I love a decluttering challenge especially when it comes with a list of things to declutter. Start today and let go of one item a day from the list. By the end of September, you’ll create a more spacious life.
This challenge starts today, right now! Each daily item from this list of things to declutter is small enough that there is no procrastinating required. I’m not suggesting you declutter your garage or entire kitchen in a day. Instead I invite you to release one thing, one category of things or declutter one small space each day.
Finding the motivation to declutter can be fleeting, but it’s almost easy to commit to decluttering one thing a day. And here’s the thing about getting rid of your stuff … It takes time! Unless you need to declutter for a move or another reason that is time sensitive, take your time, be thoughtful and honor your own time and energy availability. You didn’t clutter up your home overnight and it’s not likely that you’ll declutter overnight either.
A List of Things to Declutter by The End of The Month
This list of 30 things to declutter is perfect for any month. Because decluttering usually happens in layers and stages, you might use this list multiple months in a row. For extra support, join me for a Declutter Hour.
Once you complete your decluttering task for the day, celebrate! Give yourself a simple pleasure, or share with a friend. Don’t wait until the end of 30 days to celebrate, Each tiny step deserves recognition.
If you think the list feels silly and that you can declutter without it, ask yourself if you have decluttered without it. Maybe trying something new is just what you need.
Day 1: coffee cups
Day 2: water bottles
Day 3: kitchen counter decor that doesn’t serve a purpose
Day 4: small appliances (crockpot, rice cooker, ice cream maker, etc.)
Day 5: food storage lids and containers
Day 6: big utensils (wire whisks, wooden spoons, spatulas).
Day 7: coats
Day 8: shirts/sweaters
Day 9: jeans and other pants
Day 10: workout clothes
Day 11: sleep wear
Day 12: underwear
Day 13: scarves
Day 14: one junk drawer
Day 15: under the kitchen sink
You are halfway through the list of things to declutter!
This is a great time to check in on your progress, remembering that slow progress is still progress. How do you feel? What did you do with the clutter you collected? If you are feeling bad about the clutter you collected, remember that this is not a you problem. We can all relate! These 5 relatable things may be keeping your home cluttered.
If I had approached my clutter with an all or nothing, let’s get this done overnight attitude, I am sure I’d still be surrounded by stuff and clutter. Going too fast and wearing yourself out in the process only adds to the stress and overwhelm. Instead of big answers to all of my big picture, how to declutter your home questions, I just needed somewhere simple to start. I needed tiny tasks.
Ok, back to the list of things to declutter!
Day 16: cookbooks
Day 17: books (fiction)
Day 18: books (non-fiction)
Day 19: bathroom countertop or shelf
Day 20: the trunk of your car
Day 21: your nightstand
Day 22: expired pantry items
Day 23: things in your freezer that you won’t eat
Day 24: things in your refrigerator that you won’t eat
Day 25: shoes that hurt your feet
Day 26: a small pile of mail or other paper
Day 27: journals or notebooks
Day 28: knick-knacks
Day 29: kid’s toys
Day 30: furniture you don’t use
Questions to ask when you don’t know what to declutter
Ask these questions about decluttering your space:
- Would I buy this thing again now?
- Why do I continue to hold on to this thing?
- Am I holding on “just in case” or because I might need it someday (even though I know that’s unlikely)?
- What is the story I am telling myself about letting go of this?
- How would it feel if I let go?
- If you think, “It’s not hurting anyone if I hold on to this.” Reframe and ask, “Is it helping anyone if I hold on to this?”
- What would I like to do with the space I create?
When letting go feels hard, shift your mindset to help you let go with more ease. Getting rid of stuff that doesn’t serve you anymore is not a sacrifice. It’s a gift. For you and everyone around you. Less really is so much more. Once you get rid of the stuff that is weighing you down, you’ll have more space, time and energy for everything else. For specific decluttering strategies, read 50 ways to leave your clutter.
If you are feeling inspired from all of your amazing progress over the last 30 days, try a new list of things to declutter. Here is a list of 70 things to declutter and let go of by the end of the year.
