Why August Is A Prime Time for Organizing and Clearing the Clutter

August is the Perfect Time to Declutter and Organize Your Home*

*as seen in House Beautiful - read the article here

As a professional organizer, I often find that August is one of the best months to refresh and reset our homes. While September signals the back-to-school season and the start of a new routine, August offers a unique window of opportunity to clear out clutter and prepare your space for the busy months ahead. Here’s my advice on what to get rid of, why now is the ideal time, and how to make your home more functional and organized.

In my life- first as a student, then as a teacher, and now as parent- I’ve always felt that September is a fresh start and the unofficial start to a new year. August, with its calm before the chaos of fall, is the ideal time to get organized. It’s a chance to clear out the clutter, plan for the upcoming fall schedule, and make your home more functional with less stress.

By tackling these tasks now, you’re setting yourself up for success. You’ll save time and energy during the school year, avoid overbuying, and create a peaceful environment that promotes productivity. Plus, it’s a great way to mentally prepare for the change of seasons and avoid the holiday clutter that’s just around the corner.

closet organization

garage organization

kitchen organization

• closet, garage & kitchen organization by This Organized Chaos

What to Toss in August

1. Old Pool and Beach Toys, Beach Towels, and Beach Chairs

After the summer season wraps up, take a moment to evaluate your outdoor summer gear. Chances are, some toys are broken, worn out, or your kids are just no longer using. Old beach towels can be donated to your local animal shelter. Beach chairs that have seen better days should be retired or replaced, freeing you from clutter and making space for new summer gear next year. Clearing out summer-specific items now means you won’t waste energy storing broken or outgrown items, making your space more manageable in the off-season.

2. Clothing and Shoes

September is right around the corner, and it's the perfect time to take stock of your summer wardrobe. Donate or discard items that no longer fit, are out of style, or haven’t been worn all season. This simple step helps you create a more streamlined closet, making it easier to find what you actually wear and making room for new pieces for fall. An organized closet saves time, reduces decision fatigue, and prevents your wardrobe from becoming a dumping ground of unused clothing.

3. Outdated or Expired Food Items

Before school routines take over your weekday evenings, do a pantry and fridge clean-out. Dispose of expired or unused food and snacks. This reduces waste, saves money, and makes meal prep less stressful. A tidy pantry means easier grocery shopping, less food waste, and quicker meal prep during busy those weekdays ahead.

snack organization

• pantry organization by This Organized Chaos

Tips for Staying Organized This August

1.    Incorporate Smart Tools

One game changer for my family last year was a Skylight digital calendar. It’s color-coded by family member and accessible from phones, making coordinating schedules, carpools, and meals effortless. Anything that keeps our crazy schedule visible and under control is a win in my book!

2.    Establish a Laundry System

You can give each family member their own hamper and designated laundry basket marked with a color or name. Separate baskets and hampers has worked in my house to make sure things are getting folded and put away in a timely manner. If I see the blue basket missing for days I know who hasn’t put their stuff away! You can also just designate one or two days a week as laundry days and get everything done then, freeing up the rest of your week for other tasks. Or maybe it works for each person to have their own day of the week for their laundry to be done. Getting ahold of the laundry chaos can make a huge difference in maintaining order as you head into fall.

3.    Avoid the Bin Trap

I caution against rushing out to buy more storage solutions before you’ve truly sorted and decluttered. Sometimes, placing everything in bins just masks the real issue. Clear out, donate, and discard first. Only then can you determine what kind of storage you actually need.

The Room to Tackle After Summer Ends

The Garage!

It’s often the most neglected but also the most essential space in your home. Post-summer is an ideal time for a garage refresh. Clear everything out, decide what to keep or donate, and use labeled bins and shelving systems. A well-organized garage not only makes everyday access easier but also reduces stress and creates a welcoming space.

A tidy garage reduces overall clutter and makes seasonal gear easier to find when you need it.

• garage organization by This Organized Chaos 

August offers a peaceful pause before the fall rush. Use this time to declutter, donate, and organize. Your home—and your mind—will thank you. A more organized space helps reduce stress, saves time, and sets the tone for a productive, clutter-free season ahead. Let this August be your month to clear out the old and make room for the new!

XO,

Trish

Trish Johnson is a professional organizer and systems expert. She is a wife, mom of 3 kids, and a former elementary school teacher. Trish understands the stresses of daily life in a busy family and she truly enjoys helping people get set up with effective, organized systems that are functional as well as beautiful. Her company, This Organized Chaos, is located in New Jersey and services the surrounding areas organizing homes and small businesses.