What to Organize in September (So Life Feels Lighter)

Hey friends!

Can you feel it?  The air is shifting, pumpkin spice is back, and suddenly it’s September. This in-between season is one of my favorites—not just because of cozy sweaters and fall candles, but because it’s the perfect time to turn the mess into momentum before the holidays arrive.

Think of September as your “bridge month.” We’re wrapping up summer, sliding into fall routines, and (let’s be honest) juggling all the things. A little intentional organizing now can help you create breathing room in your day and make the next few months feel lighter and more manageable.

Here are a few simple spots to focus on this month:

1. Put Summer Away 

Beach bags, coolers, pool towels—if you’re done with them for the year, now’s the time to clean them out and tuck them away. Toss the melted sunscreen, wash the sand out of those towels, and store things so they’re fresh and ready next summer. 

2. Check Your Closets

Cool mornings, warm afternoons—it’s probably a mix of summer and fall clothing for you right now. September is the sweet spot for a wardrobe reset:

• What did I actually wear this summer?
• What can I store away until next year?
• Do I need to bring out fall pieces now?

Bonus: for kids, this is the perfect time to weed out what doesn’t fit before holiday shopping sneaks up. Tiny steps today – less stress later.

3. Refresh Your Pantry & Freezer 

Fall = comfort food, soups, and baking galore. Before the fun begins, give your pantry and freezer a quick reset: toss stale snacks, check expiration dates, and take inventory of your spices. (Because no one wants to start baking cookies only to find out the cinnamon is ancient 🙃.)

4. Reset Your Entryway 

Shoes, jackets, backpacks, umbrellas… it piles up fast this time of year. Take 20 minutes to set up a drop zone that actually works for your family: a basket for gloves and hats, a spot for bags, maybe even a designated hook just for your purse. Simpler systems = lighter days.

5. Prep the Garage Before It Gets Cold 

September’s mild weather is ideal for tackling the garage. Store away summer gear, and move snow shovels, ice melt, or holiday decorations into easy reach. Trust me—your future self will thank you when winter rolls around. This is the time to do that big garage organization project. It’s not too hot or too cold yet. Let’s make room for your car. 

Bonus: Wrapping Inventory 

I know it feels early, but the holidays will be here before you blink. If you’ve ever found yourself buried under rolls of wrapping paper and half-used tape, take an hour now to gather it all in one spot. A simple bin with scissors, tape, tags, and paper = instant relief later and makes holiday prep so much easier. Don’t be like me last year and run out of Christmas wrapping paper. We had plenty but they were all superhero holiday paper and not quite what we needed.

Final Thoughts 💛

Organizing in September isn’t about doing it all. It’s about picking the spaces that will help you make life feel lighter as the seasons shift. Tackle one or two of these projects this week, and you’ll feel more grounded, prepared, and ready to move forward—one small step at a time. Even if you accomplish one of these, think of the impact it will have on your daily life.

And if you’re not sure how to tackle these, let’s do it together. 

So tell me—what’s the first space you’re tackling this month?

 Did you miss my must have organizing products? Grab the list by clicking the link below.  👉👉👉  [FAVORITE PRODUCTS LIST!] 

💛

Nicole 

Stay tuned for next week’s POP Talk!

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