Have a spring in your step for March!
September Reset: Back to School, Autumn Prep, and the Big Clear Out
September always feels like a fresh start. The long, light days of summer fade into cooler mornings and golden evenings, and for many families, it’s the month that marks the real "new year." Kids head back to school, routines settle back into place, and the change of season nudges us toward getting organised again—both in life and at home.
Back to School and Back to Routine
After weeks of holidays, sleepovers, and endless snacks, September brings structure. Packed lunches, school shoes polished, and homework timetables return. While kids may groan at early alarms, there’s something comforting about falling back into a familiar rhythm. For parents, it’s a chance to catch their breath and reset the household after a busy summer.
Preparing for Autumn
September is the bridge between summer freedom and autumn coziness. It’s the perfect time to switch out lightweight wardrobes for warmer layers, dig out the coats and scarves, and start thinking about heartier meals. It’s also wise to get ahead of seasonal jobs:
- Garden prep: Trim back summer growth, clear out weeds, and plant bulbs ready for spring.
- Home warmth: Check the heating, bleed radiators, and stock up on logs if you have a fire.
- Seasonal shopping: Restock essentials like school supplies, autumn clothes, and cosy blankets before the real chill sets in.
Tackling the Summer Build-Up
Let’s be honest—summer is wonderful, but it can leave behind a trail of clutter. Beach bags that never got fully unpacked, garden toys sprawled across the lawn, or that growing pile of post on the kitchen counter. September is a natural time for a clear out.
- Wardrobes: Sort through kids’ clothes—what no longer fits can be donated, leaving space for new autumn essentials.
- Toys & books: With children back at school, it’s easier to quietly rehome things they’ve outgrown.
- Paperwork: Summer chaos often pushes admin aside. Take an hour to tackle bills, forms, and all the “I’ll do it later” piles.
- Household jobs: That leaky tap, the squeaky door, the garage in need of a tidy—now’s the time to finally get them done before winter creeps in.
A Fresh Start
There’s something special about this time of year. September gives us the opportunity to reset—not just for the kids, but for the whole household. By clearing out, preparing for autumn, and taking time for small pleasures like a walk through Dulwich Park, you set the tone for a calmer, cozier season ahead.
