Mop, Drop, and Roll into Fall Freshness

My grandma always said a person’s home was the reflection of their mind. If trash littered the floor, laundry untouched, and bed unmade, what did that say of their thoughts? Were they just as convoluted?

With the weather getting cooler each day and the trees shedding their leaves, it’s time we take a look at the place surrounding us: home. Whether that home is a dorm, a car, or an apartment, the energy we keep in our space matters.

So often we hear about “spring cleaning” and making room for the new season. Why is it the only season to get all the glory when it comes to cleaning? We're told it's the time to open windows, purge closets, and freshen things up. But fall? It’s just as powerful, being nature’s way of letting go. As the trees shed what they no longer need, the animals below prepare their nests for the colder months. And maybe we should take a cue from them.

Fall cleaning isn’t just about vacuuming and folding sweaters. It’s about preparing for stillness. It’s making room for comfort. It’s looking around your space and asking: what do I actually need to carry with me into winter? So, let’s grab a broom, a warm cup of tea, and reset.

Let’s let go like the trees do. Trees don’t cling to their leaves when the cold creeps in. Without guilt, without hesitation, they let those leaves flutter away. It’s not because the leaves were bad, but because it was simply time. We could learn something from that, like releasing our most cluttered spaces. If you hang your clothes, turn the hangers backwards. If you haven’t worn certain clothes in a month, the hangers will still be backwards and a good sign of what you do or don’t need.

Maybe you have a “just in case” drawer. You never know when those mismatched batteries will come in handy. But if they have more dust than the plastic tombstones we see popping up this Halloween, do they really matter that much? We all have a space where things go “just in case,” but let’s be real. All that spot is doing is taking up space with things you haven’t thought about in months—unopened mail, random freebies you felt bad throwing out, or pamphlets you can still find on the internet if it really matters.

It’s time to peek into the places you ignore all year: medicine cabinets, under the bed, back of the pantry. These forgotten zones are gold mines for clutter. Throw out that expired ibuprofen. Vacuum under that bed for instant clarity. Throw out those ice-encrusted leftovers forgotten in the freezer, and toss out that bag of bread that’s been stuck for months and suspiciously non-moldy.

Light a candle. Vacuum and sweep those floors. Every inch counts when paving a way for the new. Fall is about winding down and cozying up to make space to breathe. By clearing the physical clutter, you’re preparing your home to actually feel like a refuge during the colder, quieter months ahead.

This season’s rule? If it’s not helping you settle in, let it go. Just like the trees, you’re allowed to rest.