October Reset: Preparing Visible Areas of your Home for Fall & Holiday Hosting
When autumn arrives and the temperatures drop, life naturally shifts indoors. Between that and the upcoming flurry of holiday hosting, many people realize their house is a little messier than they would like. If you wait until Thanksgiving week to organize your home, the season can quickly feel overwhelming. Taking time in October to refresh the public areas of your house creates a calm, welcoming environment for your family and guests.
Here is a step-by-step guide to resetting your primary high-traffic spaces for fall and holiday hosting.
1. The Entryway & Coat Closet: Managing Cold-Weather Layering
As coats, boots, and scarves come out of storage, the entryway quickly becomes a bottleneck. Preparing this space now ensures daily smooth departures and a clutter-free welcome for visitors.
The season shift: Transition summer shoes, light jackets, and outdoor gear to long-term storage or donation. Keep only current fall and winter essentials accessible.
Establish dedicated storage for each family member: Assign hooks, baskets, or over the door storage for each family member's winter accessories—such as gloves, hats, and scarves—to keep items off floors and benches.
Incorporate a Drop Zone if space allows: An entryway or mudroom can often be a good location to allow space for all of the random things you may be carrying with you when you get home. If you are walking in with your arms full of mail, wallets, phones, school papers etc.you need a place to set them. This type of stuff can look pretty messy and if it doesn't have a designated spot it will likely end up on the kitchen counter and REALLY be annoying! An ideal drop zone will have some surface area to set items and hidden storage where each of these things can live without causing visual clutter.
Create an “outgoing items” spot: While you're focused on the entryway it would be a good time to create a designated spot for things going elsewhere. These could be your returns, a container that needs to be returned to a neighbor or book that you need to give to your sister next time she visits. I've typically used a cute bag on a hook but you could also do a space in a mudroom cabinet, a basket on the counter or whatever works for your space.
Reserve Guest Space: Clear extra hangers in the coat closet or designate specific wall hooks so visitors have an immediate spot for their coats and bags upon arrival.
2. The Kitchen & Pantry: Staging for Seasonal Cooking & Baking
The kitchen is the heart of holiday hosting. Preparing your baking supplies, food storage, and counter space ahead of time makes meal prep enjoyable rather than chaotic.
Meal and Food Planning:Take some time with some favorite cookbooks or website and plan the things you may want to make over the holiday season
Pantry Audit: Check expiration dates on spices, baking powder, flour, and canned goods. Get like items together and consolidate open packages. Inventory the essential items so you can plan your shopping. You may be tempted to do a full pantry reorganization but only do it if you are sure you have the time. Or give us a call!
Servingware & Platters: Gather, inspect, and wipe down large platters, gravy boats, and seasonal dishware stored in high cabinets. If you want to break out grandma's china now may be a good time to get it all washed up.
Countertop De-Clutter: Remove non-essential appliances and clutter to clear maximum prep space. This also makes for a relaxing atmosphere for guests.
3. The Guest Room & Linen Closet: Comfort & Convenience
Whether you host overnight visitors for a weekend or the full holiday week, a low clutter guest space helps everyone feel comfortable and relaxed.
Linen Refresh: Go through guest sheets and bath towels. Keep two complete sets per bed, neatly folded or stored together inside matching pillowcases for easy access.
Clear Surfaces & Hangers: Ensure nightstands are clear for phone chargers and water glasses, and clear out closet hanging space or luggage rack areas for guest belongings.
Assemble a Travel Essentials Basket: Group essential travel toiletries, extra towels, a cozy blanket, and Wi-Fi access details into a portable basket placed in the guest room.
4. Schedule a Deep Clean
If it is in the budget, schedule a time for a professional deep cleaning. Taking cleaning off your list can remove a lot of pressure for sure! If that isn’t an option, slowly start chipping away at the areas that need attention. And if it doesn’t get finished, no worries. Your guests would not want you to be stressed over these things!
5. Maintaining the Reset Throughout the Season
Organizing before the rush is only half the strategy; simple daily resets keep your home running smoothly all season long. Try spending 5 to 10 minutes each evening returning items to their designated areas.
Need a hand getting your home organized and ready for the holiday season? The Simplified Home team offers decluttering, organizing, and even seasonal decorating! Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
