Fall Cleaning Tips!
Kitchen. Knowing cooler weather will be coming, I like to make sure my heavier pots and pans are front and center, so I can make stews, soups, casseroles and heartier meals easily. I also create an ongoing list of seasonal foods I should begin to look for at the grocery, and organize my fall recipes so they are front and center when I need an idea for a meal. I then get everything out of the refrigerator and pantry, clean them with soap and water, toss anything that needs to go, and reorganize/replace with those seasonal foods. Finally, I move items that are summery to the back of my cabinets, like lemonade glasses and summery plates and placemats, replacing them with items I will be using over the holidays when we entertain guests.
Living Room/Bedroom. I love fun, seasonal home accessories, so this is the time I wash and store my summer pillows and throws and bring out the cooler weather items that have beautiful fall hues. I also give everything that will be staying around a good washing - comforter, duvet cover, sofa covers, etc. to get rid of dirt and dust and freshen everything up. They feel like new rooms after I do this!
Closets. The fun part! What works best for me is to take everything out of my closet, throw it on the bed, and then sort. I create a donate pile for summer items now better suited for someone else; a keep pile for items that I will continue to wear; and a store pile for things I will use next year. Then I wash what needs to be cleaned, place back in my closet or store away, and bring my fall items out of storage and do the same. Then I repeat with my drawers and am ready to go with a "new" fall wardrobe!
Outdoor Areas. Since we live in a temperate climate and are lucky enough to be outdoors year-round, I don't have to store anything, but I do clean all the furniture and give the spaces a good washing to get rid of any dirt. I like to freshen up the space with a new candle that looks seasonal, too, and bring out any seasonal decorations I will be putting up.
Regardless of where you live, a new season is good time to take a few days to wash everything you can, as that can help minimize allergens and dirt, and to replace the filters in your fans, heating equipment, appliances, etc. I hope these tips help you transition into fall!
Let's live EVER BETTER™ - together!
Denise