10 Autumn Organizing Projects
to Tackle Before the Holidays
Fall invites us to slow down, cozy up, and take a fresh look at our homes. With the holidays just around the corner and cooler weather settling in, it’s a wonderful season to complete home organizing projects that set the tone for a peaceful, joyful end of the year.
Whether you’re a busy professional juggling seasonal plans or a homeowner looking to prepare your space for family and friends, these fall-friendly projects will help you feel calm, prepared, and at ease.
1. Declutter Summer Items
As the beach bags and pool gear get packed away, take time to sort through what you didn’t use this year. Let go of duplicates, worn-out items, or things you no longer need. This simple act of seasonal downsizing opens up space for the cozy months ahead.
2. Refresh the Guest Room
If you want your guests to feel welcome, make space for them! Guest rooms can become catch-alls and now’s the time to tidy them. Clear surfaces, open drawers, and add simple touches like clean sheets and a nightstand light. Preparing now ensures a smooth, warm welcome when loved ones arrive this holiday season.
3. Tidy the Linen Closet
A well-organized linen closet makes everyday life smoother. Donate excess towels or bedding, refold what stays, and use baskets or shelf dividers to keep things accessible and neat. This is a small project with big payoff. Aromatic cedar wood and/or essential oil brings a lovely seasonal scent.
4. Sort Seasonal Decorations
Before you bring out fall wreaths, trees, garland and holiday lights, take inventory of what you already have. Organizing decor by category—and letting go of anything broken or outdated—can simplify decorating and reduce stress later in the season.
5. Organize the Garage or Attic
For homeowners in Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Hampton Roads, fall brings the perfect weather for tackling storage-heavy areas. With cooler temperatures and fewer pests, it’s an ideal time to declutter and reorganize attics, garages, or sheds. These often-overlooked areas become safer and more usable with a little attention.
6. Prep the Entryway for the Season
Organize coats, boots, and umbrellas by installing hooks and/or shelving. Bins and mats will keep things cleaner. A tidy entry space helps manage daily in-and-out routines and prevents clutter from spreading through the home.
7. Create a Holiday Prep Zone
Set aside a drawer or cabinet for wrapping paper, greeting cards, and gifts-in-progress. Whether you’re hosting or traveling, having a central hub makes the season feel more organized and intentional.
8. Reorganize the Pantry
As you start thinking about fall meals and holiday cooking, use this time to clear expired items, tidy shelves, and restock essentials. Find that pumpkin pie spice now! A neat pantry makes baking and meal planning much more enjoyable.
9. Update Household Documents
Use fall evenings to review important paperwork—insurance, medical info, emergency contacts, and more. Older adults especially benefit from having their documents organized and easy to access, and it’s a kind step for family members and caregivers, too.
10. Create Space for Cozy Living
Finally, give yourself the gift of a peaceful living space. Remove excess clutter, rearrange furniture for comfort, and bring in warm textures like throws and pillows. These little changes make your home feel like a true retreat.
A Gentle Reminder
If organizing feels overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re preparing for the holidays, making space for guests, or supporting an aging parent, taking small steps today can create calm for months to come.
Ideal Organizing + Design proudly supports older adults, caregivers, and busy homeowners across Hampton Roads with compassionate, personalized organizing services.