I originally wrote this post on five-minute fall organization tips a couple of years ago, but have updated it with some information that I hope will be helpful for you. It is the beginning of a busy season for most of us and by taking a few minutes each day to be proactive on a few things, it can help you enter the holiday season with less stress and more organization. Because less stress leads to better health and increased productivity.
I have some five-minute organization tips to share with you, because, let's face it, this is a busy season. With the holidays coming up quickly, there are little things you can do now to start preparing for them, gradually.
Here are a few quick organization tips to help you get ready for the season.
- Check your spices. With holiday baking coming up, you want to be sure you have baking ingredients and fresh spices on hand. Take five minutes and look at your spice drawer or rack and throw out any expired spices. Make a list of what you are likely to cook with and stock up on things like canned pumpkin, refrigerated pie crusts, and spices, etc. so you do not have to run out when the baking mood strikes or on Thanksgiving morning.
- Start your holiday planning. Keep a section in your planner (paper or phone) for multiple holiday lists. Make a list for gift ideas, errands you need to run, and holiday task lists By having your lists organized in one place you'll have all the information you need when and where you need it. This is not your daily to-do list, but your comprehensive list of seasonal action items.
- Quick Closet Clean Up. Go through your closet and see if you can pick five things you no longer need or wear in five minutes. Put it in a bag to donate. Better yet, choose 10 items, if you have a few extra minutes. Now is a great time to do it. But most likely you haven't had time, and probably won't before the holidays. By doing a little at a time you can chip away at it to make room for any new winter items you acquire. Pull out any coats that need cleaning and get them to the cleaners early, so they are ready when you need them.
- Clear off your kitchen counters. If you've got stacks of mail, papers, and magazines, it's time to find a place for those things. If you need some suggestions, I have some paper organizing tips here. Seeing clutter has actually shown to be stressful. Strive for clear counters because you are going to be filling them in the next few months.
- Delete those not so great pictures on your cell phone. If you have any you want to keep, upload them to your computer, the cloud or a USB drive. Those photos are taking valuable space and you don't want to be at that point where your phone suddenly has no memory when you want to take that perfect shot, because, trust me - it will happen when you do not want it to.
I hope you found these five-minute fall organization tips helpful. Do you have any five-minute tips that are helping this time of year? You can find more quick organization tips below.
Tamara
The spice tip is so great! We have a ton of holiday baking and cooking coming up.
I'm also really hanging onto clothes from my 20's and before kids, and there's no reason to do it. I haven't worn some shirts in over TEN years. Time to move on!
Ann
I've been busy trying to delete photos off my phone for days now. I was going to try to make space for the IOS8 upgrade, but I may wait on that. I was busy purging my closet before I got interrupted this summer; I had been donating a bag of clothing, shoes and accessories every month.
Raquel
Great job Ann! Organizing really is a continuous process and you have made it part of your routine!
Ashley @ 3 Little Greenwoods
Oh my goodness! These are some seriously easy and awesome tips! Pinning!
I would love for you to share this post at my Show Me Saturday party this weekend! We go live Saturdays at 7:00 am EST. My readers would love this!
~ Ashley
Raquel
Thank you Ashley!! 🙂
Jamie
Mmm, fall baking.. I've definitely already started... I need to stock up again though for the next time my mood strikes =) Great tips.
Raquel
I have started baking too! Now I won't stop until January 🙂 Thanks Jamie!
Morgan
Great tips! This totally has inspired me to get my messy butt in gear! Thanks for sharing with us at Friday Favorites!
Raquel
Thanks Morgan! So glad you found them helpful!
Raquel
Thanks for stopping by Morgan!
debbiedoos
Yes, yes and yes. I need all these tips.
Jen
Good advice, and I love that it's presented in a way that's not overwhelming for those of us that tend to be disorganized!
Raquel
Thank you Jen for your kind words and appreciate you stopping by!
Lindsay Eidahl
I love organizing and always love to hear others tips.
Lindsay Eidahl
Thanks for linking up to Show Me Saturday!
Roseann Hampton
Great tips - thanks!
Raquel
Thank you Roseann.
Janet Vinyard
Great tips for fall or any time of the year! Thanks for sharing! Blessings, Janet
Raquel
Thanks so much Janet!
Erlene
Cleaning out the spice cabinet and getting rid of some clothes is definitely something I like to do every few months. But doing the spice cabinet for fall cooking is especially important if one plans on doing a lot of cooking.
Susanne
List making is my favorite thing...during the holidays it is really important or I wouldn't get anything done!! Great tips!! Visiting from Talk of the Town link party 🙂
Raquel
You and me both Susanne. I would be lost without my lists. Thanks for stopping by!
Nicole
I need to do all of the above! What a great list and it's really easy tasks that can make a big difference. Thank you for sharing your tips at the #HomeMattersParty this week. We hope you'll join us again when the next party goes live this Friday at 12AM EST.
Raquel
Thanks Nicole! I will be there! 🙂