Declutter Your Home This Fall: Tips for a Fresh Start

Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Declutter

As the fall season sets in and temperatures start to drop, we naturally spend more time indoors. The holidays are approaching. Cozy evenings at home are becoming more frequent. Fall is the perfect time to reset your living space. A clean, clutter-free home improves your mental clarity. It also sets the stage for more enjoyable fall and winter months.

Fortunately, you don’t need expensive cleaning products or organizing systems to tackle this seasonal project. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can declutter and deep-clean your home in a frugal way. In this post, we’ll share tips for effective fall cleaning. We will also offer frugal decluttering techniques and DIY cleaning solutions. All of this will help you stay on budget.

Create a Fall Cleaning Plan: Prioritize the Essentials

Before you start cleaning, take a moment to create a plan. This will help you focus on high-priority areas and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.

Step-by-Step Example:

Make a Checklist: Start by writing down areas that need the most attention. Break your home down into rooms (e.g., kitchen, bedroom, living room) and note specific tasks for each room (e.g., dusting, vacuuming, organizing closets).
Prioritize Decluttering: Before you start deep-cleaning, go through each room and remove items you no longer need. Focus on spaces that often accumulate clutter, like closets, shelves, and drawers. Use the “three-box method” (keep, donate, toss) to make quick decisions.
Tackle One Area at a Time: Don’t try to declutter and clean your entire home in one day. Instead, tackle one room or task each day to avoid burnout.

Frugal Tip: You don’t need fancy apps or organizational planners—just a notebook or piece of paper to make your plan. Alternatively, you can use free online checklists or templates.

Declutter with Purpose: Sell, Donate, or Upcycle

Decluttering offers various benefits. You can earn extra cash. It allows you to give back to your community. It also helps breathe new life into items you already own.

Example:

Sell Unwanted Items: Use platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or neighborhood apps. They help you sell gently used items you no longer need. You’d be surprised how much you can make by selling clothes, kitchen gadgets, or furniture that’s collecting dust.
Donate to Charity: If items are in good condition but not worth selling, think about donating them. Local charities or thrift stores are great options. Many organizations accept gently used clothing, toys, and household goods. You’ll not only help others but can claim tax deductions for donations.
Upcycle Items: Instead of throwing out old furniture or décor, think about ways you can repurpose or upcycle them. Turn an old dresser into a storage unit for craft supplies. Alternatively, paint an old picture frame to match your fall décor.

Frugal Tip: When decluttering clothes, consider organizing a clothing swap with friends or neighbors. It’s a fun and cost-free way to refresh your wardrobe without spending a dime!

Use DIY Cleaning Solutions: Save Money on Cleaning Products

Commercial cleaning products can be expensive and often contain harsh chemicals. Luckily, you can make your own effective cleaners using inexpensive, household items. DIY cleaners are not only budget-friendly but also eco-friendly, which aligns perfectly with a frugal, conscious lifestyle.

DIY Cleaning Examples:

All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil (like lemon or tea tree) for a pleasant scent. This simple cleaner can be used on countertops, floors, and even windows.
Glass Cleaner: Combine 2 cups of water, ½ cup of white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Shake well before each use, and spray on glass or mirrors for a streak-free shine.
Carpet Deodorizer: Mix baking soda with a few drops of essential oil and sprinkle it over carpets. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly. This will leave your carpets smelling fresh without using costly deodorizers.

Frugal Tip: Save on microfiber cloths or sponges by using old t-shirts or towels as cleaning rags. They’re reusable and do the job just as well!

Organize Without Spending on Expensive Bins or Baskets

Decluttering doesn’t mean you have to invest in pricey organizational tools. You can creatively repurpose everyday items you already have to keep things tidy.

Frugal Organization Ideas:

Recycled Containers: Use old shoeboxes, mason jars, or cardboard boxes. Organize small items in drawers, closets, or under the sink. Cover them with leftover fabric or wrapping paper for a decorative touch.
DIY Drawer Dividers: Create your own drawer dividers using cardboard from old delivery boxes. Cut them to size and use them to separate socks, utensils, or office supplies.
Label Everything: Use scrap paper or an old roll of masking tape to make labels for containers or shelves. This will help you keep track of what’s where, making it easier to maintain organization over time.

Pro Tip: You can often find inexpensive baskets, storage containers, or jars at dollar stores or second-hand shops. Be on the lookout for deals!

Deep Clean Fall-Specific Areas: Focus on High-Traffic Zones

Fall is a great time to clean areas of your home that see more use during colder months. Deep cleaning these spaces can save you money in the long run by preventing wear and tear.

Key Areas to Focus On:

Carpets and Rugs: With more time spent indoors, carpets and rugs can accumulate dust and dirt. Rent a carpet cleaner from a local hardware store. Alternatively, make your own cleaning solution using warm water, dish soap, and vinegar.
Windows and Curtains: We rely more on natural light during the fall. Keeping windows and curtains clean will maximize the amount of light entering your home. Use your DIY glass cleaner to give your windows a streak-free shine.
Fireplace or Wood Stove: Do you use a fireplace or wood stove during the fall and winter months? Now’s the time to clean out old ashes. Check for buildup in the chimney. Make sure everything is functioning safely. Doing this on your own can save on professional cleaning fees.

Frugal Tip: To maintain your carpets between deep cleanings, place entryway mats at all doors. Enforce a no-shoes policy in the house. This will reduce dirt and wear, extending the life of your carpets and rugs.

6. Transition Your Wardrobe: Store Summer Clothes and Prepare for Cooler Weather

Fall is the perfect time to transition your wardrobe, pack away summer clothes, and bring out sweaters, boots, and jackets. By organizing your wardrobe now, you can also find what you truly need for the season—saving you from impulse buys.

Example:

Pack Away Summer Clothes: Store out-of-season clothes in vacuum-sealed bags or under-the-bed storage boxes. These will protect your clothes from dust and free up closet space for bulkier fall and winter clothing.
Take Inventory: As you unpack your fall wardrobe, check for items that need repair. Look for issues like buttons, zippers, or hems. Set aside anything that doesn’t fit or you no longer wear.
Repurpose Old Clothing: Before donating old t-shirts, consider turning them into cleaning rags or craft supplies. You can also repurpose sweaters with holes or damage into pillow covers, mittens, or scarves.

Frugal Tip: Before buying new clothes, try shopping your closet. Mix and match pieces you already own to create new fall outfits. If you need something new, consider buying second-hand at thrift stores or online consignment shops.

Call to Action: Take Control of Your Space this Fall!

Fall cleaning and decluttering is an opportunity to refresh your living space. It helps reduce stress. You can create an organized, welcoming environment for the cooler months. With a few frugal strategies, you can do this without spending a fortune.

Here’s your challenge:

Pick one room in your home to declutter and deep clean this weekend. Use the tips and DIY cleaning solutions shared here to get started.
Share your progress with us on social media! Post before and after photos or your favorite frugal decluttering tips and tag us. We’d love to see how you’re transforming your space!

Well, that’s all I have for today, I hope this helps you on your journey.

Thank you for reading Everything Frugal.