September 2025 - Systems that Last

Judy Granlee Gates
Sep 7
4 min read

Breaking News!!

My audiobook has been in production for FAR too long, and I am thrilled to announce it will be released in September, stay tuned to my socials for more info and get it on Audible.com. And yes, I narrated it!

I am also pleased to share that my book has now won 3 literary awards for writing, presenting a complex subject matter and topic presentation, in addition to an award for my cover design. Gold Winner Literary Titan Award, International Impact Book Award, and American Legacy Book Award.

Newsletter Topic of the Month

I know that the end of September is the wrap up of the third quarter of the year, but oddly, I think of September to December as the “last” quarter of the year, even though that is not a quarter!

September brings back-to-school, back-to-rhythm energy, or structure we discussed last month, whether or not you have kids in school. This month, we’re dialing in systems that last, closets that work, and STR setups that wow your guests through the cooler months ahead.

Decluttering and Organizing:

Closet Clean-outs That Actually Last

Seasonal closet changes often lead to more chaos, unless you’re strategic. This isn’t just a clean-out; it’s a wardrobe reset that supports your real life.

Here is my signature approach:

Sort by lifestyle, not just season: Separate your wardrobe by how you spend your time: casual, work, workouts, events, cozy at home.
Hang items by color and sleeve length. Yep, my tops go from sleeveless, to short sleeve to ¾ sleeve to long. And lightest weights at the front, heavier at the back.
Here is my version of RoyGBiv (the colors of the rainbow, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet. I sort in the is order. White, cream/beige, pink, red, orange, yellow, light green, dark green, turquoise/teal, light blue, medium blue, navy, purples, brown, grey and black.
Then refine by color within each category. This helps you identify duplicates (five black cardigans?) and gaps (no jeans that actually fit?).
Rotate off-season clothing into labeled bins or under-bed storage — ideally in breathable fabric bags or clear containers for easy visibility.
Create a shopping intention list: As you edit, keep a list of what you actually need this fall, so future purchases are focused and functional.

Extra tip: Keep a small basket or container in the closet for donation-bound items as you dress each week — this keeps decluttering continuous, not just seasonal.

Home Edits:

Hidden Systems for a Smoother Life

Since we covered entry zones and drop spots in August, this month we’re heading deeper — into the “hidden” systems that make your days run smoother behind the scenes.

Elevate these overlooked areas:

Laundry rooms & linen closets: Use shelf risers, labeled baskets, and refillable jars for detergents. Group towels by size or room. Donate old linens or move them to a designated “cleaning rag” bin.
Bathroom drawers & cabinets: Add stackable drawer organizers, a lazy susan or stacking roll out trays for under-sink items, and a bin for guest toiletries or backups.
Kitchen systems: Revisit your food storage containers (matching lids?), clear out expired pantry goods, and create zones: snacks, spices, baking, tea/coffee, etc. Use turntables, baskets, and tiered risers for visibility. Bins, especially clear, are your friend in the pantry!
Routines station: This can be a command center with a family calendar, meal planner, and inbox, or a small area with habit trackers, vitamins, and morning routine tools, whatever supports your daily flow.

Designer tip: Use materials that match your style, bamboo, white plastic, acrylic, or matte black, so your systems feel like part of your decor, not an afterthought. No one said being organized had to be ugly!

Short Term Rentals:

Fall Deep Reset (Beyond the Cozy Blankets)

You already set the vibe with fall throws and candles in August — now it’s time for the behind-the-scenes fall maintenance and guest experience glow-up.

September STR Owner Checklist:

Spot clean check: Refresh carpets, baseboards, vents, windowsills, and light fixtures. The coffee spills on carpets and furniture are terrible after the summer season, or it that just my house?
Safety check: Test smoke & CO2 detectors, fire extinguishers, replace flashlight batteries, review emergency exits to make sure they are clear and easy to access.
Layered lighting review: Are all lamps working? Do bulbs match in color temperature. I suggest 2700 to 3000 kelvins for most rooms, and up to 4000 kelvins for the kitchen. Do you want my free lighting guide to learn about LED lighting color temperature? Click here!
Extra touches for autumn stays:
- Add soft lighting (salt lamp, plug-in sconces, dimmers).
- Restock coffee/tea stations and add cinnamon or chai options.
- Consider a mini library of fall-themed reads or puzzles.
Update your paper and/or digital guidebook: Include fall hikes, apple orchards, cider tasting, pumpkin patches, and where to buy cozy socks or firewood.

Pro tip: If you’ve never done an “Owner Stay,” now’s the time. Sleep in every bed, use every towel, cook a full meal. You’ll see exactly what needs improvement, and what’s delightfully on point. I cannot stress how important it is to live in the space, sleep, shower and cook there!

Final Thought

September is a bridge for me to FALL and the holidays. Whether you’re resetting a closet, a kitchen drawer, or an entire guest home, now is the time to build systems that carry you forward, not weigh you down.

Have a topic idea? Area of struggle? A fun tip? Send it in and I may make it the topic of the month. Email me at hello@judygranleegates.com

Join in the conversation at Home Elevated on Facebook or Home_Elevated_WA on Instagram!

News & Other Stuff

I’ve been doing a lot of speaking for private groups and organizations. Let’s chat if you have a group I can help!

Want to do a book club with Bigger Living Smaller Space? Email me!

Do you have a group that hosts speakers? Let’s craft the perfect topic!

Need a copy of my multi-award-winning book? Buy it here!

If you have read the book and want to leave a review Here are the links. This is the biggest compliment you can give an indie author! You can leave reviews at; Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads.

