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3 Tips for the Best Fall Cleaning

Oct 17, 2025

Early fall is a great time of year. The weather is just starting to cool, and you still have a month or two before the holidays really kick into gear... which also makes it a great time to do some much-needed seasonal cleaning!

Taking the time to do some fall cleaning can help you save money down the line -- or even help you make a few extra bucks for purchasing gifts later. Read on for three tips that can work for everyone:

1. Say Goodbye to Old, Unused Things

When was the last time you looked at all your closets? Like, really looked at them? It might be high time to go through your home's storage areas and sort through everything. For every item you find this way, whether it's a toy, tool or article of clothing, ask yourself these questions:

  • When was the last time I used this item?

  • Do I already own a newer, better version of this item?

  • Are there any sentimental reasons why I am hanging on to this item?

  • Would I miss this item if I never saw it again? (Be honest with yourself! Don't hang on to a shirt that you'll never wear simply because someone gifted it to you.)

It can be hard to let go of items, but a lot of times these items are already forgotten. If you're still struggling, consider getting a friend or family member to help you sort through the items -- an outside perspective can help you decide if you really need to keep it.

Once you've inventoried your stroage areas, set aside the items you wish to keep as well as the items that need to thrown away or recycled, such as broken appliances and that sweater with the giant spaghetti sauce stain.

For everything else, you can consider options like:

  • Hosting a garage sale.

  • Posting items on an online marketplace or community app such as Facebook, NextDoor or Poshmark.

  • Donating to the organization(s) of your choice. (Be sure to only donate what you yourself might still use. No one wants your worn-out sneakers!)

2. Pay Upfront to Save Later

Fall is a key time to do some maintenance around your home, too. Without proper maintenance, things can break -- or at least, become so yucky that you never want to deal with it again, which can lead to problems piling up.

Whether you're paying in time or money, consider these chores that will make future-you thankful:

  • Declutter the pantry and fridge. Check older items for expiration dates and toss them if they're too far gone. Once done, you'll have a better idea of what you actually have on hand.

  • Clean up the interior of your car. When it gets colder, you're not going to want to do it!

  • Clean the gutters. Gutters can get clogged from falling leaves and oter debris, which can lead toroof and water damage.

  • Move your outdoor furniture inside. Leaving them exposed to the rain and snow can wear them out faster or damage them -- especially if they have cushions.

  • Move your outdoor furniture inside. Leaving them exposed to the rain and snow can wear them out faster or damage them -- espeically if they have cushions.

  • Check your filters and furnaces. A clean filter boosts efficiency -- which means you pay less on utility bills.

  • Check windows and exterior doors for leaks. If they're letting cold air in, replacing weatherstripping or getting them re-caulked can lower your heating costs.

  • If you have a fireplace, make sure the chimney gets cleaned too so it doesn't cause a fire.

3. Boost Your Mood

The following tips might not earn you extra cash or improve your budget, but completing them will definitely help your mood in the long term. Especially if you've been busy with the end of summer and beginning of the school year, be sure to tackle these chores:

  • Check and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

  • Clean your appliances, including the oven and dishwasher

  • Dust and reverse the ceiling fans

  • Vacuum or sweep underneath furniture

  • Dust the hard-to-reach areas

  • Scrub down the bathrooms and take care of any mold or mildew immediately

  • Consider adding a more heavy-duty mat at your front door to catch the snow and mud from people's shoes

  • Clean and tidy your garage and basement areas

Sources:

https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/the-ultimate-room-by-room-fall-cleaning-checklist/

https://clean-florida.com/fall-cleaning-tips-inviting-home/

https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/5-tips-for-cleaning-for-fall.htm

https://step.com/money-101/post/fall-financial-reset