Gulf News - Why September feels like a “second new year” in Dubai

Nine months have flown by, and you might be wondering, “What have I achieved this year?” Before panic sets in, hit pause.

As Shelina shares in her latest Gulf News feature, September can be the real fresh start. Kids are back at school, routines fall into place, and it’s the perfect moment for a little mental and physical reset.

Think of it as “the calm before the end-of-year storm.” By clearing out now—before Halloween, Diwali, Christmas, and New Year - you avoid the chaos later.

Shelina’s top decluttering priorities this month:
Wardrobes – rotate seasonal clothes and follow the “buy one, donate two” rule.
Pantry & Kitchen – toss expired items and refresh snack zones.
Kids’ Spaces – let go of old uniforms, stationery, and worn-out shoes.
Toys & Games – donate what’s unused and set duplicates aside for re-gifting.
Paperwork – try her FAT method: File it, Act on it, Toss it.

Remember, you don’t need to do it all at once. Start small, one drawer or shelf at a time. Even 20 minutes a day makes a big difference.

Read the full article in Gulf News here.

Enjoy

Shelina