Back to School and End of Summer Reset: Getting Your Home (and Sanity) In Order

August is here, and yes, it’s still blazing hot in Texas. But summer won’t last forever and we all know how much we cherish those short-lived cooler months. Now is the perfect time to refresh your home before fall begins to creep in. Whether you’re wrapping up a summer full of travel and adventures, sending little ones back to school, moving a college student into a dorm, embracing life as an empty nester, or simply seeking a fresh start, here is a collection of tips and tricks to help you transition smoothly into the fall season.

Declutter Summer’s Accumulations

No matter your household, summer often brings extra “stuff.” For families, this might be pool toys, sports gear, and birthday party loot. For others, it could include sports and hobby equipment, travel souvenirs, beach bags, or leftover materials from home projects. Take a slow walk through the spaces that tend to collect these extras, such as the garage, pantry, hall closets, and master closet. Ask yourself what is still useful and what you are ready to let go of. Donate, recycle, or sell the items that no longer serve you. Not only will this free up valuable space, but it will also create a calmer, more welcoming environment as you head into the next season. Decluttering at the change of each season is a simple habit that can make maintaining an organized home much easier year-round.

Create Practical Drop Zones

Whether you’re managing backpacks and lunchboxes or just your own keys and bags, having a dedicated spot near your entryway for everyday essentials can save time and keep mess to a minimum. Consider an entryway table with drawers for grab-and-go items, baskets for shoes, or hooks for bags, leashes, and hats. Families may find labeled cubbies or bins helpful for keeping kids organized and independent. If you don’t have children at home, keep it simple and tailored to what you need daily. We can assure you that having a bench or table system near the door for whatever needs to be processed out or in will make your life much easier. You might even be able to make those returns on time before they get buried at the bottom of your closet!

Organize Papers and Keepsakes

Paper piles can take many forms: school forms, kids art projects, bills, mail, flyers, save-the-dates, etc. Set up a system to manage incoming papers with a wall-mounted inbox, a table-top divider, or filing drawer in your command center. Preserve special memories such as children’s artwork, travel mementos, or cherished photos in labeled keepsake boxes, file boxes or albums that won’t overwhelm your space. Better yet, digitize everything and never look back! We recommend having your incoming papers system divided by 3 categories: to do, to pay, and to file. Set a dedicated time once a week to go through each category and catch up before things start to pile up.

Refresh Your Car Setup

If your car has turned into an unofficial summer storage unit, it’s time for a thorough clean-out. Say goodbye to those pesky grains of sand from your beach trips or those long-forgotten P. Terrys french fries that have petrified under the seats. Once you've accomplished that, assemble a small bin with essentials customized to your needs, such as tissues, wipes, diapers, first aid supplies, sunscreen, reusable bags, hand sanitizer, an umbrella, a picnic blanket, etc. These ready-to-go items will keep you prepared for whatever comes your way.

Seasonal Wardrobe Swap

If you store winter clothes - pull out sweaters, light jackets, scarves and beanies to prepare for cooler days. Use this opportunity to sort through what no longer fits or suits your style and keep only what you’ll truly wear and enjoy. In Texas, it's always a good idea to keep your summer clothes handy for those warmer days that inevitably pop up well into fall.

Reclaim and Refresh Your Space

If you’re adjusting to life without kids at home or simply want a change, consider repurposing rooms or high-usage areas to better fit your lifestyle. Transform a former child’s bedroom into a guest room or hobby space while still keeping it welcoming for family and friends who visit. If you already have a guest room, now might be the time to clear out accumulated projects or clutter after a busy summer or company visits. For families with kids, creating dedicated homework or craft stations can keep daily routines running smoothly.

End-of-Summer Cleaning and Organizing

A thorough cleaning will wipe away summer’s dust and dirt. Focus on windows, baseboards, floors, rugs or carpet, and outdoor furniture before putting away seasonal gear. Starting the new season with a fresh, clean space sets a peaceful tone for the busy months ahead.

Final Thought

A little end-of-summer reset can help you feel more organized, calm, and ready for whatever fall brings. We all know how busy the fall season can get, and before you know it, you’re scrambling to prepare your home for holiday guests. Do yourself a favor and tackle organizing and decluttering now. Your future self will thank you. And if it ever feels like too much, We're here to help make it faster, easier, and maybe even a little enjoyable. Everyone could use a little help, and we are so happy to be here to serve our lovely community!