Breaking News!!

My audiobook has been in production for FAR too long, and I am thrilled to announce it will be released in September, stay tuned to my socials for more info and get it on Audible.com. And yes, I narrated it!

I am also pleased to share that my book has now won 3 literary awards for writing, presenting a complex subject matter and topic presentation, in addition to an award for my cover design. Gold Winner Literary Titan Award, International Impact Book Award, and American Legacy Book Award.

Newsletter Topic of the Month

I know that the end of September is the wrap up of the third quarter of the year, but oddly, I think of September to December as the “last” quarter of the year, even though that is not a quarter!

September brings back-to-school, back-to-rhythm energy, or structure we discussed last month, whether or not you have kids in school. This month, we’re dialing in systems that last, closets that work, and STR setups that wow your guests through the cooler months ahead.

Decluttering and Organizing:

Closet Clean-outs That Actually Last

Seasonal closet changes often lead to more chaos, unless you’re strategic. This isn’t just a clean-out; it’s a wardrobe reset that supports your real life.

Here is my signature approach:

Sort by lifestyle, not just season: Separate your wardrobe by how you spend your time: casual, work, workouts, events, cozy at home.

Hang items by color and sleeve length. Yep, my tops go from sleeveless, to short sleeve to ¾ sleeve to long. And lightest weights at the front, heavier at the back.

Here is my version of RoyGBiv (the colors of the rainbow, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet. I sort in the is order. White, cream/beige, pink, red, orange, yellow, light green, dark green, turquoise/teal, light blue, medium blue, navy, purples, brown, grey and black.

Then refine by color within each category. This helps you identify duplicates (five black cardigans?) and gaps (no jeans that actually fit?).

Rotate off-season clothing into labeled bins or under-bed storage — ideally in breathable fabric bags or clear containers for easy visibility.

Create a shopping intention list: As you edit, keep a list of what you actually need this fall, so future purchases are focused and functional.

Extra tip: Keep a small basket or container in the closet for donation-bound items as you dress each week — this keeps decluttering continuous, not just seasonal.

Home Edits:

Hidden Systems for a Smoother Life

Since we covered entry zones and drop spots in August, this month we’re heading deeper — into the “hidden” systems that make your days run smoother behind the scenes.

Elevate these overlooked areas:

Laundry rooms & linen closets: Use shelf risers, labeled baskets, and refillable jars for detergents. Group towels by size or room. Donate old linens or move them to a designated “cleaning rag” bin.

Bathroom drawers & cabinets: Add stackable drawer organizers, a lazy susan or stacking roll out trays for under-sink items, and a bin for guest toiletries or backups.

Kitchen systems: Revisit your food storage containers (matching lids?), clear out expired pantry goods, and create zones: snacks, spices, baking, tea/coffee, etc. Use turntables, baskets, and tiered risers for visibility. Bins, especially clear, are your friend in the pantry!

Routines station: This can be a command center with a family calendar, meal planner, and inbox, or a small area with habit trackers, vitamins, and morning routine tools, whatever supports your daily flow.

Designer tip: Use materials that match your style, bamboo, white plastic, acrylic, or matte black, so your systems feel like part of your decor, not an afterthought. No one said being organized had to be ugly!

Short Term Rentals:

Fall Deep Reset (Beyond the Cozy Blankets)

You already set the vibe with fall throws and candles in August — now it’s time for the behind-the-scenes fall maintenance and guest experience glow-up.

September STR Owner Checklist:

Spot clean check: Refresh carpets, baseboards, vents, windowsills, and light fixtures. The coffee spills on carpets and furniture are terrible after the summer season, or it that just my house?

Safety check: Test smoke & CO2 detectors, fire extinguishers, replace flashlight batteries, review emergency exits to make sure they are clear and easy to access.

Layered lighting review: Are all lamps working? Do bulbs match in color temperature. I suggest 2700 to 3000 kelvins for most rooms, and up to 4000 kelvins for the kitchen. Do you want my free lighting guide to learn about LED lighting color temperature? Click here!

Extra touches for autumn stays:

Add soft lighting (salt lamp, plug-in sconces, dimmers).

Restock coffee/tea stations and add cinnamon or chai options.

Consider a mini library of fall-themed reads or puzzles.

Update your paper and/or digital guidebook: Include fall hikes, apple orchards, cider tasting, pumpkin patches, and where to buy cozy socks or firewood.

Pro tip: If you’ve never done an “Owner Stay,” now’s the time. Sleep in every bed, use every towel, cook a full meal. You’ll see exactly what needs improvement, and what’s delightfully on point. I cannot stress how important it is to live in the space, sleep, shower and cook there!

Final Thought

September is a bridge for me to FALL and the holidays. Whether you’re resetting a closet, a kitchen drawer, or an entire guest home, now is the time to build systems that carry you forward, not weigh you down.

Have a topic idea? Area of struggle? A fun tip? Send it in and I may make it the topic of the month. Email me at hello@judygranleegates.com

Join in the conversation at Home Elevated on Facebook or Home_Elevated_WA on Instagram!

News & Other Stuff

I’ve been doing a lot of speaking for private groups and organizations. Let’s chat if you have a group I can help!

Want to do a book club with Bigger Living Smaller Space? Email me!

Do you have a group that hosts speakers? Let’s craft the perfect topic!

Need a copy of my multi-award-winning book? Buy it here!

If you have read the book and want to leave a review Here are the links. This is the biggest compliment you can give an indie author! You can leave reviews at; Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads.

Until next month, thanks for the support and keep it COZY!

xo

Judy

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