Seasonal Organization: A Simple Reset for Clothes, Decor, and Entry Zones

As the seasons change, so do our homes. Sweaters replace sundresses, garage bins shuffle between gardening tools and holiday decorations, and entryways can quickly collect a new wave of clutter with every weather change.

Taking time for a seasonal reset not only keeps your home running smoothly but also prevents frustration later. Here are practical tips for seasonal organization, including how to declutter and organize your wardrobe, garage, seasonal decor, and entryway zones so you can move into the next season with less stress and more joy.

Wardrobe Refresh: Organize Clothes for Every Season

Your closet is one of the most frequently used and often most cluttered areas of your home. Seasonal changes are the perfect time to declutter and optimize your wardrobe!

Clearing the Clutter First!

1. Go section by section. Go through each rack in your closet and every drawer. Create three piles: Keep, Donate, and Sell. Note I am not recommending to take everything out here, especially if you are doing this on your own, as that creates a feeling of overwhelm and in turn makes it harder to complete this task. Just take one section at a time!
   

   Keep Criteria:

   1. Does it fit well?

   2. Have I worn it in the past year?

   3. Is it in good condition?

   4. Does it make me feel confident and comfortable?

   5. Is it appropriate for the current or upcoming season?

      
      

2. Seasonal Storage: If you have the room, move your off-season clothing onto higher racks or lower drawers. If not, store off-season clothing in breathable garment bags or clear bins. This keeps your current wardrobe accessible while protecting items you use less often.
   

Organizing Your Wardrobe

• Group Similar Items: Keep shirts, pants, and other categories together.

• Color-Code: Organize items by color within each category for easy access.

• Maximize Vertical Space: Add shelves, drawer dividers, or hanging organizers to make the most of your closet.

• Use Quality Hangers: Slim, non-slip hangers prevent clothes from falling and save space. Plus it looks nice and is easier on the brain to see.

  
  

Helpful Tip: Keep a small “transition” bin or hanging area for unpredictable weather. Include light jackets or layering pieces for easy in-between-season outfits.

Garage and Seasonal Decor: Tame the Chaos

The garage often becomes a dumping ground for seasonal items, holiday decorations, and outdoor gear. Organizing it not only makes belongings easier to find but also protects them from damage.

Sorting Your Seasonal Decor

• Categorize: Group decorations by holiday (Christmas, Halloween), outdoor gear, camping equipment, and other seasonal items.

• Inspect and Discard: Remove broken, faded, or unused items.

• Label Clearly: Label storage bins by season or holiday (for example, “Christmas Decorations – Tree,” “Summer Outdoor Gear”).

  
  

Storage Solutions for Your Garage

Item Category	Recommended Storage Solution	Benefits
Holiday Decorations	Clear, airtight bins	Protects from dust and pests, easy to see contents
Outdoor Gear	Wall-mounted hooks, shelving	Keeps items off the floor, frees up floor space
Seasonal Clothing	Large plastic totes with moth ball	Protects from moisture and insects
Gardening Tools	Pegboards, tool racks	Organizes small tools, easy access
Sports Equipment	Mesh bags, ball racks	Air circulation, keeps items contained

Helpful Tip: Clear bins are a smart choice because they make contents visible, help organize similar items together, save space through stacking, and create a tidy, consistent look.

Paper and Entryway Zones: A Clear Welcome

Entryways can quickly become a catch-all for mail, keys, bags, and other daily essentials. A functional entryway and a paper management system can significantly reduce clutter throughout your home. Note that if you enter through the garage or elsewhere, follow these suggestions below for those same areas.

Creating an Organized Entryway

• Designated Drop Zones:

  • Keys: Small dish or wall hook

  • Mail: Vertical mail sorter or tray for incoming/outgoing items

  • Bags/Coats: Hooks or a coat organizer where items can reside by individual person.

  • Shoes: Shoe rack or basket

• Rotate Essentials: Store items away you do not currently need to prevent clutter

  
  

Managing Paper Clutter

• Tackle Paper Weekly: Use a folder, basket, or wall pocket for incoming mail, school forms, or flyers

• Shred: Junk mail and sensitive documents

• File: Important papers for long-term storage

• Action: Bills to pay, forms to complete, invitations to RSVP

• Recycle: Everything else

  
  

Suggested Filing System:

• “To Do” Folder: Papers requiring immediate attention

• “To File” Tray: Documents to file when convenient; then set a time to do this in your calendar.

• Permanent Files: Organized by category, such as Utilities, Medical, and Financial

Helpful Tip: Going digital for statements and bills reduces paper inflow and simplifies organization.

Seasonal organization is not about perfection! It is about making your home work with you instead of against you. Set aside an afternoon or two, grab a few bins, and enjoy a fresh start for the season. A well-organized home brings peace, clarity, and more joy into your daily life.