
Summer is the definition of carefree; we jump into everything from our outfit choices to our travel plans with wild abandon. But after we've barrelled through the season, and it comes to an inevitable close, we're forced to finally slow down and pick up the pieces — literally. Three months of living free, easy, and on-the-move can translate to massive at-home messes.
Kissing warm weather goodbye with an apartment full of unpacked suitcases, strewn summer products, and expired kitchen goods is disheartening. So, we conspired with the organisational experts at The Home Edit to hatch a solid plan of attack for exactly how to handle our out-of-season stuff. Ahead Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin share five simple steps, from storage solutions to clutter edits, that will get your living spaces in back-to-school shape post summertime's storm.

1. Swap & Edit Summer Clothes
"Instead of wasting closet space with summer clothing, place the items in a separate basket and store on a higher shelf. Do the same for your colder month attire, and switch them out every season. Plus, it gives you a chance to edit out that dress or bikini you’ll never wear again, instead of forgetting about it in the back of your closet."
photographed by Phoebe Chuason.
2. Stash & Stack Seasonal Decor
"On the same note, for seasonal decor like throw pillows or small accent pieces, utilise stackable bins with labeled categories that fit your space. You won't need to access them until next year, so it doesn't matter if the storage space is hard to reach."
photographed by CJ Isaac.
3. Store Summer Bedding In Pillowcases
"If you switch to heavier bedding in the fall, store the sheet sets in the matching pillowcases. It will save you more room on a shelf than if you folded them."
photographed by Alice Gao.
4. Create A Set-Up Station
"Create a set-up station with a sectioned tray or bin that can store your keys, purse, and any important items you look for on a daily basis. It becomes a lifesaver when you're rushing out the door or if you tend to misplace things. However, the only way the system works is if those items are actually placed back in the station, not somewhere else around the house."
photographed by Erica Gannett.
5. Overhaul Kitchen & Bathroom Inventory
"For areas like the pantry and medicine cabinet, make extra room by checking the expiration dates and tossing the expired items. It will also give you a chance to take inventory of what you need for the fall season."
photographed by Alice Gao; appearance by Serena Goh.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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