Why You Should Organize Your Seasonal Decor in September: Four Compelling Reasons

It's September! According to my Organizing Calendar, it's the month to organize Season Decor.

As we pull out our Fall decorations, Thanksgiving and Christmas won't be far off. This is the time to revisit your stash of seasonal decor - for all the seasons.

Every time I work on this category, I'm surprised at what I'm still storing. Things I thought I'd use, broken things, things I don't really like that well-meaning people gave me.

Then there are the sentimental things. And, things that I think are beautiful.

I'm surprised because I always come at it from a changed point of view. Life has happened since I spent time with these things. I'm a different person. It's the change in what makes me smile that surprises me.

Seasonal decor is a big category for a lot of people. It's worth spending the time to keep it up to date so what you're storing is the stuff that makes magic.

Here are four reasons you should work on your seasonal decor in September.

1. Pulling it all out helps you see everything you have at one time and makes deciding what to keep easier. What you really like becomes more obvious.

2. Assessing now will ensure that you don't buy anything you already have.  When we can't get to things, we tend to take the path of least resistance and go buy new ones.

3. Your stuff takes up space. Make sure it's worth it. Say goodbye to things you don't care about anymore.

4. Organizing now will enable you to know what storage you need so you have it when it's time to pack up. Some holiday storage is only available during the season.

How you decorate is a reflection of your

energy - of what's going on inside of you.

Go for things that light you up and are in good repair. You deserve better than dirty, broken, and faded.

Here are some questions that may help you in the process:

Do you still love it?

Did you use it last year?

How about the year before that?

Am I keeping this because I feel guilty if I don't?

Does anything need to be repaired?

Replaced?

Do you anticipate adding to the collection this season?

Could it be stored better?

And, here are some areas of the house that could use some seasonal love in September:

Inside storage areas - seasonal decorative items, picture frames, candles, coasters, throws and pillows, bed linens

Kitchen and Dining Room - seasonal serving pieces, dishes, stemware, flatware, napkin rings, and table linens

Garage - decorative items, yard items, outdoor lights, wreaths, Christmas trees, indoor lights, and ornaments

Attic - any seasonal decor

Seasonal decor can bring a lot of joy, and storing it can bring a lot of angst.

Keep the project fun by staying in a positive mindset. Play your favorite seasonal music. Revisit good memories. Stay with how it feels when the house is decorated and welcoming. Make that favorite cup of tea of flavored coffee.

The most important reason to organize your seasonal decor now is to make decorating easier when the time comes, so you can have less stress and enjoy the fruits of your labor.