As the long, easygoing days of summer give way to a busier fall routine, even little bits of clutter can feel overwhelming. The change of seasons is the perfect cue for a quick home reset—a chance to clear out the excess and set yourself up for smoother days ahead.
Instead of tackling the whole house, focus on a few high-impact areas that tend to collect more than their fair share of “stuff.” A short tidy-up in these five spots can make a surprisingly big difference.
1. The Laundry Area
Your laundry zone works hard, but it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. A 10-minute refresh here goes a long way. Recycle empty detergent containers, toss single socks that have lost their mates, and give surfaces a quick wipe. If you find yourself constantly searching for dryer sheets or stain remover, add a basket or shelf to keep supplies organized and within reach.
2. The Kitchen Catch-All
Every home has one—the counter, drawer, or table where mail, keys, sunglasses, and stray chargers end up in a jumble. The key is to reset the space completely: clear it off, sort what truly needs to live there, and designate a simple system. A small tray or decorative bowl can corral daily essentials, while everything else finds a proper home. To make the area feel intentional, consider hanging a small mirror nearby. It adds light, style, and a finishing touch to a zone that can easily feel chaotic.
3. The Closet Entry Zone
The spot you pass through each day—whether it’s a foyer, mudroom, or just a corner by the front door—sets the tone for your comings and goings. Shoes piled up or coats slipping off hooks can instantly add stress. Take a moment to donate items you no longer use, pare back to the true everyday basics, and reintroduce order with a bin for shoes and hooks for bags. A mirror here also works double-duty: it visually opens up the space and gives you a quick outfit check on your way out.
4. The Home Office or Desk Drawer
Even the most organized desks seem to attract clutter—old sticky notes, dried-up pens, and random odds and ends. Empty out one drawer or your desktop surface and give it a clean slate. File what matters, recycle what doesn’t, and give the area a quick wipe-down. You’ll be surprised how much lighter a tidy workspace can make Monday mornings feel.
5. The Top of the Dresser
Dressers have a way of becoming landing pads for everything from receipts to tangled jewelry. Clear yours completely, dust it down, and reset it with just a few intentional items—a jewelry box, framed photo, or favorite candle. A pared-down surface feels instantly calmer, and it makes the whole room feel more polished.
Thinking of a Small DIY Before Summer Ends?
Once these spaces are cleared and refreshed, a simple DIY can be the perfect finishing touch. Framing a plain mirror with Add A Frame®—or updating an old one with a new framed mirror—is a quick, satisfying project that elevates your space instantly. It’s proof that even small updates can have a big impact, especially when paired with a fresh, clutter-free reset.