you stored last year’s decorations.
Ahead, read up on the home organization tasks to tackle before the end of the month. And if you’re looking to get ahead, read up on what pro organizers always do in October.
A new season calls for a wardrobe shift. Jones tends to take inspiration from New York Fashion Week, identifying practical trends to help evaluate her closet with fresh eyes.
"As a former stylist, I’ve always seen September as the moment to reset and realign," she says. "Refine your style, edit out what no longer serves you, and maybe invest in one or two good pieces."
She recommends outlet and consignment shopping (consider The RealReal, for instance) to discover stylish discounted items or special pieces from a current season. And if there's clothing and shoes you're ready to part ways with, try donating the items to a charity. RELATED: Here's Where to Donate Clothes to Give Them a Second Life
From clothes to piles of toys and books, it's a good time to clean up kids' bedrooms, too. Not only will it help the morning rush to school go more smoothly—it frees up space before they're showered with holiday gifts.
"It feels early enough to stay ahead of the holiday chaos with Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner," says Nichole Gehman of Organize by Designe. "That way, when their family shows up with seven new outfits, I’ve already made plenty of space in their drawers! No need to worry about squeezing new clothes into an overflowing drawer during an over-scheduled season when to-do-lists are a mile-long."
Once the weather changes, Ann Lightfoot of Done & Done Home encourages her clients to focus on home maintenance tasks. "This can include organizing garages and storage spaces to ensure tools and supplies are accessible and ready for autumn and winter."
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"A good pantry edit is always in order when it comes to seasonal changes. Especially in September with school lunches and soccer snacks, place those items in 'zones' on their own shelf or in a separate basket," says Laura Ellis of Organized by Ellis.
Ellis suggests checking expiration dates on food items and discarding anything that's past its prime. Also be sure to place frequently used items within reach to make weeknight meal time prep easier.
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Eliminate Any Piles Throughout the House
Chances are you have a pile of clothes or two taking up much-needed space in your home. It's bound to happen considering all the traveling, house guests, and activities that have been on the calendar during the summer months. "Summer tends to invite a little chaos—travel bags that never got fully unpacked, papers shoved into corners, pantries that are a bit out of control," says Beth Penn of Bneato Bar. "A quick reset in September helps you start fall with less visual and mental clutter."
If you've neglected your family's command center all summer long, now's the time to give it a makeover. "A tidy command center will cut down on last-minute panic moments," Ellis says. With school back in session, you'll soon be bombarded with things like kids' school forms and permission slips, so give these items a dedicated spot. Update the school calendar and after-school activity schedules, too. "Make sure to have a white board or bulletin board for chore lists and add hooks or trays for keys and ID cards," she says.
Don't wait until the last minute to check out your holiday decorations. The earlier you know what you need to purchase this year, the better. Stores in your area might already have holiday decor for sale.
"This is exactly the right time to check, edit, and organize your holiday bins. Test the lights, review your decorations, and take stock of your entertaining items. Doing so not only saves you from rebuying what you already own, but also shows you where you may want to replace, upgrade, or add something new," Jones says.
Penn suggests getting your home—especially the high-traffic spaces—ready for the indoor season. Clear any clutter and think about the storage solutions you'll need for the next few months."As the weather cools, people naturally spend more time inside. I encourage clients to do a sweep of their most-used spaces, like living rooms and kitchens, and set them up for comfort and function. That might mean editing down surfaces, adding baskets by the door for incoming paper, or rotating items so the everyday essentials are easy to reach," she says.
Your entryway and mudroom deserve some attention this month. Lightfoot suggests making room for bulky, cold-weather items like coats, sweaters, and boots.
"That means organizing shoe storage for boots, adding trays for wet items, and prepping hooks/baskets for scarves, gloves, and hats," she says. "The entryway is the first line of defense against fall messes (think wet leaves and slushy shoes). A well-functioning drop zone helps the entire household stay tidy and prevents clutter from tracking into main living spaces."
If your family plans to take holiday photos, it's best to handle this well in advance, according to Gehman. "Early bird gets the worm, and in this case, I mean discounts! I always recommend scheduling family photos in September. You’ll have holiday cards and prints ready without the December crunch or price tag, which makes the season so much more enjoyable," she explains.
Yes, you should give your holiday gifts some thought at this point in the year. Consider whether you want to go with creative DIY holiday presents or thoughtful store-bought finds for everyone on your shopping list.
"Homemade gifts are some of the most meaningful, but let’s be honest—they take more time than we think," says Gehman. "When I start in September with a simple list of who I’m making gifts for and what I want to create, it feels fun and intentional instead of rushed and stressful. As a mom of three, I’ve noticed that when I’m relaxed and enjoying the project, everyone else wants to join in too. That alone is the best reason to plan ahead—it makes the season about connection, not chaos."
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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