The Seasonal Shift: Reset your Home and Headspace for Autumn
3 minute read
As the school gates swing open and summer sandals are swapped for muddy boots, September brings with it a natural reset point. The air turns crisper, the days shorter and whether you’re waving off little ones to school or simply settling into a more structured routine post-holiday, it’s the perfect time to bring a little more calm and clarity to your home.
APDO members Clare and Georgia describe this seasonal shift as the “real New Year”. With kids back to school and summer chaos behind us, it's an ideal opportunity to press pause and reflect: Is your home still working for you? Are routines flowing smoothly? Or do mornings feel rushed and weekends lost to searching for missing shoes, clean uniforms, or a favourite jacket?
Here are 5 of Clare and Georgia’s favourite tips to help you reset your home this autumn and get ahead before the true winter madness begins.
1. Store Summer Smartly
Instead of stashing swimsuits and beach hats in random corners, take 30 minutes to gather your summer items and pack them away intentionally. Use clearly labelled storage boxes for:
- Swimwear
- Holiday accessories (think sunhats, goggles, inflatables)
- Summer sandals
- Lightweight linens
Opt for breathable containers or vacuum bags if space is limited. Clear labelling is your friend, think “Summer Clothes – Age 5-6” or “Beach Wear – 2025”.
2. Wardrobe Reset for All Ages
Kids grow fast, and adults change, too. This is the perfect moment to:
- Pull everything out
- Sort into Keep / Donate / Pass Down / Recycle
- Store out-of-season items elsewhere
- Reorganise wardrobes by category and frequency of use
A simplified wardrobe not only saves time in the morning but also helps reduce decision fatigue especially during those rushed school-run moments. If drawers and rails are overflowing, consider using drawer dividers, labelled baskets, or hanging organisers to create structure.
3. Shoe & Outerwear Zones
With autumn comes wellies, waterproofs, scarves and more. Take time to:
- Store away flip-flops and summer trainers
- Clean and sort seasonal shoes
- Create a clear “drop zone” for coats, hats, and bags
- Use labelled baskets or compartments for each family member
This tiny bit of effort can have a huge impact on your daily stress levels.
4. Prep for Productive Spaces
Homework, reading logs, and packed lunches - September always brings more paper, more tasks, and more stuff.
Consider setting up:
- A homework station or quiet study nook
- A tray or file box for school letters and permission slips
- A weekly planner board for the family to share plans
Even a small shift here can reduce the mental load on busy parents.
5. Get Ahead on Gifting and Events
Before autumn fully sets in, take a peek ahead. Do you have:
- Birthday gifts or party supplies you could stock up on now?
- Cards, decorations or wrapping you could sort early?
- A list of family sizes/ideas saved in a notes app?
Organising these bits now means you won’t be panic-buying or wrapping in a rush come December.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Change
The transition from summer to autumn can feel bittersweet but it also holds enormous potential. A little planning and intention now can lay the groundwork for calmer months ahead.
As professional organisers, we love helping clients make these seasonal shifts feel less overwhelming and more empowering. It’s not about having a “perfect” home, but rather a space that supports your lifestyle as it evolves through the year.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to start, reach out to an APDO member near you. Whether in-person or virtually, we’re here to help you reset with clarity, confidence, and care. Find your Professional Organiser here.
