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Seasonal Decorations Lead to Decluttering

image By Professional Organizer Lea Schneider

Pumpkin here. Fake fall leaves there. Witches and goblins on the counter. Scarecrow's galore.

Does that just seem like more clutter to you?

Believe it or not, seasonal decorating can help you declutter and keep things tidy.

How in the world can hauling out more stuff make you less cluttered, you ask?

Now, first of all, we should practice moderation in all things. A bit of decorating can go a long way. Twelve tubs of fall decorations would be a bit over the top, don't you think.

Seasonal decorations can help you declutter. It is very simple. You know good and well you are not going to put out a garland of fall leaves on your foyer table and plug in the electric jack-o-lantern over the top of yesterday's mail, old books, and heaps of things. You'll end up clearing the clutter and giving the table a polish to boot.

At my house, I've learned that seasonal decorating isn't just about the seasons. It is a way to make your house into a home. It helps you enjoy the change of seasons, or as they say, it helps you take out time to smell the roses.

As you put out your decorations this fall, you are sure to pick up clutter from the surfaces you decorate. Take the time to put them away. It is less likely you'll plop down more clutter on your newly decorated table.

Too much work, you say? Perhaps you have too many decorations? Sometimes, it is a lot of work to haul out tub after tub. Perhaps your organizing project for this fall should be to pare down the decorations to one tub. Choose your favorites. If you have a bit of something to put on your mantle, foyer table, kitchen table and coffee table, you probably have plenty to spark a bit of fall in the air.

Decorating seasonally is a great way to establish a decluttering routine. You begin by clearing the clutter and putting out a bit of fall. You tidy again as you add some Halloween and yet again as you switch to Thanksgiving turkeys. Then you'll surely be ready for the December holidays. Next comes Valentines, St. Patrick's Day and Spring or Easter. None of the decorating has to be lavish or abundant. But, a few memories of each season can make your home warm and inviting and help you stay on a decluttering routine.