Get Ready for Autumn

As we are now really moving in to Autumn, it's a great time to see what you can get rid of.

Little changes can have a big impact to not just our space, but our minds. Having a clear out and putting things in order can bring about a feeling of calmness and happiness.

Why not get yourself organised this Autumn so that you are ready for the colder months. Some of my tips will mean you are also prepared for next Summer.

1.       Review your Wardrobe

Before packing your summer clothes away, take a few minutes to review what you wore and still love and what you didn’t wear.   It’s the perfect time to decide what you will store away and what can go to charity.

I also look at my jumpers at this time to decide whether I still want to wear them and what I’m happy to let go of.  You’ve then got space for a new jumper!

2.       Beach and Pool items - what do you really need to keep?

Whether at the beach or spending time  in a pool, water and sand can have an affect on our things.  Chlorine can fade colours and cause fabrics to deteriorate.  Sand can get into toys which stops them from working effectively.   As well as things not working, it’s also a good time to consider if summer clothes, flip flops etc are still likely to fit your child next year.   Make the decision now and then have a reminder in your calendar next year so that you know that you need to buy new items. 

I’d also recommend you look over your paddling pool and check there are no holes.  For any paddling pools,  which will still be used next year, ensure they are completely dry before packing away.  I put my hands up to leaving ours in the garden for too long and then it went mouldy.

If at all possible, please find alternative solutions to send your old inflatable items to rather than putting them in landfill.   Could they be gifted to someone else or is there a way to recycle them.  

3.       Sunscreen lotions - Should you keep them?

I’ve read that you can keep sunscreen bottles for three years and also that you should only keep them 6 to 12 months after opening.   My suggestion is that you use a permanent marker to write the year you bought the lotion.  Any that you feel are nearly finished or past when you want to use them needs to be discarded.  If they are being thrown you may want to squeeze out the contents into the bin and then recycle the plastic bottle.

4.       Duvets, Sheets etc - Do you have too many?

With the colder nights you may be swapping your summer duvet back to your winter duvet.   As well as making a decision of whether your duvets are still good,  it’s also a good time to look at your sheets and pillowcases.  Are they still fit for purpose?  Do you have too many?  If the answer is yes, Dunelm have a Textile Takeback service.     As long as items are clean, they take items to be resold or used as rags. 

5.    Kitchen - is everything still in date?

Autumn is the perfect time to look at what you have in your kitchen cupboards and freezer.   It will not be long until we want warm hearty meals.  Rather than needing to run to the shops on a chilly day, spending the time now knowing exactly what’s in your cupboards/freezer can make all the difference.  For example : Are tins or packets bought last year still in date?  Do you have anything that is running low that you need to buy now?

Are your herbs and spices still in date?  Have they dried up?   The dates on these labels can soon fade and therefore I recommend writing on the expiry date on the labels. That way you can see at a glance what you have and what you soon need to buy.

Interested in my Autumn Discount?

By quoting OPAD you can get £20 off your first 3 hour decluttering and organising session. This session needs to take place before 15th December 2024. Please email me at vickig.organisedandproud@gmail.com to receive your discount.