When seasons change, so do our needs when it comes to an organized home. Whether it’s the cozy sweaters of winter or the bright blooms of spring, changing your home to reflect seasonal transitions can increase your comfort and the functionality of your home. As spring is just around the corner (fingers crossed!) here are some tips to help get you started!
Each season brings with it its own set of requirements—from clothing and decor to outdoor gear and activities. Recognizing what items need to be stored or rotated allows you to make the most of your space and streamline your daily routine.
1. Sort
Like the first step in the SHOO method, sorting, this is where we start. We sort out everything from the previous season, ensuring that what we’ll be moving to storage is worth the effort.
2. Heave
Now that you’ve sorted, go through your items and ask yourself:
- When was the last time I used this?
- Does it still serve a purpose or bring me joy?
- Is it damaged or worn out?
By eliminating unnecessary items, you reduce clutter and create a more organized space for seasonal storage. Set aside anything that is still in good shape, but no longer fits your needs or style, to donate.
2. Create a Checklist
Create a checklist to ensure you’re prepared for each season. This could include:
- Winter: Winter clothing, heaters, blankets, holiday decorations
- Spring: Gardening tools, lighter clothing, spring cleaning supplies
- Summer: Pool toys, beach gear, outdoor furniture
- Autumn: Halloween decorations, warmer clothing, baking necessities
Having a handy checklist helps you stay organized and ensures that you don’t overlook critical items during the season change.
3. Smart Storage Solutions
The key to successful seasonal organization is utilizing effective storage solutions. Here are a few ideas:
Clear Storage Bins
Clear bins helps you to easily see the contents without having to open each container. Clearly label each bin with its contents and the season it’s intended for so you can have easier access items as needed.
Vacuum-Sealed Bags
For clothing and bedding, vacuum-sealed bags are excellent for compressing bulky items, saving space, and protecting them from dust and moisture.
Shelving Units
Consider installing shelving units in your garage, basement, or closet space. These can help to maximize vertical space and keep seasonal items organized by category or season.
Under-Bed Storage
Using the space under your bed can be a creative way to store out-of-season clothing or blankets. Use shallow bins or bags to keep items neatly tucked away but easily accessible when the seasons change. We have our extra comforters in vacuum sealed bags under our bed, hidden by our bed skirt.
4. Switch Smartly
When changing from one season to another, make it a routine to switch out items. For example, when you bring out your winter clothing, consider putting away your summer clothes. Store items that you won’t be using for several months in a designated area, making seasonal swaps even easier.
5. Label Everything
Labeling is key for maintaining an organized space. Use clear, easy-to-read labels on bins and boxes. This practice not only saves time when you’re looking for items, but also helps other family members know where things belong.
6. Seasonal Décor Box
If you enjoy decorating for each season, create a seasonal décor box to store seasonal decorative items. This way, you can easily access and change the decor as needed without having to run through all your decorations.
7. Optimize
Once you’ve organized your seasonal items, take time at the end of each season to review what worked and what didn’t. Optimize the storage by noting what worked well and what needed to be tweaked. Then you can adjust how you are storing things to make finding them next time even easier.
Seasonal organizing is not just about how you store things; it’s about creating a harmonious space. By following these steps, you can prepare your home for the changing seasons while making sure that off-season items are neatly and logically stored away.
