32 Days of Declutter: Week One
I just launched the 32 Days of Declutter Challenge! If you want to join me, grab the free calendar and challenge prep packet here. Then follow along on Instagram to participate and get daily reminders!
This is the declutter challenge for people who have a hard time letting go of stuff. A little bit of effort. Four weeks and four days. I’m going to push you, but as someone who comes from a long line of hoarders on both sides, I know what it feels like to have things that you just can’t let go of. I’m here to tell you that it gets easier with time!
This challenge is organized from easiest to hardest. Find one thing every day that you can get rid of from each category. If you can get rid of more, do it! Consolidate like things together. Figure out what your hot zones are. I’ve tried to explain the rationale, but you do what works for you.
It’s not about getting TOTALLY organized. It’s about practicing the art of elimination and identifying your organizational needs. This challenge will help you make life easier and make your days flow better by helping you make faster decisions. Your brain power is valuable, let’s not waste it. This is more of a mindset shift than a one and done thing. The goal here is to train ourselves to declutter on an ongoing basis to free up our minds and our lives with space for what matters most.
All you have to give is 1%. Get rid of three things per day. These can be decor items, knick-knacks, clutter, any THING. During the challenge, the rule is ONE THING IN = TWO THINGS OUT. So be careful when you go to Target!
Don’t forget to grab the free calendar and challenge instructions and let’s get started!
DAY 1 – Family Prep Day: mail, keys, papers, coats, shoes, mudroom. There are things that end up all over your house, and only you know what these are. For me, it’s mail, pencils, coloring books, and charger cords. Start at the beginning of your decluttering challenge by identifying these troubling items and start to make a home for them. Put all tablets, cords, etc, in one spot and invest in a label maker.
DAY 2 – Kitchen Counters: set a timer for 15 minutes and start clearing. Find a home for as many things as possible. Everything should be behind a cabinet door, if possible. Consider moving some things to other places. Rearrange. As you move things around, ask yourself if you still use that item. Has it served its purpose for you? Does it bring you joy? Old sappy cups, jars without lids, things that don’t stack, all gotta go. Consider moving some counter stuff to the pantry, if it’s convenient. Don’t get sidetracked starting to organize the pantry yet, though! Finish the timer on the counters before you move on.
DAY 3 – Kitchen pantry: Hopefully you started on this a little bit with your kitchen counters. Normally, in clearing counters, there are few things that aren’t used as often that end up in the pantry, and that’s great! The secret to great pantry organization is decanting. It will change your life, I promise. Buy some OXO canisters and a white chalk pen and get after it, sister.
DAY 4 – Kitchen fridge: Painful. Take everything out. All of it. EV.ER.Y.THING. Wipe it all down. Check expiration dates. Put it all back in. If something is about to expire, but you could use it in a recipe, adjust your meal plan for the week and add any needed ingredients to your grocery list.
DAY 5 – Kitchen drawers: You’re going to need drawer organizers for this day. And while you’re at it, stock up on some organizers for the bathroom drawers, too! See my list of favorite drawer organization tools here.
DAY 6 – Under the kitchen sink: Pull it all out. Wipe it down. Chunk the old stuff–you’re never going to actually use it.
DAY 7 – HOT ZONE DAY: Mail, Keys, Papers, Coats, Shoes, Mudroom, Sunglasses, Hats, change, receipts. This is back to where we started, and there’s a reason for this. This is the stuff that needs a home, a method, a system, more than anything. Assigning things convenient “homes” is your number one battle.
Check out my favorite decluttering supplies! Below are a few of the best for week one:
- 10-Piece Storage Container Set
- Cereal Dispenser Set
- Can Organizer
- Wire Baskets for Chalk Labels (perfect for fruit + veggies)
- Deli Food Storage Containers
- Standing Can Organizer
- Standing Water Bottle Holder
- Fridge Storage Bins
- Stackable Fridge Storage Bins
- Lazy Susan (great for the fridge or pantry!)
- Drawer Organizer Trays
- Under Sink Organizer
- Wall Mount Metal Entryway Organizer in Gold
- Wall Mount Storage Basket
- Large Wall Mount Storage Basket
- Chalkboard Tags
