Seasonal Swaps: Organizing Your Home for Fall and Winter
Now that fall is in full swing, and the cooler temperatures are settling in, it’s time to switch up your home for the coziest seasons of the year. From swapping out wardrobes to making space for holiday decorations, seasonal transitions are the perfect time to tidy up and refresh your home. But let’s face it—managing this shift can sometimes feel like a big job!
That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help you breeze through the seasonal switch. With a few thoughtful changes, you can make your home feel cozy, functional, and ready for everything fall and winter have to offer.
1. Say Goodbye to Summer with a Seasonal Declutter
Before you start bringing out the fuzzy blankets and holiday decorations, take a moment to pack up the remnants of summer. It’s easier to stay organized when off-season items are neatly tucked away.
Go Through Your Summer Wardrobe
It's time to retire those shorts and tank tops! Sort through your summer clothes and ask yourself if each piece is something you really want to see again next year. If not, toss it in a donation pile. For items you’re keeping, pack them up in labeled storage bins and store them in an out-of-the-way spot.Store Seasonal Gear
Beach towels, pool floats, and gardening tools—make sure everything is cleaned, dried, and packed away properly. Store summer gear in clear bins so you can see what’s inside, and label everything to make next year’s unpacking a breeze.Tidy Up Outdoor Spaces
Take a quick inventory as you put away patio furniture and pack up the grill. Are there items that need repairing or no longer serve a purpose? Donate or discard anything you won’t use again. The less you hold onto, the easier it will be to set up next spring!
2. Update Your Closet for Fall and Winter
Switching out your wardrobe is one of the biggest seasonal swaps you’ll make. With cooler weather setting in, it’s time to bring your warmer clothing to the front and center of your closet. If you need more inspiration, check out our Closet Organization Tips for Fall Wardrobe Transition for a detailed look at preparing your wardrobe for the change in seasons.
Store Summer Clothes Carefully
When packing away summer clothes, use clear garment bags for delicate items and labeled bins for foldable pieces. Make sure everything is clean and completely dry before storing them to avoid any surprises when you pull them out next year!
Bring Out the Cozies
Now for the fun part—getting your favorite sweaters, scarves, and boots back into rotation. Move these pieces to the front of your closet so they’re easy to reach. Use shelf dividers to keep piles neat and bins for smaller items like hats and gloves. Need inspiration? See our favorite closet storage products from The Container Store to maximize your closet’s space and keep everything organized as you transition into fall.Think Vertically
Short on space? Use vertical storage! Hanging organizers and over-the-door hooks are perfect for storing bulky items without cluttering shelves. And don’t forget about shoe racks or boot clips to keep your footwear in order.
3. Make Room for Holiday Décor
The holidays are right around the corner, which means it’s almost time to pull out those pumpkins, wreaths, and twinkling lights! Creating a dedicated spot now for your seasonal décor will make decorating (and putting everything away later) much easier.
Create a Holiday Shelf or Staging Area
Pick a spot in your basement, attic, or storage area to set up a dedicated shelf or section for holiday items. Use labeled bins for each holiday—“Halloween,” “Thanksgiving,” “Christmas”—so you can grab what you need without sifting through a mountain of mismatched decorations.Use Specialty Storage
If you have delicate items like ornaments, invest in specialty storage containers like ornament boxes or padded wreath holders. It might seem like a splurge, but it’ll keep your favorite pieces safe and organized year after year.Plan for Easy Swaps
When you’re packing away fall decorations, store them at the back of your staging area to make room for winter items upfront. This little trick saves you from having to dig through stacks of bins to reach what you need.
4. Get Your Entryway Ready for the Seasons Ahead
Your entryway can quickly go from organized to chaotic, especially when boots, coats, and scarves are constantly rotating. Set yourself up for success by creating a drop zone that works for the whole family. For a more in-depth guide, take a look at our post on Organizing Your Entryway for Fall.
Add Hooks and Baskets
Install hooks at different heights for coats, bags, and umbrellas. Consider adding a few baskets for gloves, hats, and scarves—especially if you have kids! Everything will have its place, making it easier for everyone to grab and go.Designate a Shoe Spot
A sturdy boot tray or shoe rack will keep wet, muddy boots from cluttering up the doorway. For a little extra convenience, try adding a storage bench where everyone can sit down to put on or take off shoes.Create a “Drop Zone”
Set up a small tray or shelf near the door for keys, mail, and other small items that tend to pile up. Label baskets for each family member if you want to keep things even more organized.
5. Prepare Your Living Spaces for Cozy Evenings In
With more time spent indoors, now’s the time to get your living spaces feeling extra cozy and inviting. Think of it as a mini makeover to welcome the cooler months.
Set Up a Blanket Basket
Bring out your thick blankets and throws and stash them in a pretty basket or ottoman near your couch. Not only does it keep things tidy, but it’s also a visual reminder to snuggle up with a good book or movie.
Create a “Comfort Station”
Designate a small area for winter essentials like candles, board games, or books you’ve been wanting to read. Keep everything in one spot so it’s easy to grab when you’re ready to relax.Organize a Hot Drink Station
Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or love a good cup of tea, a little drink station can be a cozy addition to your home. Arrange your favorite seasonal mugs, teas, and hot cocoa in one spot with a jar of marshmallows and cinnamon sticks for a touch of holiday magic.
Make Seasonal Swaps Simple and Stress-Free
Prepping your home for fall and winter doesn’t have to feel like a chore. By taking it step-by-step and using a few organizing tricks, you can transform your space into one that feels warm, inviting, and ready for whatever the season brings.
Do you need a little help getting started, or do you just want some extra support? Happy Lark HomeOrganizing is here for you! Contact us for a consultation, and we’ll help you tackle those seasonal transitions with ease.