Scary Clutter? Time for an October Reset

October is the month of ghosts, goblins, and all things spooky - but let’s be honest, the scariest thing lurking around the house isn’t in a haunted basement. It’s the overflowing closet, the jam-packed pantry, or the stack of mail that never seems to shrink. Clutter can be downright terrifying.

The good news? Unlike haunted houses, you can banish scary clutter - and October is the perfect month to do it. This is the calm before the holiday storm, giving you a chance to clear space and reset before the busy season takes over.

Here are a few ways to tame the monsters in your home this month:

1. Do a Fall Closet Refresh

Cooler temperatures mean it’s time to swap out summer clothes for cozy sweaters, boots, and jackets. But don’t just rotate - take a closer look while you’re at it.

• Does that coat still fit and flatter you, or has it been hanging unworn for years?
• Are your gloves still in pairs, or will you be scrambling on the first chilly morning?
• Which summer pieces didn’t leave the hanger this season?

Take a few minutes to donate or consign the items you or your kids have outgrown (in size or style). Clearing that space now ensures that when winter really sets in, you’ll reach for what you love and actually wear.

2. Give Your Kitchen a Quick Tune-Up

The kitchen is about to become the busiest room in the house. Halloween candy, fall baking, Thanksgiving meal prep, and holiday parties - it all starts here. October is your chance to set yourself up for success.

• Pantry Check: Toss expired foods, consolidate duplicates, and make note of what you actually need before the holiday sales begin.
• Spice Refresh: Dull spices mean dull flavors. Replace the ones you bought years ago (pumpkin pie spice deserves to taste fresh!).
• Hosting Supplies: Pull out serving dishes, platters, and table linens now. Wash or iron anything that needs attention, so you’re not scrambling an hour before guests arrive.

Think of it as giving your kitchen a warm-up stretch before the marathon ahead.

3. Tame the Paper & Mail Pile

Paper clutter may feel never-ending, but October is a great time to get it under control before year-end.

• Create a “to-file” spot for important papers like medical bills, receipts, or tax documents.
• Shred or recycle what you no longer need - old catalogs, junk mail, or outdated statements.
• If digital is your goal, spend 30 minutes scanning papers you want to keep and recycle the rest.

Imagine how much calmer January will feel if your paperwork is already in order when tax time rolls around.

4. Create a Holiday Prep Zone

The holiday season always feels easier when you’re not digging through closets for tape or searching for the one roll of wrapping paper you think you bought last year.

This month, designate a small shelf, bin, or even a decorative basket as your holiday prep zone. Stock it with:

• Wrapping paper and gift bags
• Tape and scissors
• Greeting cards and stamps
• A small notepad to jot down gift ideas

Having a dedicated space means less last-minute stress and more enjoyment of the season.

5. Reset Your Goals Before the Year Ends

October isn’t just about pumpkins and cozy sweaters - it’s the start of the final quarter of the year. If there are projects you wanted to finish in 2025, now is the time to revisit them.

Ask yourself:

• What can I realistically complete before December 31?
• Which lingering projects could I wrap up in just an afternoon if I set aside the time?
• What do I want to step into the new year without carrying over?

By decluttering your physical and mental space now, you’ll feel lighter and more accomplished heading into the holidays.

The Bottom Line

Clutter may be scary, but it doesn’t have to haunt you. By using October to do a little intentional organizing - whether it’s closets, kitchens, paperwork, or goal setting - you’ll be ready for the holiday season with space, clarity, and calm.

And if your scary clutter feels like a full-blown haunted house, I’m here to help. Together we can clear the cobwebs, banish the chaos, and make your home a place you love spending time in.