A cluttered home often leads to a cluttered mind, making it harder to focus and relax. Living with less makes cleaning easier and faster. How to do the easy 30 day declutter challenge:
Firstly bookmark it now so you know where to come back to daily.
Secondly, set a daily alarm on your phone for a time that you know you will be able to commit to a small daily declutter – that way you will get a daily reminder at the perfect time for you.
How to approach decluttering
Before diving into the challenge, keep these key principles in mind:
Take it one step at a time: Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but this easy 30 day declutter challenge breaks it into daily tasks, you’ll see progress without burnout.
Use the “keep, donate, toss” method: For each item, ask yourself: Do I use this? Do I love this? If not, it’s time to let it go.
Be realistic: You don’t have to get rid of everything, but be honest about what adds value to your life and what’s just taking up space.
Find a system that works: Whether you prefer tackling one area at a time or setting a timer for quick decluttering sessions, choose a method that fits your lifestyle.
The benefits of decluttering:
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Saves time searching for things
- Makes cleaning easier and faster
- Creates a more peaceful and enjoyable living space
- Helps you appreciate what you have and make intentional purchases
- Can even improve sleep and productivity
The 30-Day Declutter Challenge
Each day, focus on one area of your home. Take before-and-after pictures for motivation, and celebrate small wins!
Week 1:
1. Kitchen countertops and under sink
2. Fridge and pantry
3. Utensil drawers and kitchen gadgets
4. Pots, pans, and baking supplies
5. Junk drawer
6. Spices and condiments
7. Freezer
Week 2:
8. Linen & towels
9. Bookshelves and magazines
10. Nightstands
11. Toys and games
12. TV cabinets
13. Accessories and Jewellery
14. Shoes
Week 3:
15. Wardrobe
16. Crockery
17. Bedroom drawers
18. Makeup and toiletries
19. Sentimental items
20. Loft
21. Bedroom storage
Week 4:
22. Medicine cabinet and first aid supplies
23. Bathroom drawers and cabinets
24. Work desk and paperwork
25. Phone photos and digital clutter
26. Car (glove box, trunk, seats)
27. Art and craft supplies
28. Handbags, backpacks, and wallets
29. Shed
30. Garage
The rules…
Set Small, achievable Goals: Focus on completing one task at a time rather than overwhelming yourself with the whole list. Celebrate each small victory! Try and do a little a day. Remember although its called a 30 day declutter challenge there are no rules and no-one is watching you, there is no rush here if you need an extra day or three on a particular task take it. If you want to swap a day swap it!
Set a timer: Challenge yourself to declutter for just 25 minutes a day. Use the Pomodoro technique which encourages short, focused sessions can feel less daunting and keep you on track.
Play your favourite music or podcast: Make it fun by putting on some upbeat tunes to keep your energy high while you declutter or listen to your favourite podcast. You could even listen to some ASMR. If you are not quite sure what that means, check out the ASMR benefits.
Get the family involved: If you’re decluttering shared spaces, get everyone in the household to pitch in. Turn it into a game or a family activity. My kids love helping me declutter. Sometimes though, involving them can make the task tricky – particularly if I know I am planning to declutter things I know they have outgrown and no longer play with but may still cling on tightly too!
Take before-and-after photos: Seeing the progress visually will give you a huge sense of accomplishment and motivate you to keep going. Progress is a big motivator and the photos will definitely give you a much needed boost!
Create a rewards system: Reward yourself after completing a week or a big declutter task. Maybe you get a treat or to do something fun after each milestone.
Remind yourself of the end result: Visualise how organised and peaceful your home will feel when you’re done with the 30 day declutter challenge. A clean space will make everything easier and more enjoyable.
Avoid perfection: Don’t aim for perfection, just aim for progress. Done is better than perfect!
Declutter with a friend: Sometimes a buddy system can help you stay on track. You can cheer each other on and make the process more enjoyable.
By the end of this 30-day challenge, your home will feel lighter, more organised, and more peaceful.
What next?
The next step is to be mindful of what you allow into your home…