As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisper, there's no denying that winter is fast approaching in Chicago. With the change in seasons, it's the perfect time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. One essential task that often gets overlooked is decluttering your living space. A clutter-free home not only makes for a more comfortable and enjoyable living environment but also ensures that you're ready for the long winter ahead.

In this blog post, we'll share 5 Unfuss tips for decluttering your Chicago home before winter, helping you create a cozy and organized living space that you'll love spending time in during the colder months.

And if you’re wanting something a little bit more details, you can download our ultimate checklist to help you prep your home for the winter months! It’s super detailed, covering exactly what you should be decluttering in each space of your home. It will ensure you tackle every area.

Unfuss’s professional tips for preparing your Chicago home for the colder months:

1. START WITH A PLAN

   Before you dive into decluttering, it's crucial to have a plan in place. Identify the areas of your home that need the most attention, such as the garage, basement, or closets. Prioritize which rooms or spaces to tackle first, and set specific goals for each area. Having a well-thought-out plan will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the decluttering process, and also help split up the tasks so you’re not super overwhelmed.

2. SORT AND CATEGORIZE

   One of the most effective decluttering techniques is to sort and categorize your belongings. Create three categories: keep, donate/sell, and discard. As you go through your possessions, be honest with yourself about what you truly need and use. Items that you no longer need can be donated to local charities or sold online, while anything beyond repair should be discarded responsibly.

   *This is something that Unfuss does for you. As we declutter and organize your home, we’re also taking unwanted items and either selling them for you or donating.

3. CHANGE UP STORAGE SOLUTIONS

   Chicago winters often mean spending more time indoors, so it's essential to make the most of your available space. Invest in practical storage solutions like shelves, bins, and baskets to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible. Consider using under-bed storage containers for seasonal items and label everything clearly to streamline your daily routines. This is also a great time to bring in any outdoor furniture that can’t withstand the colder months. These items such as outdoor cushions should be brought in and properly stored. Make sure to swap out summer gear in your outdoor storage spaces with winter gear such as coats, skis, snow shoes, etc.

4. SEASONAL CLOTHES SWAP

   In Chicago, your wardrobe changes depending on the season. It’s imperative to ensure your closet is representative of those seasonal months. Take this opportunity to swap out your summer and fall clothing for winter attire. Store off-season clothing in vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers to maximize space and protect your garments from moisture and pests. This seasonal rotation will not only declutter your closet but also ensure you're ready for the colder months.

5. Vent Cleaning

   Maintaining healthy indoor air quality is easier when your air ducts are clean, and during the winter months, ensuring the cleanliness of the air in your home becomes more challenging. Allergens like mold, dust mites, pet dander, and even traces of mouse droppings can circulate through your air duct system, exacerbating allergies and leading to unwanted inflammation. This is especially relevant as the days grow shorter and colder, keeping us indoors more frequently with our furnaces running at full tilt. Cleaning the vents before the colder months sneak up on us will help prevent this.

A clutter-free home in Chicago not only creates a more welcoming and comfortable atmosphere but also helps you stay organized and prepared for the winter months. By following these 5 pro tips for decluttering your Chicago home before winter, you'll not only enjoy a tidier living space but also a smoother transition into the colder season. So, roll up your sleeves, get started on your decluttering journey, and welcome winter with an organized and cozy home.

Ready to unfuss your home? There’s no time like the present.

If you’re on the fence about hiring a professional organizer, start here and book a free 30-minute discovery call so we can get you one step closer to an unfussed home!