Declutter Your Home in 23 Days {Days 0-2}
Introduction - Decluttering Is Doable
Decluttering means letting go of things in your home that you and your family do not need anymore. It is that painting by Aunt Wanda you have had for 10 years but never really liked. Or the bin of broken crayons in the playroom that no one uses. Or the three sets of dishes in the cabinets, but your table only seats twelve people at most.
You do not need to hold onto things that bring guilt or use extra space! Donate that painting to someone who will enjoy it, throw away the broken crayons, and give away a couple of those dish sets. You will feel lighter, both in your home and in your mind!
Decluttering your whole house might feel like a huge job, but don’t worry—you can break it into small, simple steps. That way, it will not feel stressful or take up too much time.
When your home is tidy and filled with only useful, beautiful things, you will feel happier and more relaxed. I promise you! You might even find it easier to get ready in the morning or cook a meal. Plus, your whole family will love how peaceful and organized your space feels. Try it and enjoy the freedom decluttering brings!
Day 1: Prepare for the Decluttering Challenge
Straighten and Clean
Before starting your decluttering journey, take a moment to do a light cleaning and tidying up in your home. Clearing away surface messes and giving your space a quick refresh will help you see everything more clearly and set the stage for effective decluttering.
List Rooms in Your Space
Start your decluttering journey by making a list of all the rooms and areas in your home. Do not forget spots like closets, hallways, and other small spaces! Having a clear list will keep you organized and help you track your progress as you check off each area you have completed. It is a wonderful way to stay motivated and on track
Gather Your Supplies
Here is what you will need:
Medium or large boxes
Packing tape
Trash bags
Permanent marker
Piece of paper (to begin a list on)
Packing paper
Print Labels
Print four labels: Store Away, Put Away, Throw Away, and Give Away. Attach a label to each of four boxes so you are ready to sort items as you go.
With your plan and supplies ready to go, you are all set to declutter. Take it one room at a time, and watch your home transform into a cleaner, more organized space. You’ve got this!
Free PDF Printables - 4-Box Labels and Lists
Day 2: Devise a Strategy to Declutter: The Four-Box Method
How To Use the Four-Box Method
Before you dive into decluttering, let’s establish simple rules. For each item you own, ask yourself: Is it useful or beautiful? If the answer is no, place it into one of your labeled boxes. Here is how the four-box method works:
Put Away Box: For items that belong in another space. For instance, if you come across your daughter’s sneakers while going through the entry, they go in this box. She most likely has a designated spot for shoes in her room.
Throw Away Box: For trash or items with no further use, like candy wrappers or gas station receipts form 3 years ago.
Give Away Box: For things you no longer need or want but could be useful or loved by someone else. That candle you will never burn - Perfect for this box. The fourth set of dishes would be great here, too.
Store Away Box: For sentimental or seasonal items, you want to keep but do not need out right now, such as a cherished photo of your parents or a Christmas tree figure from your grandma.
As your "Put Away" box fills up, take a moment to put those items in their proper places around the house. This can be a fantastic way to take a quick break from sorting—a change of scenery! Once you have put everything away, jump right back into your decluttering task. Don’t get distracted.
When any of the other three boxes (Throw Away, Give Away, or Store Away) become full, seal them with tape, label them if needed, and take them to their final destination—trash, donation, or attic. Of course, you’re not going to drive to the donation station with one box. But go ahead and place it in your trunk – one step closer to donating and getting unneeded items out of the house!
Once that is done, return to the room you are working in, grab fresh boxes to replace the sealed ones, add labels, and keep sorting.
By sticking to this system, you will quickly make progress and create a more organized, intentional space. Keep it up—you are doing awesome!
Here are some helpful tips for decluttering your home effectively:
Start Small:
Begin with a small space or specific area, such as a single drawer or a countertop. Breaking the task into smaller chunks makes it less overwhelming.Use the Four-Box Method:
As you go through each space, use the Four-Box Method: Put Away, Store Away, Throw Away, and Give Away. This helps you quickly make decisions on what to keep, store, toss, or donate.Set a Time Limit:
Set a timer for 20-30 minutes. This prevents you from feeling bogged down by the process and makes it easier to focus for a short amount of time.Use Clear Bins for Storage:
For the items you want to keep, use clear bins or storage containers. Label them so you can easily identify what's inside, and stack them neatly for easy access.Let Go of Duplicates:
If you have multiple versions of the same item (three sets of towels, five muffin pans), consider keeping only the best ones or the number you actually need.Ask the Tough Questions:
For each item, ask yourself: Is it useful? Is it beautiful? Will I use it in the next year? If it does not meet these criteria, it is time to let it go.Purge Sentimental Items with Care:
Sentimental items can be tough to part with. Consider keeping only the items that hold meaning and either donate, sell, or repurpose the rest.Declutter as You Go:
Handle paper, clothes, and items as soon as they come into your home to avoid clutter buildup. Deal with mail, packages, and other items promptly instead of letting them pile up.Stay Organized After Decluttering:
Once you have decluttered, keep your home organized by regularly reassessing and tidying up. Make it a habit to declutter a little each month to prevent future buildup.Set Goals and Celebrate:
Give yourself a goal to achieve, such as decluttering one room or space a day, and celebrate your progress! Reward yourself after reaching a milestone to stay motivated.Be Kind to Yourself:
Give yourself time. Decluttering is physically tiring and emotional. If you need to add days to the challenge, do it! We are aiming for progress, not perfection!
By following these tips, you can tackle decluttering with confidence and create a more organized, functional, and peaceful home. Congratulations! You are ready to begin decluttering! We’ll start on Monday!
Free PDF Printables - 4-Box Labels and Lists