Tag: holiday

More Reasons Fall Is America’s Favorite Season

Posted on by Jordank

Fall begins today, Sept. 22, 2026, and we at The Organizing Blog are thrilled. To be sure, the season has a few wistful elements — going back to school, saying goodbye to warm weather and the outdoor and leisure time  it allows, and getting down to brass tacks at work.

But fall has its own rewards, including multiple #holidays to celebrate; the leaves changing color; fall produce such as squash, cranberries and apples and hearty comfort foods; football and tailgating; and pumpkin spice everything.

The weather alone is something that many people — especially those in hot and humid areas — appreciate. One friend of the blog is reluctant to go outside when it swelters, preferring air-conditioned environs such as movie theaters until sweaters come out of #storage.

A Rasmussen Reports survey says that fall continues to be America’s favorite #season, with 40% of respondents. Summer is second, with 24%, and spring is third, with 22%; just 10% like winter best. Regardless of favorites, 50% said that fall’s arrival improves their mood.

Much of that positive feeling stems from childhood, Mental Floss says. The thrill kids get from starting school, seeing old friends and shopping for new clothes sticks with people. The season also represents a reset from summer — back to routines and productivity.

Fall stimulates the senses and encourages better sleep, The Healthy adds. You can see it on the trees, smell it in the air and feel it on the skin. “Sights and sounds of fall trigger the reward center of the brain and release dopamine, which makes us feel cozy, calm and nostalgic.”

As you get your #fall #clothing out in preparation, figure out what items are going to deliver that warm fall feeling — the clothes that will keep you cozy and optimistic through the change of season. #Donate anything that no longer serves that purpose to ClothingDonations.org.

#Resale of your #donated items will help share those fall feelings with the nation’s #veterans by helping #fund #holiday events, health care and more. Donate fall and #winter clothing, and you can help families stay warm and reduce #waste. Here’s to a happy (and productive) fall!

Meet the New Year Head-On

Posted on by Jordank

The start of a #new year always carries hope for renewal. With the #holidays officially complete, people look to the future and think about how they want to spend the months ahead and what they might want to accomplish.

Six days old already, 2026 still holds ample promise for reaffirming #goals large and small. Everyone’s goals will be different; the important part is to acknowledge what they are and make concrete steps toward them.

Be intentional as you consider the year ahead. “It’s easy to get overwhelmed” by your goals, says Planoly. Write down the steps need to move ahead on any resolutions or plan, breaking the tasks down into achievable, bite-sized pieces.

Goals themselves don’t have to be huge to be life-changing. Success suggests 44 ways to “kickstart” a new year — everything from calling one of your kids to planning a vacation to #cleaning a #closet and #donating the excess #clothing to a #charity like ClothingDonations.org.

Medium suggests another 10 goals, including eating three square meals a day, buying a plant, spending time with your best friend, checking your blood pressure and going to a yoga session. These goals couldn’t be simpler, and yet, you will feel a sense of satisfaction and renewal if you complete one.

We at the Organizing Blog have many goals for 2026 (maybe too many). First, we’re going to continue to #declutter and #organize, of course, and report back to our many loyal readers what we’ve discovered about the process, ourselves and our surroundings along the way.

But we’re also going to tackle a few overdue #household #renovations, starting with new paint in the main bedroom and a complete bathroom overhaul. Satisfying these goals won’t be cheap, but few things are going to get any cheaper than they are right now.

For anything you put off until “next year,” that time has come. Make a list of goals and a plan for getting to where you want to be, Forbes says, and tell people about your goals so they can help. Measure your progress and course-correct when necessary, but never admit defeat.

Have a happy, productive and fulfilling new year!

What’s on Your New Year’s To-Do List?

Posted on by Jordank

The first days of 2026 presents many of us with much-needed days off, but they also can be a prelude to how you want the year to proceed. You could start by having or going out for brunch, Parade suggests. You could get started on new financial freedom by creating a household budget, or #organize your closets and #schedule a #donation #pickup with ClothingDonations.org. You could #clean out the refrigerator and pantry and finally get rid of those #holiday leftovers. Or you could binge-watch some TV and work on those personal #resolutions. There’s no wrong answer! #NewYear

The First Day of the Rest of the Year

Posted on by Jordank

Welcome to 2026! New Year’s Day can be one of the most festive and fortifying of the year if you do it right. You might treat yourself to a few hours of uninterrupted #relaxation by taking a hot bath or put on some quiet music. You can watch the Rose Parade or take in a few games of college football from the safety of your couch. You might spend a few hours taking down your #Christmas decorations and #organizing them for next #holiday season. Or you might launch an intensive #decluttering detox that extends well into the new year. The choice is up to you: How will you #celebrate? #NewYear

Simplify for a No-Fuss New Year’s Eve

Posted on by Jordank

Hosting a New Year’s Eve gathering doesn’t have to be a lot of work, says Real Simple. Limit the drinks menu to one batched cocktail, one non-alcoholic drink, and a Champagne or sparkling wine, for example, to make serving simple and flexible. You can also keep kitchen work to a minimum by having a dessert or appetizer potluck instead of staging a multi-course meal. A lineup of heavy apps and mini-desserts is great for noshing and many can be made well ahead of time, says author Jessie Sierra-Ross, so you won’t have to “play waitstaff” or miss out on socializing with guests. #NewYear