Fall Cleaning, Simplified: How Intentional Decluttering Creates Space for What Matters
We at Short Order Organizing love fall in Atlanta. The air finally turns crisp, the trees show off their colors, and the city feels alive again after the long, humid stretch of summer. It is the season of weekend festivals, cozy dinners at home, and that familiar rhythm of school routines and upcoming holidays. It is also a season of transition, which makes it the perfect time to take a step back and reevaluate your space.
When life gets busier, an organized home can make all the difference. A little fall cleaning and decluttering now can help you stay grounded, reduce stress, and make room for what matters most in the months ahead.
There are many ways to approach a fall refresh, but two that we are going to highlight in this article stand out for their lasting impact: the KonMari Method and Swedish Death Cleaning.
KonMari is about surrounding yourself with what sparks joy right now, while Swedish Death Cleaning invites you to think ahead and simplify for the future. Both lead to the same goal: a calmer, more intentional home and mindset.
Why Fall Is the Perfect Time to Declutter
Before diving into these two popular methods, let’s talk about timing. Fall is one of the best seasons to tackle clutter and create order at home.
A natural transition: As the seasons shift, so do our routines. Back-to-school schedules, sports practices, and shorter days naturally push us indoors and into new rhythms.
More time inside: Cooler weather means we spend more time at home, so it makes sense to make those spaces feel calm and functional.
Holiday prep: With Thanksgiving, family gatherings, and the holidays right around the corner, decluttering now makes entertaining and everyday life much smoother.
A fresh start: Fall organizing helps you reset before the busy end-of-year rush. You start the holidays and the new year with a lighter, more intentional foundation.
Whether you follow KonMari, Swedish Death Cleaning, or simply want to create better flow and functionality in your home, this is the perfect time to start.
The KonMari Method: Joy in the Present
The KonMari Method, created by Marie Kondo, became a global movement after her bestselling book and Netflix series. But there is more to it than folded T-shirts. The true heart of KonMari is joy.
You organize by category, not by room. That means tackling all your clothes, then books, then papers, then sentimental items. The guiding question for every item is simple: “Does this spark joy?”
If the answer is yes, it stays. If not, you thank it for its purpose and let it go.
Why KonMari Works Well in Fall
Fall is the perfect season for this method because it aligns with the feeling of renewal. After the easy, unstructured days of summer, we crave more order. As schedules tighten and responsibilities pile up, the KonMari approach helps you pare back to what truly serves your daily life.
If your entryway is cluttered with backpacks and shoes or your kitchen counters are buried under paperwork, KonMari can help you focus on what brings joy and calm. It is especially effective before the holidays, when clearing physical space often makes emotional and mental space too.
Swedish Death Cleaning: A Thoughtful Legacy
You may be saying to yourself, “Swedish Death Cleaning? That sounds tragic.” Don’t worry, it is not nearly as morbid as it sounds. The term comes from the Swedish word Döstädning, which directly translates to “death cleaning,” but the concept is really about living thoughtfully, not dying dramatically.
Popularized by author Margareta Magnusson in her book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, this method takes a practical and compassionate approach to simplifying your life. The idea is to consider your belongings with a long-term mindset and ask, “Will this be useful or meaningful to someone else later?”
Instead of focusing on what brings you joy in the moment, like the KonMari Method, Swedish Death Cleaning encourages you to think about what truly adds value and what might be better to let go. It is less about organizing for aesthetics and more about organizing for ease.
This process can be surprisingly uplifting. It is an opportunity to reflect, take stock, and even share your stories with others. You might find yourself passing along meaningful items now, rather than saving them for “someday.” And unlike what the name suggests, you do not have to be nearing the end of your life to embrace it. Many people use this approach in midlife, when downsizing, or any time they want to simplify and feel lighter.
Why Swedish Death Cleaning Works Well in Fall
Fall naturally puts us in a reflective mood. As the year slows down, we tend to think about family, memories, and what matters most. That makes it an ideal time to edit what is around you, especially the things that no longer serve a purpose or fit your life as it looks today.
Think of it as a seasonal refresh for both your home and your mindset. You are not just clearing clutter; you are creating room for connection, comfort, and calm. And maybe a little extra storage space for those cozy sweaters, too.
How KonMari and Swedish Death Cleaning Compare
Shared Philosophy
At first glance, these two methods may seem very different. One is rooted in Japanese culture and the other in Swedish tradition, but both share the same philosophy: living intentionally and surrounding yourself with things that add value.
Both approaches:
Encourage mindfulness in how you make decisions about what to keep.
Help you connect emotionally to your belongings.
Promote peace, simplicity, and a sense of control.
Support living with less clutter and more clarity.
Neither method is about deprivation. Both are about creating more room—physically and mentally—for the life you want to live.
Core Differences
While they share the same spirit, their approaches differ in focus and tone.
Focus: The KonMari Method centers on joy for you in the present, while Swedish Death Cleaning focuses on easing the future burden for others.
Style: KonMari is emotional and ritual-based, while Swedish Death Cleaning is practical and conversational.
Timing: KonMari can be used at any stage of life. Swedish Death Cleaning often resonates more in midlife and beyond but can be valuable at any age.
Together, they balance each other beautifully; one emphasizing how you want to live today and the other how you want to leave things for tomorrow.
Misconceptions About Both Methods
Because both have gained popularity, a few misconceptions have popped up along the way:
“KonMari is just about folding clothes.” While Marie Kondo’s folding style is famous, the true goal of her method is intentional living and creating a joyful home environment.
“Swedish Death Cleaning is only for the elderly.” In reality, many people use this approach in midlife or earlier to simplify, downsize, or prepare for big life transitions.
“Both methods mean throwing everything away.” Neither promotes minimalism for minimalism’s sake. Each encourages you to keep what truly matters and let go of the rest.
Which Method Is Right for You?
The beautiful thing is that you do not have to choose between the two. Many people find that a blend works best. KonMari helps you live joyfully in the present, while Swedish Death Cleaning brings awareness to what you pass on in the future. Both are about more than organization; they are about living intentionally and creating a home that supports your values, routines, and goals.
A little decluttering now can make entertaining easier, reduce stress, and create space for the people and experiences that matter most. Let this season of change inspire a change within your home so you can move into the holidays surrounded by space, warmth, and a sense of calm.
If you are in the Atlanta area and ready to simplify your home, Short Order Organizing can help. Whether you are preparing for the holidays, downsizing, or just craving a reset, we will guide you through a decluttering process that feels thoughtful, supportive, and tailored to your life.