8 Things to Declutter Before September

“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.”

–Hans Hofmann

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Don’t blink, because the fall season is just around the corner. That means the end of summer camps, vacations, and lazy mornings. It also means that it’s time to clear away the things you meant to toss last spring and all the clutter you’ve accumulated over the summer. Get a headstart on a new school year, or simply a fresh new season, and declutter these 10 things before September.

Gather four boxes or bins and label them Keep, Trash, Recycle, and Donate. Use our list as a starting point, work on one category at a time, and enlist the help of your family. As you finish each category, take action and put away the items you plan to keep, place recycling or trash in bins, and put the donation items in your car for delivery (no stashing in the garage!).

You’ll feel accomplished and ready to enjoy Labor Day parties with a day of rest.

1. Outdoor and Water Toys

Discard any toys or games that are damaged or missing pieces. Inspect inflatable toys and rafts and deflate them before storing or donating. Once you finish with the outdoor toys, why not sort through your kids’ indoor toys before the holiday giving season begins?

2. Summer Shoes and Clothes

It’s time to donate sandals, pool shoes, and outgrown clothes—don’t forget bathing suits. For kids’ clothes you plan to hand down, make sure they are stain-free and freshly washed before storing. If you didn’t wear something all summer, it’s time to let it go.

3. School Supplies

If your kid’s backpack is still full, empty it and see what can be kept and what needs to be tossed or donated. Compare the list of required items for the year with what you have so you won’t overbuy. Many charities need backpacks that are still in good shape if your child must have the latest fashion statement.

4. Papers, Books, and Magazines

If you have a stack of last year’s permission slips, unopened junk mail, or notes from finished work projects, sort and recycle. Send summer beach reads and required summer school books to the recycle bin, used book store, or charity. Recycle old magazines and coloring books, and return library books!

5. Garden Tools and Supplies

It’s time to toss or compost garden plants that didn’t survive the summer heat. Weed through tools and gardening supplies and store them properly in the garage or shed. Dispose of lawn and garden chemicals following the guidelines of your local municipality.

6. Towels and Linens

Empty the linen closet and get rid of beach towels that are past their prime. Sort and straighten sheet sets and towels so they are easy to find. Animal shelters welcome old towels and linens.

7. Canned Goods and Spices

Life can get hectic when school starts and work schedules fill up. Now is the time to clean out the pantry, freezer, and refrigerator and toss expired foods and spices. For unexpired products you over-bought that your family doesn’t like, donate them to a food pantry or shelter. Make a list of the spices you’re tossing so you can replace items you’ll need before holiday baking time arrives.

8. First Aid Products

Is the bandage box empty? Look through medicine cabinets and first aid kits. Toss expired items and stock up on over-the-counter medicines so you’re prepared for sniffles and scrapes.