September always feels like a fresh start to me…new routines, schedules, and the shift into cozy season. It’s the perfect month to do a little reset at home so you don’t carry the summer (fun, but often messy) chaos into fall. In fact, I always find I’m more motivated to declutter and organize in September than January!
I like to think of September decluttering as prep work for the cooler seasons: clearing away what no longer fits this season and making space for the busier (and darker) days ahead. A little effort now can save you and me both a lot of frustration later.
And if you want more step-by-step help to actually start and keep going, my post called How to Declutter Your House in 7 Easy Steps pairs beautifully with this month’s checklist.
What to Declutter in September
Here are 5 quick areas to tackle this month and usual, there’s no perfection required. Just a few small resets to help your home feel calmer and more organized going forward.
1. Summer clothing that won’t last another year
Check for worn-out sandals, faded swimsuits, or kids’ clothes that won’t fit next summer. Donate what’s still in good shape and let go of the rest instead of packing it away.
2. Lunch containers and water bottles
Before the school (or work) lunch grind is in full swing again, go through your lunch container and water bottle stash. Toss anything that’s cracked, missing a lid, or just plain gross (you’re not alone – some things just get overlooked). Keep the pieces that make packing lunches easier, not harder.
3. Backpacks, totes, and purses
If your kids’ backpacks are falling apart or your own everyday bag has seen better days, now’s a great time to swap them out for something better. Or if they’re usable and just messy, clean them up and make any needed repairs. Clear out the snack crumbs, receipts, and random odds and ends while you’re at it.
4. School or office supplies
Round up pens, markers, scissors, and notebooks. Check them against what you actually need and/or what your kids’ school lists include. Donate extras to a local school drive. There’s no need to hold onto dried-out markers or fifteen pairs of scissors (although those darn scissors do tend to grow legs and walk off on their own!).
5. Entryway clutter
September often brings a jumble of shoes, jackets, and sports gear – for two different seasons. Take a few minutes to put away out-of-season items, toss the broken umbrellas, and give everything else a home.
FAQs
Each task should take 10–15 minutes. Spread them out over the month or knock them all out in a weekend.
Donate what’s still usable, recycle or toss what isn’t, and store the keepers neatly so they’re ready when you need them.
Not at all. But keeping up with small, seasonal resets helps you avoid the overwhelm of a big, all-at-once purge.
Ready for a Full Plan to Reset Your Home?
If you’re ready to stop figuring it out alone, come join the Home RESET Club. Every month we tackle one space together with a complete 30-day room plan, a workshop or challenge, a printable tool, a live call with me, and a community of women doing the exact same work at the exact same time.
Plus you get instant access to the Home RESET 101 Foundation Library the moment you join, with eight modules covering the RESET method in depth, organizing psychology, your personality type, getting your family on board, and building habits that actually last.
All for just $27/month. Cancel anytime.
More Monthly Declutter Checklists
Decluttering anytime, but especially in September, doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just by clearing out a few small but high-impact areas, you’ll make your home feel calmer and give yourself a smoother start to fall.
What’s one thing you’re letting go of this month? Share it in the comments, I’d love to cheer you on!
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