As the summer gives way to fall, the anticipation of a new school year and busier schedules has many households thinking about organization. Clutter can sneak into our homes, turning once serene spaces into overcrowded havens of disarray. A recent study shows that an organized home can lead to increased efficiency and reduced stress. With the second half of the year upon us, now is the perfect time to declutter and streamline. This guide outlines common culprits of clutter and offers practical steps for reclaiming your space.

Identifying Clutter Sources

Everyone knows the feeling: you open a drawer or step into your garage only to be bombarded by items that no longer serve a purpose. From dusty corners to overcrowded cupboards, clutter can manifest in various forms:

1. Old Pool Noodles

Fun for summer swimming, pool noodles often end up neglected by the end of the season. Sun damage and deterioration can render them useless. Instead of letting them take up valuable garage space, consider disposing of these items or implementing one of over 31 innovative hacks that can repurpose them into useful tools for your home and garden.

2. Reusable Grocery Bags

While reusable grocery bags are an eco-friendly solution to reduce plastic waste, they can accumulate quickly. Often shoved into closets or left hanging in mudrooms, organizing these bags can declutter your space. One approach is to use extra bags to hold items you’re ready to donate. Once filled, take them—and their contents—to your local donation facility.

3. Old Sports Gear

As kids transition from summer sports to new activities, outdated equipment can find its way into the corners of your garage. From worn-out baseballs to older rackets, it’s wise to assess their condition. Letting go of gear that is damaged or outdated can not only clear your space but also allow others to benefit from them—neighbors or local youth programs may gladly accept the items.

4. Excess Pantry Items

A disorganized pantry can create chaos, especially when trying to pack lunches for school. It’s crucial to comb through expired items and ingredients you know you won’t use. An organized pantry not only makes meal preparation simpler but also helps utilize food before it spoils.

5. Garden Tools

Duplicates or poorly maintained garden tools can clutter your shed or garage. Take inventory of your gardening supplies and part with tools that are broken or unnecessary. If yard work isn’t a family activity, it’s wise to let go of those extras you haven’t used in a while.

6. Expired Medication

Expired medications can be dangerous as well as messy. Take time to clean out your medicine cabinet, discarding anything that’s no longer viable, and remember to dispose of prescription drugs properly to prevent accidental ingestion.

7. Last Season’s Clothes

With the change in weather, it’s an ideal time to sort through your wardrobe. Applying the 90/90 rule can streamline this process: if you haven’t worn an item in the last 90 days and don’t foresee wearing it in the next 90, consider letting it go. This method can effectively cut down on clothing clutter and mental fatigue.

8. Broken Dishes

While it’s easy to hold onto cracked or chipped dishes for sentimental reasons, they can pose health risks. Assess your kitchenware and get rid of any items that no longer serve a purpose, fostering a safer and more effective kitchen environment.

9. Digital Clutter

Digital clutter might not take up physical space but can lead to significant mental overload. Reviewing your email inbox and clearing out duplicate files can enhance productivity and free up device memory, offering a cleaner digital workspace this fall.

10. Cables and Wires

Unwanted cables and electronic accessories can accumulate quickly. A drawer filled with cords for obsolete devices can be a pain point. Go through these supplies and discard anything that no longer serves your current tech setup. Donating some might also be an option, if you’re feeling communal.

11. Stained Plastic Storage Containers

Old, stained storage containers not only look unappealing but can also lead to chaos in your kitchen. When navigating through your cabinets, part with any containers showing significant wear. Opting for clearer, fresher containers will enhance organization and make finding food quicker.

12. Take-out Byproducts

Frequent take-out meals can lead to an accumulation of excess utensils, condiment packets, and containers. Simplify your kitchen by putting these items to use in packed lunches or during family road trips. If they’re taking up too much room to justify keeping, tossing them out guilt-free can free up space.

13. Worn-out Towels

Keeping old towels hoping to use them later can add unnecessary clutter to your linen closet. It’s time to let go of those that are stained or ripped. Consider donating usable towels to local animal shelters, as they often need items for cleaning and bedding.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering not only paves the way for a more organized home but can also contribute to overall mental wellbeing. By taking action on these common household items, you can streamline your space and enhance your efficiency for the busy months ahead. Now is the time to take control of your environment, creating a tidy haven just in time for fall.