Seasonal Decluttering Tips for Every Climate

No matter where you live, seasons affect our lives in many ways, from wardrobe changes to home organisation. For some, it’s dealing with summer heat and the need to swap out winter clothes, while others might be facing snow and rain. Regardless of the climate, seasonal transitions are the perfect time to declutter. Here are some practical tips to get you sorted, whether you’re in the scorching UAE sun or the brisk British winter.

1. Start with Your Wardrobe

Wardrobes are the first place to look at when decluttering for a new season. We tend to accumulate clothes for different weather, but most of us don’t wear half of them! Begin by pulling out all your seasonal clothing. In Dubai, it might be heavy jackets or scarves you’ve barely used. If you’re in the UK, it could be summer dresses or shorts that haven’t seen the light of day in years.

Sort items into three piles: Keep, Donate, and Toss. Only keep the items you genuinely wear and love. I always suggest trying them on again to see if they fit and make you feel good. If something doesn’t fit or hasn’t been worn in over a year, it’s time to let go.

2. Rotate and Store

Now that you’ve decluttered your wardrobe, it’s time to store items you won’t be using for the current season. In hotter climates, store away winter gear, while cooler regions might need storage for light summer clothing. Vacuum bags or clear plastic storage boxes are perfect for this. Be sure to label them clearly, so when the next season arrives, you know exactly where everything is.

For climates like the UAE, where the temperatures don’t change drastically, you might want to keep some layers handy for those overly air-conditioned malls or chilly evenings during the short winter months. For my British friends, it’s more about ensuring waterproof items and warm layers are easy to access during autumn and winter.

3. Refresh Outdoor Spaces

If you have outdoor areas, seasonal changes are a great reminder to tidy these up. In the Middle East, outdoor furniture often gets packed away for the summer when it’s too hot to sit outside. Dust it off, clean cushions, and ensure everything is in working order for when the cooler months return.

For those in colder climates, autumn might be a good time to store away garden furniture, cover plants, and prepare for the icy weather. Clear out any old gardening tools, rusting furniture, or items that have been damaged by weather.

4. Sort Seasonal Décor

Many people have decorations or homeware they bring out for specific seasons—think Christmas or Ramadan in the UAE. Seasonal decorations tend to pile up, so make it a habit to declutter them before and after each season. Keep what you genuinely love and what works for your current space. If you’re still holding onto Christmas decorations from 10 years ago that don’t fit your home’s vibe, it’s time to let them go.

Organise your decorations in sturdy boxes and label them according to the season or event. That way, when the season arrives, you can easily pull out what you need without rummaging through piles of forgotten items.

5. Check Expiry Dates

A seasonal refresh is also a good time to check expiration dates on things like toiletries, sun cream, and medications. The extreme heat in the UAE can affect products like skincare and make-up, so it’s especially important to check them during your decluttering session. In colder climates, it’s worth checking the expiry dates on seasonal items like lip balm, sunscreen, or even pantry staples you haven’t used over the summer.

6. Revisit Your Paperwork

Seasons changing is also a good time to revisit paperwork, particularly in countries where tax years end or school terms begin around the same time as a seasonal change. Shred or recycle old bills, receipts, and documents you no longer need, and ensure your filing system is ready for the new season.

No matter the climate, decluttering seasonally is a great way to stay organised and refreshed throughout the year. By tackling small areas, like your wardrobe, outdoor space, and décor, you’ll feel lighter and more in control. And remember, it’s not just about getting rid of stuff—it’s about making your space work for you, no matter what the weather is outside.

Thanks so much Shelina

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