Decluttering as a Seasonal Ritual: Welcoming Balance at the Fall Equinox

The fall equinox marks a turning point: the days become shorter and we naturally begin to prepare for the cozy winter months ahead. Our energy begins to shift from summer’s busyness to craving more rest and relaxation. This is a great time to practice gratitude for the proverbial harvest of the summer, celebrating our accomplishments and reflecting on how we’ve grown. It's also a chance to invite balance back into our lives through gentle routines and releasing that which no longer serves us. 

One powerful way to honor this seasonal shift is by decluttering. Just as the trees drop their leaves in preparation for the winter, we too can release items in our homes that we have outgrown. Open shelves and cleared closets invite fresh energy in. This is especially important as we spend more time indoors during the cooler months.

By turning fall decluttering into a small ritual, we invite intention and possibly a sense of joy into what might otherwise feel like a chore.

To begin, open your windows! Fall provides the perfect weather to throw open your windows and allow fresh air and energy to flow freely through your home. 

With your windows open, take a few moments to ground yourself and set an intention. Find a comfortable seat with your feet on the floor. Place your hands on your heart and take a few deep breaths, focusing on long exhales. Long exhales activate the parasympathetic nervous system, creating more calm in our minds and bodies. 

Now, set an intention for your decluttering session. My recent project involved decluttering my fall decor. My intention was to reduce it to one bin, eliminate all plastic items and shift my focus towards decorating with elements of nature. Maybe for you it's tackling your clothing and keeping only the items that make you feel confident and put together. Regardless of what you want to declutter, your intention will be your guide through the process. When you inevitably come across an item that is difficult to declutter, you can rely on this intention to help you make the decision.

 With your intention set, clear off a space and grab two boxes; one for donations and one for items you plan to discard. Gather all items in the category you want to declutter. (ie: all fall decor, all fall/winter clothing etc). If possible, categorize your items as you gather them. For example, all fall linens go in one pile, all candles in another and so on. This will give you an idea of the quantity of items you have and help you decide what amount fits with your intention.

Then, item by item, decide what you want to keep. It's important to focus on what you want to keep rather than what you want to toss. This helps to keep the energy positive and moving forward. 

Once you have completed the decision making process and you have your keep, donate and discard piles, immediately take the donations to your car and the trash to the dumpster. Allowing things to linger causes us to second guess our decisions. Trust that your intuition guided you correctly and release the items.

Pause here for a deep breath. The hard part is over! Notice how it feels to have the extra space and energy in your home. Glance once more at your keep pile and decide if it still aligns with your intention. If something feels out of alignment, take this opportunity to discard or donate the item.

Now it’s time to organize! Intentionally return the items to the space where you want to store them. Place frequently used items in the front so they are easy to access. Since you’ve taken the time to declutter, notice the extra space you’ve created and resist the urge to fill it. Open areas in our homes allow new opportunities to flow in. 

Settle in for some well deserved rest. Have a cup of tea and reflect on your progress. Building ritual into the most mundane tasks can keep you motivated and joyful. As the equinox welcomes balance, may your home and energy feel ready for the season ahead.