Making The Most Of The September Start

Photos by Ghenet Actually.

For the first 16 or so years of our lives, we’re conditioned to believe that September is when the year truly begins. Outdated as that may be, I always jump at the chance to start things over with a clean slate after a long and sticky summer, especially since we used to spend summer holidays over in Hong Kong and Malaysia! It’s odd, because even though I left education around six years ago, I’m still of the mentality that September signals a new start. And why not, eh?

Personally, I view the last quarter of the year as an opportunity to hone in on anything I ideally wanted to achieve when I set those dastardly goals back in January. Didn’t quite manage to pick up a new hobby? Try now! Not there yet on the water intake? Let’s do this.

Here are four small ways that you can also make the most of the September start…

A wardrobe reshuffle

Without a shadow of a doubt, my favourite style season is autumn. I adore bundling up in knits, scarves, ankle boots and even bringing the Hunter wellies out when it all begins to get a little soggy. And don’t get me started on sinking into a brand new coat! Bliss.

Something you can do right now is to open up an old suitcase, grab a charity bag and grab a bin bag, and sort through your spring/summer wardrobe. Fold away your seasonal investment pieces (that gorgeous broderie anglaise midi dress, those hand-woven basket bags, Levi’s cut-off shorts) and pop them in a suitcase, ready for next year’s bout of sun. Anything a little more fast and throwaway, consider donating to your favourite charity or to a local women’s shelter. I operate on a one-in-one-out basis which means I constantly have a charity bag in my wardrobe that gets added to and then donated at the end of the season. And lastly, those red wine-stained summer dresses, holiday shorts, holey tops and threadbare undies can all go into a bin bag.

Then, the fun part! Consult my September style kit post and stock up for this new season. Oh, and load up your lingerie drawer with some matching sets from Love Stories, my latest obsession.

Pick up something new to read

In the spirit of a new school term, head down to your favourite bookshop or local library and select something new to read. I recall those early term days in primary school where we had to have a book in our bags ready for a 20-minute reading session each morning, and it’s oddly something I still enjoy today.

Start those crisp autumnal mornings off with a 20-minute read in the early light with a cup of tea in hand before you dash off to work. Plus, you can consult my autumn books post tomorrow to discover exactly what I’d choose to read at this time of the year.

Get your diary in order

I must say this at least 50 times a week, but get your diary in order and the rest will sort itself.

Flick open to your monthly view and pencil in any important meetings, birthdays, anniversaries, recurring appointments and other reminders. I tend to have work meetings, conference calls, PT sessions, gym classes and ISA transfer reminders in mine. Then, see where the gaps are and make plans with your loved ones. Write in date night (with yourself or your other half). Add in a girls’ night. Maybe even a dinner party with the parents. Schedule these in now and you’ll be far more likely to actually get round to seeing everyone you want to. Want to, not need to.

Then, transfer these dates to your weekly view too to avoid missing anything. And make this a monthly task. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how together your life feels in a few months or so.

Learn some mindful habits

There’s no time like the present to squeeze in some new habits. Pick up a KeepCup and grab that freebie tote bag stashed in your wardrobe. Put these next to your door and begin taking them out with you. Ask for email receipts where possible. Donate unused household goods to your local charity shop where somebody will get some real use out of them. Shop from your local greengrocers if you have the chance to and marvel at the utter lack of plastic. Pick up litter on the dog walk and pop it in the bin.